Report / The Cordouan Lighthouse: 400 years of history in the service of navigation

The Cordouan lighthouse was built in 1611 after 25 years of work, commissioned by Henri III. It is for this reason that it is called the Lighthouse of the Kings. Recognized as a historical monument since 1862, it is the only lighthouse at sea still in activity. Since 2021 it is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chloé Torterat Published on April 4, 2023

Since 1611, the Cordouan lighthouse has been securing the mouth of the Gironde. Its construction was initiated by Henri III, and was continued by Henri IV after the death of the first representative. After 25 years of work, the lighthouse of the kings is finally completed. Visited each year by more than 20,000 visitors, it is a historical monument since 1862 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 24, 2021. Discover its history.

Report / The Cordouan Lighthouse: 400 years of history in the service of navigation

Report summary

Cordouan Lighthouse, a real museum in the heart of the ocean

The history of Cordouan, Lighthouse of the Kings and King of the Lighthouses

The Cordoba Lighthouse, soon to be at UNESCO?

The Cordouan Lighthouse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site