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Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇫🇷Lège-Cap-Ferret, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse

Constructed in 1947, the Cap Ferret Lighthouse is a 52-meter tall cylindrical concrete tower situated at the extremity of the Cap Ferret peninsula. This structure shelters the Bassin d'Arcachon, the sole significant harbor between the Gironde estuary and the Spanish coast. The lighthouse features a white tower topped by a red lantern and gallery, with a 12-sided upper section. Its light emits a single red flash every 5 seconds, visible for 19.1 nautical miles. The current lighthouse was built as a replica of the original, which was destroyed by German troops on August 22, 1944. The tower is open to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for directing vessels into the Bassin d'Arcachon. Its rebuilding as a concrete replica after wartime destruction underscores its continued importance for regional navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
53m
Light Range
22NM (40.7 km)
Geographic Range
19.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1947

Significant events: dynamited by German troops on 22 August 1944

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
52m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
White with a red lantern, gallery, and 12-sided top section
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story circular keeper's house; the top section of the tower is 12-sided

Location

City
Lège-Cap-Ferret
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
Located at the end of a peninsula sheltering the Bassin d'Arcachon, which is the only large harbor between the Gironde and the Spanish border, at Cap-Ferret.
Latitude
44.6459°
Longitude
-1.2488°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Arcachon(4.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D1378
NGA No.
113-1560
ARLHS No.
FRA-226
Wikidata
Q3378513 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 53 meters and a nominal range of 22 nautical miles (approximately 40.7 km), Cap Ferret Lighthouse is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Cap Ferret Lighthouse displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LA VIGNE at 1.8 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Arcachon (4.4 NM ENE), LA TESTE (4.4 NM E), LA HUME (5.6 NM E), Gujan-Mestras (7.4 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cap Ferret Lighthouse 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.
How can I track vessels near Cap Ferret Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cap Ferret Lighthouse 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.