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Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur Lighthouse

Built in 1876, Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur is a rear range light situated on the heights of the point, 340 meters east-southeast of its front counterpart. The structure is a square, three-story keeper's house made of masonry, topped with a tall peaked roof. This distinctive building, painted white, serves as both the light tower and a daymark. The light emits four red occulting flashes every 12 seconds. Its geographic range is 18.2 nautical miles. Visitors can access the site, but the tower is closed to the public.

Why it matters: This rear range light is essential for guiding ships into the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, aligning with its front light to mark the safe channel.

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
47m
Geographic Range
18.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1876

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: square masonry 3-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
Second range for ships entering Saint-Jean-de-Luz, located on the Rue de Sainte-Barbe, on the heights of the point, 340 m east southeast of the front light.
Latitude
43.3988°
Longitude
-1.6602°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ciboure(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
D1416
NGA No.
1684
ARLHS No.
FRA-814
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur 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 Postérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saint-Jean-de-Luz at 0.7 NM to the W. Other ports served include SAINT JEAN DE LUZ (0.8 NM SSW), CIBOURE (1 NM S), Guéthary (2.8 NM ENE), Bidart (4.6 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur 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 Postérieur Lighthouse?+
Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur 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 Postérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe Sainte-Barbe Feu Postérieur 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.