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Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇫🇷Sauzon, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse

Built in 1868, this lighthouse is a 18-meter-tall cylindrical stone tower, colored white with unpainted stone trim. It extends from the front of a one-and-a-half-story stone keeper's dwelling. The light, positioned 34 meters above sea level, flashes white every 5 seconds and has a visibility of 16 nautical miles. Situated on a small islet off the northwestern extremity of Belle-Île, a protected natural area, the structure was updated to solar power in 1999. Access to the grounds is permitted, but the tower itself is not open.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marks the northwestern point of Belle-Île, an important coastal landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
34m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1868

Significant events: converted to solar power in 1999

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with unpainted stone trim
Material
stone

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

Location

City
Sauzon
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
small islet just off the northwestern point of Belle-Île, a nature preserve
Latitude
47.3885°
Longitude
-3.2517°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Le Palais(4.7 km)
Admiralty No.
D1030
NGA No.
0644
ARLHS No.
FRA-059
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe des Poulains displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sauzon at 1.6 NM to the SE. Other ports served include LE PALAIS (4.7 NM ESE), Quiberon (7.4 NM NE), Saint-Pierre-Quiberon (9.1 NM NNE), ILE D'HOUAT (12 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe des Poulains 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 Poulains Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe des Poulains 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.