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Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse

Oc (3) White 12s🇫🇷Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse

Established in 1854, the Port-en-Bessin Postérieur lighthouse is integrated into a 12-meter stone keeper's house. The lantern is positioned in the center of the seaward-facing end, which is covered in concrete and painted white. A statue of the Virgin Mary stands above the lantern at the peak of the structure. The lighthouse emits three white occulting flashes every 12 seconds, visible for 17.4 nautical miles. The original lighthouse was damaged during World War II.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for guiding vessels into the Port-en-Bessin harbor. Its structure, featuring a statue of the Virgin, makes it a distinctive landmark, and its history is linked to the D-Day landings.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) W 12s
Focal Height
42m
Geographic Range
17.4NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1854

Significant events: Original lighthouse bombed during D-Day, purchased by Diocese of Bayeux in 2016

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Carentan(18.7 km)
Admiralty No.
A1400.1
NGA No.
8520
ARLHS No.
FRA-406

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: A 12m stone keeper's house with the lantern in the center of the end facing the sea. This end is covered with concrete and painted white. A statue of the Virgin sits at the peak of the house above the lantern.

Location

City
Port-en-Bessin-Huppain
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
Harbor entrance at Port-en-Bessin, northwest of Bayeux
Latitude
49.3488°
Longitude
-0.7593°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Port-en-Bessin Postérieur displays the characteristic Oc (3) White 12s — 3 white 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Port-en-Bessin-Huppain at 0.2 NM to the E. Other ports served include Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (5 NM WNW), Asnelles (6.9 NM E), Ver-sur-Mer (8.9 NM E), COURSEULLES (11.6 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Port-en-Bessin 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 Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse?+
Port-en-Bessin Postérieur 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 Port-en-Bessin Postérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Port-en-Bessin 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.