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

Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse

Oc (4) Red 12s🇫🇷Saint-Jean-de-Luz, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse

Constructed in 1876, this lighthouse is a square masonry edifice reaching 7 meters in height. It incorporates a single-story dwelling topped with a high, pointed roof; the structure's triangular form functions as a day beacon. Situated on the elevated Pointe Sainte-Barbe, 0.5 kilometers from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the light is positioned at a focal height of 30 meters. It shows four red occultations each 12 seconds, with a geographic range of 15.3 nautical miles. Public access is permitted to the grounds, but the tower remains inaccessible.

Why it matters: This structure marks the eastern access point to the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a harbor frequently utilized by pleasure craft. Its combined day beacon and active light offer navigation assistance for craft approaching this favored mooring area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (4) Red 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(4) R 12s
Focal Height
30m
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1876

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: square masonry 1-story keeper's house with a tall peaked roof; the triangular shape of the building serves a daymark

Location

City
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
The Pointe Sainte-Barbe is the eastern entrance to the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque elliptical harbor popular as a yacht anchorage. Located on the heights of the point, beyond the end of the Boulevard Thiers in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Latitude
43.3994°
Longitude
-1.6644°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Saint-Jean-de-Luz(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D1414
NGA No.
1680
ARLHS No.
FRA-473
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur 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 Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur displays the characteristic Oc (4) Red 12s — 4 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saint-Jean-de-Luz at 0.5 NM to the W. Other ports served include SAINT JEAN DE LUZ (0.8 NM S), CIBOURE (1 NM SSE), Guéthary (3 NM ENE), Bidart (4.7 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur 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 Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse?+
Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur 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 Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Antérieur 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.