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Les Barges Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 10s🇫🇷FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Les Barges Lighthouse

Constructed in 1861, the Les Barges lighthouse is a 29-meter cylindrical tower built from granite. It stands on the La Grande Barge reef, approximately 2.5 kilometers offshore from Les Sables d'Olonne. The lighthouse emits a red flash every 10 seconds, with its focal plane at 25 meters above sea level. The original lantern was replaced with a modern steel structure in the 1970s, and the entire lighthouse was restored in 1989. This offshore light guides vessels navigating the waters near the coastal town.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns ships of the hazardous La Grande Barge reef, a significant navigational hazard west of Les Sables d'Olonne.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl R 10s
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1861

Significant events: original lantern removed in 1970s, modern steel structure installed, restored in 1989

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Les Sables-d'Olonne(2.1 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
29m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
gray stone
Material
granite

Structure: round granite tower with gallery

Location

Country
🇫🇷France
Sea Region
Located on a rocky reef called La Grande Barge, about 2.5 km west of the beach on the west side of Les Sables d'Olonne.
Latitude
46.4958°
Longitude
-1.8464°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Les Barges Lighthouse at night?+
Les Barges displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 10s — 2 red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Les Barges Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Les Barges Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Les Sables-d'Olonne at 2.3 NM to the E. Other ports served include L'Île-d'Olonne (5 NM NNE), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (11.8 NM NNW), Saint Hilaire de Riez (12.5 NM NNW), CHENAL DE LA FABRIQU (21.9 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Les Barges Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Les Barges 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 Les Barges Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Les Barges 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.