The Cordouan Lighthouse was conceived from the outset as a monument, both in its stylistic features and expression, and in the engineering techniques employed. A concrete expression of political will intended to impress all the European sea powers and local communities, the Cordouan Lighthouse thus became a monumental lighthouse dedicated to the affirmation of the king’s power. Criterion (iv): The Cordouan Lighthouse embodies in an outstanding manner the great stages of the history of lighthouses. Thanks to its fame, the Cordouan Lighthouse witnessed several experiments to improve lighthouses’ capacity to assist navigation. Its monumentality in isolation is a key element of the integrity of Cordouan Lighthouse.