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La Vieille Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red/Green 12s🇫🇷Plogoff, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About La Vieille Lighthouse

Completed in 1887, La Vieille lighthouse is situated on the rock named Gorlebella, approximately 1.6 km west of Pointe du Raz. This square granite tower, measuring 27 meters tall, features a lantern and gallery. Its focal plane reaches 33 meters above the sea. The light emits three flashes in white, red, and green every 12 seconds. In 2020, the lantern was removed for restoration and was reinstalled in July 2021. Access to the lighthouse is limited due to its remote and exposed location.

Why it matters: La Vieille provides essential directional guidance for vessels navigating the Raz de Sein strait, helping them avoid submerged hazards.

Background
La Vieille is a lighthouse in the département of Finistère at the commune of Plogoff, on the northwest coast of France. It lies on the rock known as Gorlebella, guiding mariners in the strait Raz de Sein, across from the companion lighthouse Tourelle de la Plate—also known as Petite Vieille. It is among the small class of lighthouses around the coasts of France carrying the moniker hell, due to a remote position in rough seas.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red/Green 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl(3) WGR 12s
Focal Height
33m
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1887

Significant events: The lantern was removed for restoration in 2020 and returned in July 2021

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Audierne(8.8 km)
Admiralty No.
D0870
NGA No.
113-272
ARLHS No.
FRA-027
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q2085015 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
square granite tower with lantern and gallery
Material
granite

Structure: unpainted square granite tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Plogoff
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
Built on the rock called La Vieille (the old one in French) or Gorlebella (farthest rock in Breton) about 1.6 km (1 mi) west of the Pointe du Raz, one of the most famous French lighthouses.
Latitude
48.0408°
Longitude
-4.7564°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify La Vieille Lighthouse at night?+
La Vieille displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red/Green 12s — 3 white/red/green 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does La Vieille Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
La Vieille Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Plogoff at 3.6 NM to the E. Other ports served include Île-de-Sein (3.8 NM W), SEIN (3.8 NM W), Audierne (8.9 NM E), Plozévet (13.4 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is La Vieille Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, La Vieille 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 Vieille Lighthouse?+
La Vieille 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 Vieille Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near La Vieille 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.