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

La Horaine Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 12s🇫🇷FROperational

Location & Light Range

About La Horaine Lighthouse

La Horaine lighthouse stands on a dangerous rock situated about 5.5 kilometers east-northeast of the Île de Bréhat. The octagonal concrete tower, standing 20 meters tall, was built in 1897 and is painted with black bands. Its focal height is 13 meters, and it emits a white light with three flashes every 12 seconds. This operational lighthouse has a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. Its construction followed at least seven unsuccessful attempts to establish a beacon on this rock, none of which survived the first significant storm.

Why it matters: The successful construction of La Horaine lighthouse in 1897, after numerous prior failures, represents a significant engineering achievement in a challenging marine environment. It marks a particularly hazardous rock formation that was previously insurmountable for earlier beacon attempts.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1897

Significant events: at least seven earlier but unsuccessful efforts to place a beacon on this dangerous rock; none lasted through the first serious storm

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Paimpol(8.1 km)
Admiralty No.
A1726
NGA No.
7856
ARLHS No.
FRA-316

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
with black bands
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted with black bands

Location

Country
🇫🇷France
Sea Region
on a dangerous rock about 5.5 km east northeast of the Île de Bréhat
Latitude
48.8917°
Longitude
-2.9229°

Nearby Vessels

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

Find La Horaine 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 La Horaine Lighthouse at night?+
La Horaine displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 12s — 3 white 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does La Horaine Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
La Horaine Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Lanmodez at 7.4 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Paimpol (8.2 NM SW), Plouézec (8.8 NM SSW), Lézardrieux (9.3 NM SW), Plougrescant (12.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is La Horaine Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, La Horaine 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 La Horaine Lighthouse?+
La Horaine 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 La Horaine Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near La Horaine 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.