Today, the department of Charente-Maritime and the entry of
the estuary of Gironde offer a large variety of lighthouses,
both in geographic situation and by the type of construction.
The main ones are open to visit. Easy access and car parks have
been developed to welcome the numerous visitors during the
summer period. The lighthouses are very popular with tourists.
This is totally justified. It is the simplest way to see the
coast "from above ".
Besides, the ascent to the top, counting the steps is a good
physical and intellectual exercise. And finally, the reward is
the magnificent panoramic views.
As regards the landmarks, the best example is that of the
steeple, painted in white and black, of the church of Ars-en-Ré.
The lighthouse Phare
des Baleines at the West end of the island of Ré
The legend says that
its name comes from whales which ran aground on the surrounding
coast. Its construction began in 1849 and it was put into
service in 1854. It is 57 metres high and 250 steps enable one
to reach the top.
The lighthouse of
Chassiron at the north end of the island of Oléron
The construction of the current lighthouse began in 1834 and it
was put into service in 1836. It is a cylindrical tower, very
austere, 46 metres high. The black stripes were painted in 1926
to distinguish it from the lighthouse of the Phare des Baleines.
To know more about it
The lighthouse of the
island of Aix ( Photo at the head of page)
The lighthouse of the
Island of Aix is original because it is made of two cylindrical
towers started in 1889 and 1906. The height of the towers is 25
metres. It is not open to visitors.
The lighthouse of La Coubre
It is located in the
north of the estuary of Gironde, on the Pointe de La Coubre.
The current lighthouse was built in 1905. It is a tower, 64
metres high, widened at the bottom. It is white and red and it
distinguishes itself by a small projection in the construction
halfway up, at the level of the change of colour. This part is
equipped with a secondary light.
To know more about it
The lighthouse of
Terre-Nègre
The current lighthouse,
in the municipality of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, between the town
and the Pointe de la Grande Côte, was put into service in 1838.
It is a cylindrical tower 26 metres high, above a house.
It is not open to visitors
To know more about it
The lighthouse of
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
The lighthouse of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, built on the cliff
of Vallieres has not been in service since 1969. It is open to
visitors during the summer.
to know more about it
The lighthouse of
Cordouan
Located at the entry
of the Gironde, the lighthouse of Cordouan is the most original
lighthouse.
Original because of its isolation, it is built in the sea, on a
rocky island which is uncovered at low tide.
Original in its concept, because it was conceived for the
functions of lighthouse, royal residence and church.
There were many descriptions used to characterise it, the Dean
of Lighthouses, the Oldest in Europe, Versailles of the Sea, the
King of Lighthouses, Lighthouse of Kings, …
In 1862, it was one of the first two French monuments, with
Notre-Dame de Paris, to be classified as an "Historical
Monument".
To know more about it
