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Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse

Oc (2) White/Red 12s🇫🇷Brest, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse

Also known as: Pointe du Portzic (feu postérieur)

Completed in 1848, the Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse is an octagonal granite tower standing 35 meters tall, with a focal height of 56 meters. Its red lantern sits atop the unpainted stone structure, which is joined to a two-story stone harbor control building. The lighthouse guides vessels through the Goulet de Brest, the entrance to the port of Brest, from its location on the northwestern corner of the waterway within a naval base. It emits two white or red flashes every 12 seconds, depending on the approach direction. The lighthouse's geographic range extends to 19.5 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for safe passage through the Goulet de Brest, a narrow and strategically important waterway for all maritime traffic entering and exiting the port of Brest. Its directional white and red light system specifically aids vessels in navigating the complex channel.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (2) White/Red 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(2) WR 12s
Focal Height
56m
Geographic Range
19.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1848

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Brest(2.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D0790.1
NGA No.
0160
ARLHS No.
FRA-034

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
35m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
red
Material
stone, granite

Structure: octagonal granite tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 2-story stone harbor control building

Location

City
Brest
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
This light shines through the Goulet de Brest, guiding ships into the port. Located on the naval base, at the northwestern corner of the Goulet, just southwest of the city of Brest.
Latitude
48.3583°
Longitude
-4.5340°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe du Portzic displays the characteristic Oc (2) White/Red 12s — 2 white/red 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Brest at 2.2 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Le Fret (4.6 NM S), Camaret-sur-Mer (5.1 NM SSW), PLOUGONVELIN (6.7 NM W), Le Conquet (9.3 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe du Portzic 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 Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse?+
Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Pointe du Portzic Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe du Portzic 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.