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Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse

Q Red🇫🇷Bidart, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse

A semicircular stone tower, 7 meters high, stands at Guéthary, atop a bluff about 8 kilometers southwest of Biarritz. Originally an atalaye, or whale watchtower, the structure was later adapted for maritime navigation. The tower is attached to a 1-story equipment shelter and its focal plane reaches 33 meters. It emits a quick-flashing red light. The geographic range of the light is 15.9 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant for guiding ships into the open roads off Guéthary, a critical function given the absence of a protected harbor in the area. Its unique origin as an atalaye, a medieval whale watchtower, offers a rare glimpse into the region's historical whaling industry before its conversion to a navigational aid.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Red
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
Q R
Focal Height
33m
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Originally an atalaye (whale watchtower)

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
semicircular
Material
stone

Structure: semicircular stone tower attached to the front of a 1-story stone equipment shelter

Location

City
Bidart
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
Located atop a bluff at Guéthary, about 8 km southwest of Biarritz, guiding ships into open roads.
Latitude
43.4268°
Longitude
-1.6078°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Saint-Jean-de-Luz(3.4 km)
Admiralty No.
D1413.1
NGA No.
1668
ARLHS No.
FRA-810
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Guéthary Feu Postérieur displays the characteristic Q Red. 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 Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Guéthary at 0.7 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Bidart (1.8 NM ENE), CIBOURE (3.4 NM SW), Saint-Jean-de-Luz (3.4 NM WSW), SAINT JEAN DE LUZ (3.5 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Guéthary Feu Postérieur 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 Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse?+
Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Guéthary Feu Postérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Guéthary Feu Postérieur 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.