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Les Birvideaux Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 6s🇫🇷FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Les Birvideaux Lighthouse

The octagonal concrete tower at Les Birvideaux, built in 1934, reaches 29 meters in height from a large concrete base. The structure, which includes keeper's quarters, is topped by a lantern and gallery. It is painted black, featuring a wide red horizontal stripe below the lantern. From a focal height of 24 meters, Les Birvideaux produces a white light, flashing once every 6 seconds, with a range of 14.1 nautical miles. Situated on a hazardous rocky area approximately 7.3 km from Quiberon, its construction, initiated in 1905, faced considerable interruption due to World War I, resulting in a 29-year building duration, the longest for any French lighthouse.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a warning to ships navigating the Open Atlantic, marking a hazardous reef situated northwest of Belle-Île.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1934

Significant events: suspension of work during World War I, longest construction period for a French lighthouse

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Quiberon(7.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D1014
NGA No.
0636
ARLHS No.
FRA-199

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
29m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
black with a broad red horizontal band below the lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery, incorporating keeper's quarters, mounted on a large concrete base

Location

Country
🇫🇷France
Sea Region
Open Atlantic, marking a dangerous rocky shoal, located about 13 km west of Quiberon and north northwest of Belle-Île
Latitude
47.4833°
Longitude
-3.3000°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Les Birvideaux Lighthouse at night?+
Les Birvideaux displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 6s — 2 white flashes every 6 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 Les Birvideaux Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Les Birvideaux Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Quiberon at 7.1 NM to the E. Other ports served include Saint-Pierre-Quiberon (7.1 NM ENE), Sauzon (7.5 NM SSE), LE PALAIS (10.1 NM SE), Carnac (10.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Les Birvideaux Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Les Birvideaux 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 Birvideaux Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Les Birvideaux 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.