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Duc d'Albe Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇫🇷FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Duc d'Albe Lighthouse

Also known as: Duc d'Albe (feu antérieur)

The Duc d'Albe light was established in 1979 as a skeletal steel structure mounted on a square platform supported by piles. Standing 27 meters tall with a focal height of 21 meters, it emits a white flash every 5 seconds. Located about 800 meters offshore and 4 kilometers northwest of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, France, it marks the deepwater channel of the Gironde estuary. This active light operates in conjunction with the Terre-Nègre rear light. The channel it guides has required several significant adjustments over time due to natural shifts.

Why it matters: This light is essential for guiding vessels through the deepwater channel of the Gironde estuary, a critical maritime route in France. Its design facilitates necessary adjustments to maintain the range line, ensuring safe passage.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
21m
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1979

Significant events: Required several drastic changes to respond to shifts in the deepwater channel of the Gironde

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Royan(5.7 km)
Admiralty No.
D1293.9
NGA No.
1488

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: skeletal structure mounted on a square platform supported by piles

Location

Country
🇫🇷France
Sea Region
Located about 800 m offshore and 4 km northwest of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, marking the deepwater channel of the Gironde in France. The Terre-Nègre rear light serves as its rear light.
Latitude
45.6593°
Longitude
-1.1461°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Duc d'Albe Lighthouse at night?+
Duc d'Albe 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 Duc d'Albe Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Duc d'Albe Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LA PALMYRE at 2.2 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Royan (5.5 NM ESE), Mornac-sur-Seudre (5.9 NM NE), Chaillevette (6 NM NE), Le Verdon-sur-Mer (7.2 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Duc d'Albe Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Duc d'Albe 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 Duc d'Albe Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Duc d'Albe 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.