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Cap de la Hève Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇫🇷Sainte-Adresse, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Cap de la Hève Lighthouse

Constructed in 1951, the current Cap de la Hève lighthouse is an octagonal concrete tower standing 32 meters tall. It features an eight-sided observation room, lantern, and gallery, attached to a service building. The light emits a white flash every 5 seconds and has a geographic range of 27.2 nautical miles. This structure replaced earlier lighthouses that were destroyed during World War II. Lights have been displayed on this cape since the 14th century, with notable twin towers built in 1775. The current tower's focal plane is 123 meters above sea level.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as the primary landfall light for vessels approaching Le Havre and the Seine estuary. The earlier twin lighthouses on this site were pioneers in French electrification, with one lit by steam-generated electricity in 1863.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
123m
Geographic Range
27.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1951

Significant events: Lights displayed as early as 14th century, elegant twin lighthouses built in 1775, first in France to be electrified, south tower lit in 1863, south light deactivated in 1893, historic towers destroyed in 1944, current tower built in 1951

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
32m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white concrete
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with an 8-sided observation room, lantern, and gallery, attached to 1-story concrete block service and control building

Location

City
Sainte-Adresse
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
Situated on the Cap de la Hève, on the north side of the entrance to Le Havre and the Seine estuary, approximately 5 km northwest of the Le Havre waterfront. It serves as the crucial landfall light for vessels approaching Le Havre and navigating the Seine.
Latitude
49.5124°
Longitude
0.0693°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Le Havre(2.7 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-223
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cap de la Hève Lighthouse at night?+
Cap de la Hève displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Cap de la Hève Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cap de la Hève Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Le Havre at 3.8 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Harfleur (5.2 NM E), Gonfreville-l'Orcher (6.4 NM E), Villerville (7.2 NM SSE), Rogerville (7.4 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cap de la Hève Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cap de la Hève 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 Cap de la Hève Lighthouse?+
Cap de la Hève 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 Cap de la Hève Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cap de la Hève 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.