Lighthouses of France
France has 220 lighthouses and houses. Each lighthouse tells a story, guides sailors and fascinates visitors. From the Grave Lighthouse to the Cordouan Lighthouse, via the Cap Ferret Lighthouse and the Coubre Lighthouse, embark on a journey to discover these sentinels of the sea.
France is home to some of the world’s most iconic lighthouses. Each one tells a story, guides sailors and fascinates visitors. From the Grave Lighthouse to the legendary Cordouan Lighthouse, via the Cap Ferret Lighthouse and the Coubre Lighthouse, embark on a journey to discover these sentinels of the sea. Both in mainland France and overseas, their architectural and scenic diversity is admired: the unique Cordouan (1611), Vauban’s fire towers, the Grave Lighthouse, the Cap Ferret Lighthouse, and many more…
There are more than 220 in France. They can be found at sea, on islands and headlands, but also in towns…
There are even lighthouses on boats! Here are a few of them.
The Cordouan Lighthouse
The Cordouan Lighthouse, nicknamed the ‘King of Lighthouses’, stands at the entrance to the Gironde estuary.
It is the oldest working lighthouse in France, a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture.
Visiting Cordouan means discovering a place steeped in history, accessible only by boat.
The Cap Ferret Lighthouse
The Cap Ferret Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Dune du Pilat and the Arcachon Basin. Built in 1840, this lighthouse is an essential landmark for navigation in this region. The climb up the 258 steps is rewarded with a breathtaking view.
The Coubre Lighthouse
Perched at the tip of La Coubre, this lighthouse watches over one of the wildest coastlines in Charente-Maritime. Commissioned in 1905, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in France. A visit here offers not only spectacular views of the Gironde estuary and La Coubre forest, but also a fascinating journey through time.
