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Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse

Q Green🇫🇷FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse

Built of stone in 1835, this 9-meter cylindrical tower has a focal height of 11 meters. It is painted white, featuring a green lantern and gallery. The light characteristic is a quick-flashing green signal (Q G) visible for 10.7 nautical miles. Located at the end of the eastern jetty, it marks the harbor entrance for Les Sables-d'Olonne. The structure, a round cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, sustained damage from German aircraft in 1944 and was reconstructed in 1951. The grounds are accessible, but the tower remains closed to visitors.

Why it matters: This lighthouse functions as the forward light in a range system, aiding vessels entering the port of Les Sables-d'Olonne. Its reconstruction after wartime damage connects it to the port's maritime past.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Green
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Green
Raw Code
Q G
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1835

Significant events: Damaged by German bombers in 1944, rebuilt in 1951

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
White with green lantern and gallery
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇫🇷France
Sea Region
Located at the end of the jetty on the east side of the harbor entrance at Les Sables-d'Olonne, France.
Latitude
46.4905°
Longitude
-1.7917°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Les Sables-d'Olonne(0.3 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-466
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse at night?+
Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) displays the characteristic Q Green. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Les Sables-d'Olonne at 0.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include L'Île-d'Olonne (4.6 NM N), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (13 NM NNW), Saint Hilaire de Riez (13.7 NM NNW), CHENAL DE LA FABRIQU (20.3 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) 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 Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jetée des Sables (feu antérieur) 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.