Phare de la Coubre: complete guide, opening hours and prices 

Perched 64 meters above sea level, the Coubre lighthouse has reigned over the Atlantic coast since 1905. This giant, the tallest in the Charente-Maritimeguides sailors to the entrance of the formidable Gironde estuarythe largest in Europe. It offers breathtaking views over the Bonne Anse bay, the Coubre forest, the Côte Sauvage, and as far as the island of Oléron. One of a kind, it proudly displays its red and white stripes, earning it the nickname "lighthouse at the end of the world".

The lighthouse doesn't just guide ships; it's also a cultural landmark. At its heart, a museum reveals the fascinating history of the Gironde estuary's lighthouses, while an exhibition room celebrates the creativity of local artists. Recognized as a historic monument in 2011, it is an essential part of the network of major Vauban sites.

Open all year round, it offers tours, entertainment and events for all ages. This article is your guide to exploring the Coubre lighthouse in 2023, including schedules, prices, practical information and surrounding activities. Let's get to know this Charente heritage treasure!

Presentation of the Phare de la Coubre

A little history

Situated on the strategic point of La Coubre for navigation in the Gironde estuarythe Phare de la Coubre has La Tremblade is the third building to be erected on this site. Dating back to 1860, the first lighthouse was a wooden structure designed to replace a fire beacon that had existed since 1690. 

A second stone lighthouse took over in 1895, but erosion posed a serious threat to its stability, leading to its collapse in 1907, just two years after the inauguration of its current concrete successor, now a listed monument since 2011. This modern lighthouse is located 1.8 km from the shore, and is one of Vauban's major sites, due to its proximity to the eponymous fort.

Geography and importance

The lighthouse stands between the communes of Les Mathes and La Tremblade in Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, marking the entrance to Europe's largest estuary: the Gironde estuary. Its location offers spectacular views of sites such as the Bay of Bonne Anse, the Coubre forest, the Côte sauvage and Oléron Island. As well as being an essential landmark for maritime traffic, it helps to avoid dangerous sandbanks, witness to historic shipwrecks such as those of the Germany and the Volga.

Architectural and technical features

With an impressive height of 64 metres and a 300-step staircase, the Coubre lighthouse is the highest on the Charente coast. Unique in France, it is painted red and white, hence its poetic nickname of "lighthouse at the end of the world". 

Thanks to this height and a powerful lamp, it has a remarkable range of 28 nautical miles (approx. 52 kilometers). It features a Fresnel lens to concentrate the light, emitting a specific signal: two white flashes every 10 seconds, plus a secondary flashing red light, known as a "barbette", alerting sailors to the dangers of the Mauvaise Bank.

Visiting the Phare de la Coubre: What you need to know

Public opening hours

The Coubre lighthouse welcomes visitors from February 1st to November 11th, and for a special period in December, from 19th to 23rd and 26th to 30th. Opening hours vary according to the season:

• February to March, October and November: 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
• From April to June, then in September: open from 10 am to 1 pm (museum and store close at 12.30 pm), and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
• In July and August, enjoy an extended day from 10 am to 7:30 pm.
• In December, come from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time, or earlier depending on attendance. Please note that access to the summit may be restricted during extreme weather conditions for your safety.

The different types of visit: Self-guided, guided, night visits

Discover the Coubre lighthouse in the way that suits you best:

• Open house: Climb the 300 steps at your own pace to admire the panoramic view over the Gironde estuary, and explore the museum and temporary exhibition room featuring local artists at your leisure.
• Guided tour : Let yourself be carried away by the passionate stories told by a guide, discovering anecdotes and secrets for around 1h30. Don't forget to book.
• Night tour : An unforgettable experience awaits you as you climb to the top of the lighthouse at dusk, bookable only in July and August, to watch the sunset and the lights of nearby lighthouses.

Tips and recommendations for a pleasant visit

To ensure a pleasant experience, please observe the following guidelines:

• Choose comfortable shoes suitable for climbing.
• Bring water and a hat in hot weather.
• Respect the direction of the visit and the sanitary measures in force.
• Always keep your children within sight and reach.
• Avoid throwing litter and cigarette butts around the lighthouse or inside.
• Do not feed wild animals in the vicinity of the lighthouse.
• Flash photography is prohibited in the lighthouse.
• Do not touch the technical equipment.
• Keep noise levels respectful of other visitors.

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed inside the lighthouse and museum. What's more, free parking is available nearby to facilitate your visit, and you can also arrive by bike via the cycle paths through the Coubre forest.

Prices and practical information (2025)

Detailed price list: Individuals, groups, reduced rates

As you discover the Coubre lighthouse, take advantage of our varied rates, designed to suit every type of visitor. Consult our rates for 2023:

Please note that vacation vouchers are not accepted. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

How to buy tickets On site, online booking

Buy your tickets for the Coubre lighthouse in two ways:

• On site: Go directly to the lighthouse ticket office, located at the entrance to the site. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card. Please note that ticket sales end 30 minutes before the site closes, or earlier depending on attendance.
• Book online : Pre-book your tickets on the official website of the Coubre lighthouse for a self-guided, guided or even nocturnal visit, and receive a confirmation e-mail with a QR code to present at the entrance. For groups and special tours, online booking is essential.

Access and contact: Address, telephone number, e-mail address

Located on the border between Les Mathes and La Tremblade, in Charente-Maritime (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), here's how to reach the Coubre lighthouse:

Address: Lieu-dit La Coubre, 17390 La Tremblade

Telephone number: 05 46 06 26 42

E-mail address: pharedelacoubre@latremblade.fr

Accessible by car, bike or bus, free parking is available near the lighthouse. You can also use the cycle paths in the Coubre forest, or take the CARA n°31 bus from Royan or La Tremblade.

Conclusion

The lighthouse at La Coubre, an essential historical and cultural monument, is a must-see in the Charente-Maritime region. Offering an exceptional panorama of the Gironde estuary and its diverse surroundings, it's an experience not to be missed.

This majestic structure immerses you in the fascinating history of the region's lighthouses, while offering a variety of artistic exhibits. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a self-guided tour, a guided tour or even a unique night-time experience. Accessible all year round, the lighthouse offers attractive rates and all the practical information you need.

Don't delay, make sure you book your tickets now to discover the Coubre lighthouse in 2023. One thing's for sure: you'll remember it all!

FAQ

What is the history of the Coubre lighthouse?

The Coubre lighthouse, a must-see at the entrance to the Gironde estuary on the Pointe de la Coubre, plays a crucial role in guiding sailors through coastal perils. Its history began in 1904 with the construction of the current concrete lighthouse, inaugurated in 1905, which replaced a 1690 beacon and an 1895 stone lighthouse, both victims of erosion.

How do I get to the Coubre lighthouse from Paris?

From Paris, you can opt for the car, a direct journey of around 5 hours via the E5 freeway and the E60 road. Alternatively, the most economical mode is by bus (BlaBlaCar Bus or FlixBus) to Royan, allow around 10 hours, followed by a transfer on the line 5 bus to Les Mathes, and a 20-minute walk to the lighthouse.

What are the times and prices for visiting the Coubre lighthouse in 2025?

In 2025, the Coubre lighthouse welcomes visitors from February 1 to November 11, as well as from December 19 to 23 and 26 to 30. Visits are possible from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Rates are affordable: €4 for adults, €2.50 for children (aged 5 to 11), people with reduced mobility and in bad weather. Admission is free for children under 4. Group rates and a Family Pass (€11 for 2 adults and 2 children) are also available.

What activities are available around the Coubre lighthouse?

The area around the Coubre lighthouse is full of activities: explore the lighthouse museum and admire the spectacular view from its summit, swim on the sandy beaches or try your hand at surfing. The Bonne Anse bay offers water sports such as sailing and kayaking. The forest of La Coubre, ideal for hiking and biking, boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. Don't miss the Port de la Grève, famous for its oyster huts and delicious oysters.

La Tremblade is located on the Arvert peninsula, between Royan and Ile d'Oléron. It's famous for its oyster huts, and its proximity to the beaches of the Côte Sauvage and Ile d'Oléron.

Summary - What you need to know about La Coubre lighthouse 

La Coubre lighthouse in La Tremblade is a lighthouse colored white and red (since 2016), located on the tip of La Coubre, close to La Palmyre- Les Mathesin the commune of La Trembladeabout fifteen kilometers from the town of Royan.

It has a museum, and remains the highest lighthouse in Charente-Maritime, at 64 meters and 300 steps. It is ideally located near the coast, known here as the wild coastand renowned for its long sandy beaches and fearsome waves.

A historic monument

It is listed as a historic monument and is fully automated. It faces the king of lighthouses, the lighthouse of kings, the Cordouan lighthouse. one of the most remarkable lighthouses which can be visited in the Charente Maritime region. It has a range of over 58 kilometers.

You can visit the lighthouse and climb its 300 steps to enjoy the magnificent view over the La Coubre forest, the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. At the foot of the lighthouse is a museum (open since 2005) that traces the history of La Coubre lighthouse - or lighthouses - from the first one built of wood in 1699.