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

Perched 64 meters above sea level, the Coubre Lighthouse has stood watch over the Atlantic coast since 1905. This giant, the tallest in the Charente-Maritime, guides sailors at the entrance to the magnificent Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe. It offers breathtaking views of Bonne Anse Bay, the Coubre Forest, the Côte Sauvage, and all the way to the island of Oléron. One of a kind, It proudly displays its red and white stripes, which have earned it the nickname «the lighthouse at the end of the world.».

The lighthouse does more than just guide ships; it is a true cultural landmark. At its heart, a museum reveals the fascinating history of the lighthouses along the Gironde Estuary, while an exhibition hall showcases the creativity of local artists. Designated a historic monument in 2011, it is a must-see stop on the Vauban network of major sites.

Open year-round, it offers tours, activities, and various events for all ages. This article is your guide to exploring the Coubre Lighthouse in 2023, including hours, admission prices, practical information, and nearby activities. Let’s set out to discover this treasure of Charente’s heritage!

Presentation of the Phare de la Coubre

A little history

Situated on the strategic point of La Coubre for navigation in the Gironde estuary, the 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 its place 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, which has been designated a historic monument since 2011. This modern lighthouse is located farther from the shore, at 1.8 km, and is one of Vauban’s major sites due to its proximity to the fort of the same name.

Geography and importance

The lighthouse stands between the towns 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 Bonne Anse Bay, the Coubre Forest, the Côte Sauvage, and the island of Oléron. In addition to serving as a vital landmark for maritime traffic, it helps sailors avoid dangerous sandbars—sites of historic shipwrecks such as those of the Germany and the Volga.

Architectural and technical features

Standing an impressive 64 meters tall and featuring a staircase of 300 steps, the Coubre Lighthouse is the tallest on the Charente coast. Unique in France, it is painted red and white, which has earned it the rather poetic nickname «lighthouse at the end of the world.». 

Thanks to its height and a powerful lamp, it has a remarkable range of 28 nautical miles (approximately 52 kilometers). It is equipped with a Fresnel lens to focus the light, emitting a specific signal: two white flashes every 10 seconds, as well as a secondary flashing red light, known as a «barbette,» warning sailors of the dangers of the Mauvaise Shoal.

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

Hours of Operation for the Public

The Coubre Lighthouse is open to visitors from February 1 through November 11, and during a special period in December, from the 19th to the 23rd and from the 26th to the 30th. Opening hours vary by season:

• From February through March, as well as in October and November: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• 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 extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• 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 the number of visitors. 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 take in the panoramic view of the Gironde Estuary and explore the museum and the temporary exhibition hall featuring local artists at your leisure.
• Guided tour : Let yourself be swept away by a guide’s passionate storytelling as you discover anecdotes and secrets over the course of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
• 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 on hot days.
• Respect the direction of the visit and the sanitary measures in force.
• Always keep your children within sight and reach.
• Please do not litter or discard cigarette butts around or inside the lighthouse.
• 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 or the museum. In addition, there are free parking lots nearby to make your visit easier, and you can also arrive by bike via the bike paths that run 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 checks are not accepted. The rates listed 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: Please go directly to the lighthouse ticket office, located at the entrance to the site. Payment can be made in cash, by check (bank or postal), or by credit card. Please note that ticket sales end 30 minutes before the site closes, or earlier depending on visitor traffic.
• Book online : Pre-book your tickets on the official website Book a visit to the Coubre Lighthouse—whether self-guided, guided, or even a night tour—and receive a confirmation email with a QR code to show at the entrance. For groups and certain special tours, online reservations are required.

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 Coubre Lighthouse, a must-see historic and cultural landmark, is a must-visit attraction in Charente-Maritime. Offering an exceptional panoramic view of the Gironde Estuary and its diverse surroundings, it is an experience not to be missed.

This majestic structure immerses you in the fascinating history of the region’s lighthouses while featuring a variety of art exhibitions. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or even a unique experience during a nighttime tour. Open year-round, the lighthouse offers attractive admission rates along with all the necessary practical information.

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 located at the mouth of the Gironde Estuary on the Pointe de la Coubre, plays a crucial role in guiding sailors through coastal hazards. Its history began in 1904 with the construction of the current concrete lighthouse, which was inaugurated in 1905, replacing a beacon from 1690 and a stone lighthouse from 1895, both of which had fallen victim to erosion.

How do I get to the Coubre lighthouse from Paris?

From Paris, you can drive—it’s a direct trip of about 5 hours via the E5 and E60 highways. Alternatively, the most economical option is to take the bus (BlaBlaCar Bus or FlixBus) to Royan—the trip takes about 10 hours—followed by a transfer to bus line 5 to Les Mathes, and a 20-minute walk to reach the lighthouse.

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

In 2025, the Coubre Lighthouse will be open to visitors from February 1 through November 11, as well as from December 19 through 23 and December 26 through 30. Tours are available from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission prices are affordable: €4 for adults, €2.50 for children (ages 5 to 11), people with limited mobility, and in case of inclement 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 brimming with activities: explore the lighthouse museum and admire the spectacular view from the top, swim at the fine-sand beaches, or try your hand at surfing. Bonne Anse Bay offers water sports such as sailing and kayaking. The Coubre Forest, perfect for hiking or biking, is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Don’t miss a visit to 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 – Key Takeaways from the 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 features a museum and remains the tallest lighthouse in Charente-Maritime, standing 64 meters tall with 300 steps. It is ideally located near the coast, known here as 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 Charente-Maritime. It has a range of more than 58 kilometers.

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