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Méan Lighthouse

Fl White 12s🇫🇷Saint-Nazaire, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Méan Lighthouse

Also known as: Méan (feu postérieur)

The Méan lighthouse, built of stone in 1873 and first lit in 1904, is a cylindrical masonry tower standing 17 meters tall. Its white exterior is accented with unpainted stone trim, and it features a lantern and gallery atop a small equipment room. The lighthouse suffered damage from Allied bombing in April 1943 but was restored after the war to its original design. It emits two white flashes followed by one white flash every 12 seconds, with a geographic range of 12.7 nautical miles. The structure is situated at the end of the Vieux Môle in Saint-Nazaire, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the nearest port.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels entering the Saint-Nazaire port, particularly off the Quai des Marées. Its post-war restoration highlights its significance to the port's maritime operations and safety.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl(2+1) W 12s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1873
First Lit
1904

Significant events: damaged by Allied bombing in April 1943, restored after war

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with unpainted stone trim
Material
stone

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a small equipment room

Location

City
Saint-Nazaire
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Sea Region
Located at the end of the Vieux (Old) Môle, off the Quai des Marées in Saint-Nazaire, northeast of the Jetée de l'Est lighthouse.
Latitude
47.2985°
Longitude
-2.1876°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Saint-Nazaire(1.5 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-495
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Méan Lighthouse at night?+
Méan displays the characteristic Fl White 12s. 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 Méan Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Méan Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Trignac at 1.1 NM to the N. Other ports served include Saint-Nazaire (1.3 NM SSW), Montoir-de-Bretagne (1.9 NM E), Donges (4 NM E), Paimbuf (6.6 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Méan Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Méan 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 Méan Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Méan 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.