Cordouan was built to guide sailors at sea, but also to impress visitors, who started to come soon after Louis de Foix’s completed his work. Visits were initially reserved for VIPs and professionals, such as architects and engineers. However, Cordouan eventually drew a new public, following the advent of seaside recreation in the nineteenth century, particular in Royan, where a seaside resort was established. Today, tourism is one of the keys to the site’s future.