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Île Tristan Lighthouse

Oc (3) White/Red 12s🇫🇷Douarnenez, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Île Tristan Lighthouse

Also known as: Île Tristan (Douarnenez)

The Île Tristan lighthouse, built of stone, stands as a cylindrical tower 11 meters high. It was first lit in 1856 and is located on its namesake island at the southeastern edge of Baie de Douarnenez, approximately 0.6 kilometers from Douarnenez harbor. The lighthouse emits three white or red occultations every 12 seconds, serving as a navigational aid for vessels entering the port. The tower's design includes a lantern and gallery, with a white band encircling the watch room. Its focal height reaches 35 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 16.2 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into Douarnenez harbor, guiding vessels from the Baie de Douarnenez. Its distinctive light pattern, alternating between white and red, offers specific directional guidance to approaching mariners.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White/Red 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) WR 12s
Focal Height
35m
Geographic Range
16.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1856

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Douarnenez(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
D0830
NGA No.
0220
ARLHS No.
FRA-267

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
except for a white band around the watch room
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Douarnenez
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
on an island off the entrance to the harbor of Douarnenez, at the southeastern corner of the Baie de Douarnenez
Latitude
48.1023°
Longitude
-4.3375°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Île Tristan Lighthouse at night?+
Île Tristan displays the characteristic Oc (3) White/Red 12s — 3 white/red 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Île Tristan Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Île Tristan Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TREBOUL at 0.3 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Douarnenez (0.8 NM SSE), Plozévet (8.1 NM SSW), Pouldreuzic (9.2 NM S), Audierne (9.3 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Île Tristan Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Île Tristan 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 Île Tristan Lighthouse?+
Île Tristan 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 Île Tristan Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Île Tristan 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.