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La Plate Lighthouse

Fl (9) White 10s🇫🇷Plogoff, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About La Plate Lighthouse

Also known as: La Plate (Petite Vieille)

La Plate is an octagonal, solid reinforced concrete tower measuring 26 meters in height, painted yellow with a black horizontal band. It stands on a submerged rock approximately 300 meters west-southwest of the Phare de la Vieille, near the Pointe du Raz. The tower has a gallery but no lantern room. Its focal plane is 19 meters above sea level, emitting a white flash every 10 seconds. The station was briefly established with a temporary light in 1896, but this was immediately destroyed by a severe storm. The present structure was completed in 1910.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for mariners navigating near the Pointe du Raz, warning them of the submerged rock it marks. It works with the nearby Phare de la Vieille, forming a critical navigational aid on this dangerous coastline.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (9) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
9 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1910

Significant events: Station briefly established in 1896, light immediately destroyed by a great storm, present tower completed in 1910

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Audierne(8.9 km)
Admiralty No.
D0872
NGA No.
284
ARLHS No.
FRA-787

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
26m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
yellow with a black horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal solid reinforced concrete tower with gallery but no lantern

Location

City
Plogoff
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
Located on a submerged rock about 300 m west southwest of the Phare de la Vieille, visible from the Pointe du Raz
Latitude
48.0395°
Longitude
-4.7596°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify La Plate Lighthouse at night?+
La Plate displays the characteristic Fl (9) White 10s — 9 white flashes every 10 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 Plate Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
La Plate Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Île-de-Sein at 3.6 NM to the W. Other ports served include SEIN (3.6 NM W), Plogoff (3.7 NM E), Audierne (9 NM E), Plozévet (13.5 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is La Plate Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, La Plate 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 Plate Lighthouse?+
La Plate 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 Plate Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near La Plate 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.