The lighthouse of Cordouan has a rich and lengthy history, with evidence suggesting multiple iterations of the structure[213]. Tradition holds that the initial tower was erected by Louis the Débonnair, but firm documentation to support this claim is lacking[213]. A more credible account suggests construction in the 13th century, prompted by merchants from Cordova and other foreign traders involved in the Bordeaux wine trade[213]. This connection to the city of Cordova is proposed as a possible origin for the name 'Cordouan'[213].

The second lighthouse, built during the 14th century (1362-70) under the direction of Edward the Black Prince, stood at 48 feet in height[214]. This structure incorporated a platform with a wood-burning fire maintained by a hermit, who received tolls from passing vessels[214]. At this time, the rock upon which the lighthouse stood may still have been connected to the Médoc coast[214]. This tower also included a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and several houses, forming a small village[214].

The existing lighthouse was constructed beginning in 1584 by Louis de Foix, a Parisian architect, and completed in 1600 by his son[215]. This structure was built beside, not upon, the ruins of its predecessor[215]. The new design included a circular platform and a tower divided into four stories, excluding the lantern[215]. The ground floor consisted of a quadrangular vestibule with recesses used as magazines[215]. The first story, known as the King's Chamber, was a richly decorated saloon[215]. The second story housed a circular chapel illuminated by two rows of windows[215]. The exterior of the chapel was ornamented with dormer-windows, with the structure topped by a circular pavilion and an open balustrade[215]. At the time of its construction, the lighthouse was on an island, but that island has since disappeared due to the action of the sea[215].

Over time, the upper portions of the lighthouse required significant repair[216]. In 1727, during the reign of Louis XV, an iron structure replaced the original stone lantern, which had been damaged by fire, but this did not raise the lamp high enough[216]. It wasn't until Teulère's intervention, that the height of the lighthouse was increased by 65 feet[216]. These improvements, completed in 1790, significantly enhanced the lighthouse's utility[216].

Today, the lighthouse stands at a height of 190 feet above the high-water level[216]. Though these changes have improved the lighthouse's function, some argue it has come at the cost of its artistic merit, with the modern additions lacking the charm of the original Renaissance design[216]. Recent restorations include replacing damaged stones and sculptures. In 1854, a revolving white and red light, with a range of twenty-seven miles, was installed[221]. The lighthouse has seen the implementation of advanced technologies, including experiments by Fresnel with the lenticular system[222]. The lighthouse has also seen oil lamps replace coal fires[222].

The lighthouse has garnered high praise. As one writer observed[223]: The lighthouse is more deserving of our admiration than trophies, and is "a defiance flung by the genius of man in the teeth of the spirit of the storm"[243].

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