Notes: This is the oldest lighthouse in France, and the first in the world to be built on the open ocean. It was extended in height and renovated 1786-1790. On the first floor, there is a chapel, and there is a room in the tower called the "King's Bedroom," included in case there was a visit from King Louis XIV. This was the first lighthouse in the world to use a Fresnel lens (1823).
Tower Height: 213 Height of Focal Plane: 207
This light is operational
Date Established: 1611 Museum? The Musée du Phare de Cordouan et des Phares et Balises at Verdon-sur-Mer has exhibits on this lighthouse. Directions: The lighthouse can be visited from April to September. A high-speed motorboat takes passengers to Cordouan in about 30 minutes. For information call the Office of Tourism of Verdon at 05 56 09 61 78.
|