Marseillan-Plage Digue Ouest Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Marseillan-Plage Digue Ouest Lighthouse
The Marseillan-Plage Digue Ouest light is positioned at the extremity of the west breakwater, which extends northwards into the sea. It marks the entrance to the Marseillan-Plage marina and indicates the start of a canal for small vessels leading to the Étang de Thau. The original structure, a 5-meter white post with green trim atop a concrete room, was replaced in 2022. The current light emits a single red flash every 4 seconds from a simpler post. Its focal height is 7 meters, providing a geographic range of 9.3 nautical miles. This operational light aids navigation for craft entering the marina.
Why it matters: This light is essential for small craft entering the Marseillan-Plage marina and the canal connecting to the Étang de Thau. Its red flash clearly defines the safe channel for vessels approaching or leaving the harbor.
Light & Optic
- Flash Type
- Flashing
- Light Color
- Red
- Interval
- 4s
- Raw Code
- Fl R 4s
- Focal Height
- 7m
- Geographic Range
- 9.3NM
Construction & History
Significant events: light replaced by simple post (2022)
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Sete(9.4 km)
- Admiralty No.
- E0542.1.
- NGA No.
- E0542.1
- ARLHS No.
- FRA-706
Tower & Structure
- Tower Color
- white with green trim at the top
Structure: The Marseillan-Plage Digue Ouest light stands at the very end of the west (though geographically more north) breakwater, guiding mariners into the bustling marina at Marseillan-Plage. This strategic location, nestled northeast of Cap d'Agde, also marks the beginning of a vital canal for small craft, which meanders inland to the southern reaches of the expansive Étang de Thau. While the exact date of its original construction remains unrecorded, the light has undergone significant transformations over its operational life. It once featured a distinct 5-meter post, painted a crisp white with a contrasting green trim at the top, emerging from a sturdy single-story concrete equipment room. However, by 2022, this structure was replaced, as evidenced by recent photographs. Today, a simpler post light emits its characteristic red flash every four seconds, continuing its essential duty to ensure safe passage for vessels navigating these waters. The surrounding site is open for visitors to explore the breakwater and enjoy the coastal views, offering a glimpse into the maritime activity of the region, though access to the light structure itself is restricted and typically requires boat access.
Location
- City
- Marseillan
- Country
- 🇫🇷France
- Region
- Occitania
- Sea Region
- Located at the end of the west (really north) breakwater at Marseillan-Plage, northeast of Cap d'Agde. It marks the entrance to the marina at Marseillan-Plage, which is also the start of a canal for small craft leading to the south end of the Étang de Thau.
- Latitude
- 43.3180°
- Longitude
- 3.5599°
Nearby Vessels
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