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Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red/Green 12s🇫🇷Honfleur, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse

Also known as: Falaise des Fonds (Le Butin)

The Falaise des Fonds lighthouse, built in 1908, is situated on a cliff west of Honfleur, marking the southern entrance to the Seine estuary. It is an 18-meter tall cylindrical stone tower topped with a lantern and gallery. Its operational lantern and Fresnel lens were transferred from the L'Hôpital lighthouse when it was deactivated. Approximately half of the tower's original height is now below ground level due to changes in the surrounding landscape. The light emits three flashes of white, red, or green light on a 12-second cycle, depending on the sector. The site is accessible to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides essential directional guidance with its sector-colored three-flash sequence, ensuring safe passage for vessels entering and exiting the busy Seine estuary.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red/Green 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl(3) WRG 12s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1908

Significant events: The lantern and Fresnel lens were transferred from the L'Hôpital lighthouse when that light was deactivated in 1908.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Honfleur
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
Located on a cliff or bluff (Falaise) on the D513 highway on the south side of the entrance to the Seine estuary about 1.5 km west of Honfleur.
Latitude
49.4244°
Longitude
0.2145°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Honfleur(1.0 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-280
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse at night?+
Falaise des Fonds displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red/Green 12s — 3 white/red/green 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Honfleur at 1.2 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Rogerville (2.8 NM NNE), Villerville (3.5 NM WSW), Le Havre (3.9 NM NW), Gonfreville-l'Orcher (4.6 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Falaise des Fonds 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 Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse?+
Falaise des Fonds 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 Falaise des Fonds Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Falaise des Fonds 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.