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Fort Boyard Lighthouse

Fl (9) White 15s🇫🇷Île-d'Aix, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Fort Boyard Lighthouse

A light is mounted on the side of a square platform belonging to a historic fort. Construction of this structure began in 1804, with the main work occurring between 1837 and 1857. Located on a shoal, it lies halfway between the Île d'Oléron and the Île d'Aix, approximately 3.2 kilometers southwest of Île d'Aix. The fort became militarily obsolete upon completion and was used as a prison during the 1870s. The light emits a white flash every 15 seconds.

Why it matters: This light is significant for marking the shoal it occupies, assisting vessels navigating the passage between Île d'Oléron and Île d'Aix. Its placement on a historic sea fortress instead of a typical tower makes it an unusual architectural feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (9) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
9 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s

Construction & History

Year Built
1804

Significant events: Used as a prison in the 1870s, became militarily obsolete upon completion

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Chatelaillon-Plage(6.1 km)
Admiralty No.
D1256.3
NGA No.
1385
ARLHS No.
FRA-287

Tower & Structure

Structure: A light is mounted on the side of a square platform, which is part of a historic fort.

Location

City
Île-d'Aix
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
Located on a shoal halfway between the Île d'Oléron and the Île d'Aix, approximately 3.2 km southwest of the Île d'Aix.
Latitude
45.9997°
Longitude
-1.2138°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fort Boyard Lighthouse at night?+
Fort Boyard displays the characteristic Fl (9) White 15s — 9 white flashes every 15 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 Fort Boyard Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fort Boyard Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ile-d'Aix at 1.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include ILE D'AIX (1.7 NM ENE), FOURAS NORD (4.9 NM E), FOURAS SUD MARINA (5.1 NM E), VIEUX CHATELAILLON (6.2 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fort Boyard Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fort Boyard 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 Fort Boyard Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fort Boyard 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.