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La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse

Q White 6s🇫🇷La Rochelle, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse

Also known as: La Rochelle Feu Postérieur (Quai Valin)

The La Rochelle Feu Postérieur, a white cylindrical masonry tower, was first lit in 1852. Standing 22 meters tall, its focal height reaches 25 meters, and it emits a quick white flash. This lighthouse rises from the Quai Valin, situated at the east end of La Rochelle's inner harbor. Its design incorporates an octagonal cylindrical tower that emerges from the front of a keeper's house. This structure helps guide vessels with a geographic range of 14.3 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This rear range light, operating in synchronization with a front light, establishes a precise navigational alignment for vessels entering La Rochelle's inner harbor. Its integration into the historic waterfront also makes it a distinctive landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White 6s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1852

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
La Rochelle-Pallice(3.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D1251.1
NGA No.
1368
ARLHS No.
FRA-340

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
22m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
White with green lantern and gallery
Material
masonry

Structure: octagonal cylindrical masonry tower rising through the front of a 2-1/2 story keeper's house

Location

City
La Rochelle
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
Located on the Quai Valin, at the east end of the inner harbor of La Rochelle, France, rising from the city's historic waterfront.
Latitude
46.1570°
Longitude
-1.1498°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse at night?+
La Rochelle Feu Postérieur displays the characteristic Q White 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is La Rochelle at 0.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include Aytré (2.5 NM SE), la Pallice (2.9 NM W), VIEUX CHATELAILLON (6.2 NM SSE), LA FLOTTE EN RE (7.4 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, La Rochelle 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.
How can I track vessels near La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near La Rochelle 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.