Among the rare lighthouses listed as a Historic Monument, this 68-meter-tall giant watches over sailors 7 kilometers off the Gironde estuary.
The oldest of European lighthouses, its construction began in 1584 where watchtowers had been installed since the early Middle Ages. From the King's apartment to the Lantern Room, passing by the Notre-Dame Chapel, this Versailles of the sea can be visited by climbing its 301 steps. Departure from Le Verdon, at the tip of the MĂ©doc peninsula.
Embark on an exceptional tour by taking the cycle route from Royan to Montalivet-les-Bains.
Tailor-made itineraries
Tailor-made itineraries
25 Royan / Montalivet-les-Bains
Upon entering the Gironde, a new world reveals itself to travellers on La Vélodyssée. La pointe de Grave also marks the end of the Médoc, a landscape of great variety, depending on whether you cross the west coast or the estuary and the vineyards. Pleasant cycle lanes wind their way from Verdon to the charming Soulac-sur-Mer with its lively streets and pretty seaside villas, we take the trail towards Montalivet. To the north of this stage, the sea entices you in for a cooling dip; to the south there is a more forested area which is most pleasant in fine weather.