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Pointe des Dames Lighthouse

Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s🇫🇷Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe des Dames Lighthouse

Built in 1867, the Pointe des Dames lighthouse is a 19-meter masonry structure featuring a cylindrical tower with a black lantern. It rises from the front of a 1-1/2 story keeper's house, forming a cohesive building. The tower's focal height reaches 34 meters, casting a light visible for 16 nautical miles. Its operational light emits three white flashes every 12 seconds. Located off the Allée du Tambourin on the northeastern corner of Noirmoutier island, it serves the nearby city of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île. While the site is open to the public, the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for guiding vessels around the northeastern corner of Noirmoutier island, providing specific navigational warnings. The adjacent keeper's house is still occupied, offering a rare, tangible connection to historical lighthouse management practices.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) 12s
Focal Height
34m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1867

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
White with black lantern
Material
masonry

Structure: square cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the front of a 1-1/2 story keeper's house

Location

City
Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Sea Region
Located off the Allée du Tambourin on the northeastern corner of the island, about 2 km northeast of the Noirmoutier-en-l'Île waterfront.
Latitude
47.0112°
Longitude
-2.2211°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pornic(7.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D1162
ARLHS No.
FRA-254
Wikidata
Q3378490 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pointe des Dames Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe des Dames displays the characteristic Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s — 3 white/red/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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Pointe des Dames Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe des Dames Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Le Bonhomme at 2.7 NM to the S. Other ports served include L'HERBAUDIERE (3.3 NM WNW), PORT DE MORIN (3.3 NM WSW), PORNIC LA NOEVEILLAR (7.2 NM NE), Préfailles (7.6 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe des Dames Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe des Dames 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 Pointe des Dames Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe des Dames 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.