The lighthouse of La Coubre

Only 15 km from the Eldapi Vacances campsites, the Coubre lighthouse stands facing the Atlantic Ocean. This huge red and white lighthouse built at the beginning of the 20th century deserves a visit during your camping vacations in Charente-Maritime.

The lighthouse of La Coubre and its history

Red and white, culminating at 64 m, the Coubre lighthouse bears the name of the point where it is built. The point of La Coubre marks the limit between the waters of the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Coubre lighthouse was put into service in 1905 but it was not the first lighthouse to alert ships in this area, which is particularly dangerous because of the sandbanks and currents. Indeed, a beacon indicated the coast to ships as early as the end of the 17th century and a wooden lighthouse and then a stone lighthouse were built in the second half of the 19th century, both of which have since disappeared.

However, the lighthouse is not old. It even became autonomous in 2000. It carries today to approximately 52 km thanks to a bulb of 250 watts. It will be necessary to go up 300 steps to reach the top and to discover a fabulous sight there…

5 good reasons to visit the lighthouse

A 360° panorama

It is above all for the view that one visits the lighthouse of La Coubre. It is certainly worth the glance!

From there, you can see the sandy beaches of the Côte Sauvage, the forest of La Coubre and the Gironde estuary. Try to be there at sunset!

An interesting little museum

At the foot of the lighthouse, a museum describes the history of the place and the functioning of the lighthouses with a beautiful collection of objects which will fascinate the amateur sailors.

A historical monument

Since 2011, the Coubre lighthouse is classified as a historical monument, for its aesthetics and its history. However, it is a historical monument that still works!

An ideal stop on a bike ride

The Vélodysée, which runs along the Atlantic Ocean for 1200 km, crosses the forest of La Coubre for 25 km and passes by the lighthouse and the beaches. The route is pleasant. The lighthouse seems to emerge from among the pines. It is also possible to leave from the campsite and cross the forest to get to the lighthouse. The 10 km trip takes about half an hour.

Activities all year round

In addition to the view, the museum, a food truck and a souvenir store, several animations take place around the lighthouse throughout the year.

You may have the chance to attend an exhibition, a guided tour or a sporting event, such as the Extreme 300, which consists of climbing the stairs of the lighthouse as quickly as possible. The record is 1 mn 02 !

Information, rates and schedules

The entrance fee is only 4 €. The reduced rate is 2.50 € for children and people with reduced mobility. Children under 5 years old enter free of charge. A book of games is also offered to the youngest.

Be careful, there is no elevator and the space is quite compact. Tourists flock here in the late afternoon. Prefer the beginning of the morning or the end of the day (after 7 pm during the summer) to take advantage of a beautiful light.

The lighthouse of La Coubre can be visited from the beginning of February to mid-November. It is open :

10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. in February, March, October and November
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in April, May, June and September
10 am to 7:30 pm in July and August

From the Eldapi Vacances campsites, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the lighthouse by car and 30 minutes if you are by bike.

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