The Cordouan lighthouse

We visited the tourist office in Soulac to check on forthcoming events and, although it was Autumn we noticed that it was still possible to take the boat to the Cordouan Lighthouse, as we had guests, this was brilliant news.

The times of the visit varies as it is linked to the tides, our trip was to be in three days time at 10am. So, lets hope the weather would improve because on the day of the booking it seemed like a force 10 wind was coming off the sea, ideal for the wind surfers but not for our land-lubber guests.

We need not have worried, the day dawned bright and still, so leaving the sea sick bags behind we set off for Le Verdon and the boat. The boat holds about 90 people, so there was plenty of room as we sat with about 20 of our fellow passengers. Five minutes before the departure time two bus loads of school children arrived and boarded. They were very well behaved, and I think that in this kind of adventure the “more the merrier” is a good maxim.

The most interesting point about the journey is the fact the boat tows a pontoon behind, not as one first thinks as a safety measure in case the boat sinks, but because as we approach the Lighthouse the sea bed shelves and the boat has to drop anchor. At this point the crew pull the tow rope, bringing the pontoon along side.

This for some of the younger visitors this is the highlight of the visit. Transferring from one small boat to an even smaller one to complete the journey, and then having to remove shoes and socks and rolling trousers or skirts up above the knee in order to wade the last few yards to the cobbled path leading to entrance of the Cordouan puts a smile on every ones face.

I should mention that it is a good idea to take a picnic, the visit usually takes about two hours, so there is time to sit on the sand dune (now exposed by the falling tide) and explore the rock pools or gaze in wonder at the amazing Le Phare de Cordouan.

Lots of links on the web and brochures from the local tourist offices giving specific details of the Lighthouse. This visit is a must for historians, lovers of architecture and anyone who likes a little touch of adventure.

2011 Judi Humphrey and "T" Brookman (Saint Vivien)