Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse

Oc White/Red 6s🇫🇷Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse

Also known as: Fort de l'Île Pelée (Dique Est)

The Fort de l'Île Pelée light stands atop a square fort on the western end of Cherbourg's eastern outer breakwater. This structure, topped by a red mast, has been operational since 1900 and has a focal height of 19 meters. Its light displays one white flash followed by three white flashes, or one red flash followed by three red flashes, in a 6-second cycle. The geographic range for this light is 12.9 nautical miles. It is situated 1.6 kilometers from the nearest port, Cherbourg.

Why it matters: This light warns vessels of the extensive eastern outer breakwater, ensuring safe passage into and out of the major port of Cherbourg. Its position atop a historic fort also highlights a blend of military heritage and maritime safety.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc(1+3) WR 6s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1900

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cherbourg(1.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A1470
NGA No.
8344
ARLHS No.
FRA-818

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red mast

Structure: square pierhead building topped by a light on a short red mast

Location

City
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
The western end of the eastern outer breakwater of Cherbourg, France, atop a fort.
Latitude
49.6696°
Longitude
-1.5844°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near France, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse at night?+
Fort de l'Île Pelée displays the characteristic Oc White/Red 6s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cherbourg-en-Cotentin at 2 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Tourlaville (2.3 NM SSE), Querqueville (3.7 NM W), Fermanville (5.3 NM E), La Hague (9.1 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fort de l'Île Pelée 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 Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse?+
Fort de l'Île Pelée 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 Fort de l'Île Pelée Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fort de l'Île Pelée 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.