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Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse

Fl Red 4s🇫🇷Marseille, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse

Also known as: Passe de l'Estaque (Digue de Saumaty)

This skeletal lighthouse stands 17 meters tall on the eastern breakwater of L'Estaque harbor, a fishing port west of Marseille. Its white tripod structure supports a red lantern and gallery, with the light positioned 20 meters above the water. The light emits a single red flash every 4 seconds, visible for 13.2 nautical miles. It serves as a navigational aid at the harbor entrance, guiding vessels from the Mediterranean Sea. The nearest port, Niolon, is located 2.6 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe navigation of fishing vessels and other maritime traffic entering and exiting the harbor of L'Estaque, marking the eastern side of the port's entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl R 4s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Location

City
Marseille
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Sea Region
Breakwater on the east side of the entrance to the harbor of L'Estaque, a fishing port on the west side of Marseille.
Latitude
43.3551°
Longitude
5.3128°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
White tripod with red lantern and gallery

Structure: lantern and gallery on a tripod

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Niolon(2.6 km)
Admiralty No.
E0631
NGA No.
6568
ARLHS No.
FRA-414
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse at night?+
Passe de l'Estaque displays the characteristic Fl Red 4s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is NIOLON at 2.6 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Marseille (3.5 NM SE), AVENUE HENRI FABRE (7.1 NM NW), Sausset-les-Pins (8.7 NM W), la Mède (8.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Passe de l'Estaque 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 Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse?+
Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Passe de l'Estaque Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Passe de l'Estaque 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.