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Île du Pilier Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 20s🇫🇷Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Île du Pilier Lighthouse

Constructed in 1829, the stone lighthouse on Île du Pilier is a 28-meter cylindrical tower. It features a round stone structure with a gallery, though its lantern has been removed. The lighthouse became inactive in 1877, with its lantern removed and the tower capped after a successor light was built nearby. It is situated on a small islet approximately 3 kilometers northwest of the Pointe de l'Herbaudière, the northwestern tip of the Île de Noirmoutier. The light characteristic was originally three white flashes every 20 seconds.

Why it matters: The lighthouse remains as a historical marker on a strategically located islet, offering an architectural narrative of past maritime navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl(3) W 20s
Light Range
29NM (53.7 km)

Construction & History

Year Built
1829

Significant events: Inactive since 1877, lantern removed, capped after successor built

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pornic(10.9 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-033

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
28m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with gallery; lantern removed

Location

City
Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Sea Region
An islet about 3 km northwest of the Pointe de l'Herbaudière, the northwestern tip of the Île de Noirmoutier.
Latitude
47.0426°
Longitude
-2.3600°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Île du Pilier Lighthouse at night?+
Île du Pilier displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 20s — 3 white flashes every 20 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 Île du Pilier Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Île du Pilier Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is L'HERBAUDIERE at 2.7 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include PORT DE MORIN (4.5 NM SE), Le Bonhomme (6.9 NM SE), Préfailles (7.3 NM NE), Gravette (9.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Île du Pilier Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Île du Pilier 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 Île du Pilier Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Île du Pilier 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.