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Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse

Constructed from stone in 1840, the cylindrical Les Héaux Lighthouse stands 57 meters tall off the northernmost point of Brittany. It is situated on a rocky ledge about 6 km north of Larmor-Pleubian. The lighthouse emits three white, red, or green flashes every 12 seconds. During World War II, German troops damaged the tower, removing approximately 15 meters of its height. Following the war, the structure was rebuilt and raised, resuming operations in 1950.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for guiding ships bound for the Tréguier estuary to the west or the Trieux estuary to the east.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) WRG 12s
Focal Height
48m
Geographic Range
18.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1840

Significant events: German troops attempted to destroy it during World War II, succeeded in decapitating about 15m of the tower, tower was rebuilt and raised in height after the war, returning to service in 1950

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Paimpol(7.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A1738
NGA No.
7844
ARLHS No.
FRA-021

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
57m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Pleubian
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
Stands off the northernmost point of Brittany, guiding ships bound for the Tréguier estuary to the west or the Trieux estuary to the east. Located on a rocky, waveswept ledge about 6 km north of Larmor-Pleubian.
Latitude
48.9084°
Longitude
-3.0862°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Les Héaux Lighthouse displays the characteristic Oc (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 Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Lanmodez at 3.6 NM to the S. Other ports served include Plougrescant (6.8 NM WSW), Lézardrieux (7.2 NM S), Paimpol (7.9 NM SSE), Tréguier (9.1 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Les Héaux Lighthouse 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 Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
Les Héaux Lighthouse 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 Les Héaux Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Les Héaux Lighthouse 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.