Cordouan Lighthouse

IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year 2019

Location: FRANCE - Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Le Verdon sur Mer.

Lighthouse Operator: French State (DIRM)

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Source: (photos as submitted to accompany nomination form by Ministère de la mer - Direction des Affaires Maritimes in 2021)

Lighthouse Description and History

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Ministère de la mer – Direction des Affaires Maritimes in 2021)
Cordouan lighthouse, the oldest one in France, is located 7 km off shore, at the entrance of the Gironde estuary, south west of France. It governs the ship traffic in the estuary, until the Bordeaux harbour.

The first lighthouse at this place was installed at the end of 16th Century, reconstructed in 1724 following various damages, finally a 60 m extra height was added by the Navy engineer Joseph Teulère in 1790.

It is a stone masonry construction, 67,5 m high, built on a 41,65 m diameter platform. The lighthouse tower comprises 6 floors, with the King Apartment, the Chapel, the “Salle des Girondins”, operational rooms, finally the light.

Cordouan lighthouse was the first to be equipped in 1823 with the Fresnel lenses system, modified in 1854, still operating to-day.

Cordouan lighthouse is registered as French historic monument since 1862.

Reason For Nomination

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Ministère de la mer – Direction des Affaires Maritimes in 2021)
Intrinsic Heritage Interest of the Lighthouse

Cordouan lighthouse is a masterpiece of architecture, a laboratory for new technologies since early 18th century and the last lighthouse at sea manned in France.
Conservation

Within the framework of the candidacy of the Cordouan lighthouse as a World Heritage Site, an ambitious lighthouse restoration program has been underway for several years. The end of this campaign is scheduled for next year.
The whole building has been restored, and the chapel is being restored these days.
In addition, the SMIDDEST was responsible for the development of the site and its opening to the public.
More than 25,000 people visit the Cordouan lighthouse every year.
The lighthouse is guarded year round by two agents of the local authorities who ensure the surveillance of the building and the reception of the public.
Public Access and Education

Contracts have been signed with local transporters from both banks of the Gironde estuary to ensure excellent transport for visitors to the Cordouan lighthouse.
Booklets are distributed to visitors to accompany their visit.
The association of Cordouan and Grave lighthouses runs a Cordouan lighthouse museum, on land, to allow visitors to prepare for their visit to the establishment and to discover it if they cannot get there.