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Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse

Oc (3) White 12s🇫🇷Barfleur, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse

A cylindrical stone tower built in 1844 stands 7 meters tall on the south side of Barfleur harbor. The tower, which is white and topped with a lantern and gallery, first became operational in the same year it was constructed. It emits three white flashes every 12 seconds, a characteristic that works in conjunction with a rear light. This pairing creates a navigational range system for vessels approaching the port. The lighthouse is situated 0.1 kilometers from Barfleur, the nearest port.

Why it matters: This lighthouse functions as a critical range system, guiding vessels safely into Barfleur harbor by synchronizing its light with a rear beacon.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) W 12s
Focal Height
7m
Geographic Range
9.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1844

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Barfleur
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
south side of the harbor in Barfleur, France
Latitude
49.6698°
Longitude
-1.2601°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barfleur(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
A1444
NGA No.
8432
ARLHS No.
FRA-545
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Barfleur Antérieur displays the characteristic Oc (3) White 12s — 3 white flashes every 12 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is BARFLEUR at 0.1 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Gatteville-le-Phare (1.2 NM NW), ST VAAST LA HOUGUE (4.9 NM S), Fermanville (7.4 NM W), Tourlaville (12.1 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse?+
Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Barfleur Antérieur Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.