The Mermaid Cruises Experience an extraordinary maritime adventure in Charente-Maritime

LA SIRÈNE CRUISES IN ROYAN TO VISIT THE CORDOUAN LIGHTHOUSE

A shipping company based in Royan

For over thirty years, Croisières La Sirène has been organizing sea crossings from the port of Royan in Charente-Maritime. Specializing in excursions to the Cordouan Lighthouse, the company also offers trips in the Gironde estuary. Each year, its boats transport visitors who come to discover this UNESCO World Heritage monument and the maritime landscapes that surround it.

Privileged access to the Cordouan Lighthouse

The Cordouan Lighthouse, nicknamed the "Versailles of the Seas", is located at the mouth of the estuary, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. Built on a rocky islet, it is only accessible by boat and only depending on tidal conditions. Croisières La Sirène Royan is one of the companies authorized to provide these connections, in partnership with SMIDDEST, the site manager. Departures are scheduled according to tide times, allowing disembarkation on the islet at low tide and a safe visit to the lighthouse.

An experience combining navigation and heritage

The crossings organized by Croisières La Sirène last approximately 30 minutes. On board, passengers discover the landscapes of the Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe, marked by its mixed waters and natural banks. Arrival at the Cordouan Lighthouse is on foot, with visitors walking a few hundred meters in the shallow water to reach the islet. This direct contact with the site contributes to the originality of the excursion.

An inhabited lighthouse open to visitors

Once there, the Cordouan Lighthouse reveals its remarkable architecture. Standing 68 meters tall, it houses several levels, each with rooms representing different eras. The chapel, the king's apartments, and the Girondins' Hall bear witness to its history. Climbing its 301 steps leads to the lantern, offering a 360° panorama of the ocean and the Charente and Gironde coasts. It is also the last lighthouse at sea in the world still manned by keepers.

A supervised and secure organization

Since 1992, Croisières La Sirène has been transporting visitors to Cordouan, operating with a focus on safety and site preservation. The crews are fully conversant with local navigation conditions and adapt to each tide. The number of visitors is deliberately limited to protect the monument and its environment. This precise framework guarantees an organized excursion in the best possible conditions.

What to discover within a 30 km radius of Royan and the Cordouan Lighthouse

In addition to a crossing with Croisières La Sirène, the area around Royan and the Gironde estuary offers numerous visits accessible in less than 30 km. The town of Royan seduces with its seafront, its beaches such as Grande Conche or Pontaillac, and its central covered market. Nearby, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and the Pointe de Suzac offer hiking trails overlooking the ocean.

Along the right bank of the estuary, the village of Meschers-sur-Gironde is known for its troglodyte dwellings dug into the limestone cliff. Further south, Talmont-sur-Gironde, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is distinguished by its cobbled streets, its Romanesque church perched above the estuary and its artisan shops.

Across the estuary, Le Verdon-sur-Mer and Soulac-sur-Mer open the door to the Gironde coast, with its sandy beaches and pine forests. The visit can also be accompanied by culinary discoveries: Marennes-Oléron oysters, Médoc wines, sea salt, and Pineau des Charentes are among the products offered at local markets and from small producers.

Thus, a sea trip with Croisières La Sirène Royan to the Cordouan Lighthouse can be part of a wider program combining walks, heritage and regional gastronomy.