Sculptural detail of a face with vine leaves and scroll in the Royal Chapel, on the second floor of the Phare de Cordouan or Cordouan Lighthouse, built 1584-1611 in Renaissance style by Louis de Foix, 1530-1604, French architect, located 7km at sea, near the mouth of the Gironde estuary, Aquitaine, France. This is the oldest lighthouse in France. There are 4 storeys, with keeper apartments and an entrance hall, King's apartments, chapel, secondary lantern and the lantern at the top at 68m. Parabolic lamps and lenses were added in the 18th and 19th centuries. The lighthouse is listed as a historic monument. Picture by Manuel Cohen
Add to Lightbox Download