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Barfleur Postérieur Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Barfleur Postérieur Lighthouse

Established in 1832, the Barfleur Postérieur lighthouse features a square, cylindrical stone tower built in 1844. This 13-meter structure is attached to a two-story stone keeper's house and is painted white. Its lantern and gallery complete the tower. The light characteristic is three white occulting flashes every 12 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The rear light works in conjunction with a front light to guide vessels. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into Barfleur harbor, functioning as a rear light that, with a front light, offers precise alignment for approaching vessels.

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
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1844

Significant events: station established 1832

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the rear of a 2-story stone keeper's house

Location

City
Barfleur
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
extreme south end of Barfleur harbor, on Rue Pierre Salley
Latitude
49.6678°
Longitude
-1.2625°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barfleur(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
A1444.1
ARLHS No.
FRA-815
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Barfleur Postérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Barfleur Postérieur 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 Postérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Barfleur Postérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is BARFLEUR at 0.2 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Gatteville-le-Phare (1.2 NM NW), ST VAAST LA HOUGUE (4.8 NM S), Fermanville (7.3 NM W), Tourlaville (12 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Barfleur Postérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Barfleur Postérieur 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 Postérieur Lighthouse?+
Barfleur Postérieur 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 Postérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Barfleur Postérieur 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.