Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Paimboeuf Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Paimboeuf Lighthouse

This stone lighthouse, built in 1855, stands 9 meters tall on the end of Paimboeuf's breakwater. The cylindrical tower, painted white with a green lantern and gallery, houses a light that emits three white and green flashes every 12 seconds. It is situated on the south side of the Loire estuary, approximately 12 kilometers east of Saint-Nazaire. The geographic range of the light is 10 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for navigating the complex channels of the Loire estuary and provides safe passage into the harbor of Paimboeuf.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White/Green 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) W G 12s
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1855

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with green lantern and gallery
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical limestone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Paimbœuf
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Sea Region
Located at the end of the breakwater sheltering the harbor of Paimboeuf, on the south side of the Loire estuary about 12 km (7.5 mi) east of Saint-Nazaire.
Latitude
47.2904°
Longitude
-2.0326°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Paimboeuf(0.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D1142
NGA No.
1028
ARLHS No.
FRA-378
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Paimboeuf Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near France, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Paimboeuf Lighthouse at night?+
Paimboeuf displays the characteristic Oc (3) White/Green 12s — 3 white/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/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Paimboeuf Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Paimboeuf Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Paimbuf at 0.3 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Donges (2.5 NM WNW), Montoir-de-Bretagne (4.4 NM W), Prinquiau (4.6 NM N), Frossay (4.7 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Paimboeuf Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Paimboeuf 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 Paimboeuf Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Paimboeuf 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.