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Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 5s🇫🇷Saint-Marcouf, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse

Also known as: Îles Saint-Marcouf (Île du Large)

A 7-meter tall, dark green, cylindrical concrete tower sits atop a circular stone fort on Île du Large. This structure, built in 1948, incorporates a lantern and gallery. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for nearly 13 nautical miles. The islands lie in the Baie de la Seine, approximately 10 kilometers offshore from Ravenoville Plage. The original 1840 lighthouse was destroyed during D-Day operations in 1944, when US forces landed on the island. The current lighthouse was erected on the same site in 1948, continuing its navigational role.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels around the Îles Saint-Marcouf, which pose a hazard in the Baie de la Seine. Its location on Île du Large marks the first French territory liberated by Allied forces on D-Day in 1944.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1948

Significant events: Original 1840 lighthouse destroyed during D-Day 1944, US forces landed on island D-Day 1944

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barfleur(11.3 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
dark green
Material
stone, concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery mounted atop a circular stone fort

Location

City
Saint-Marcouf
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
Two small islands in the Baie de la Seine, about 10 km off Ravenoville Plage, France. The lighthouse is on Île du Large, which is mostly covered by a historic fort.
Latitude
49.4979°
Longitude
-1.1462°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse at night?+
Îles Saint-Marcouf displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 5s — 3 white flashes every 5 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 Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is ST VAAST LA HOUGUE at 7.1 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (7.4 NM SSW), Grandcamp-Maisy (7.6 NM SSE), BARFLEUR (11.3 NM NNW), CARENTAN (11.9 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Îles Saint-Marcouf 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 Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse?+
Îles Saint-Marcouf 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 Îles Saint-Marcouf Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Îles Saint-Marcouf 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.