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Port-la-Chaîne Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 4s🇫🇷Pleubian, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Port-la-Chaîne Lighthouse

Also known as: Port-la-Chaîne (Grande Passe Feu Antérieur)

Built in 1863, the Port-la-Chaîne light station guides vessels into the Jaudy or Tréguier estuary. It consists of a 5-meter stone keeper's house, painted white with a red dormer. The light is displayed from a small platform on the second story of this 1-1/2 story structure. Its focal plane is 12 meters above sea level, with a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. The light emits an occulting white flash every 4 seconds. In 2021, its function as a range light concluded, and a modern leading light was installed nearby. The site is open to the public, but the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: This light station is notable for its unconventional design, integrating the light into a keeper's house rather than a separate tower. It historically guided ships into the Port-la-Chaîne.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc 4s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1863

Significant events: Range discontinued in 2021, modern leading light installed

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
5m
Tower Color
white with a red dormer
Material
stone

Structure: A 5m (16 ft) 1-1/2 story stone keeper's house, painted white with a red dormer, from which the light is displayed on a small platform.

Location

City
Pleubian
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
eastern entrance to the Jaudy or Tréguier estuary, guiding ships into Port-la-Chaîne, located in the village of Port-la-Chaîne, about 1.5 km north of Pleubian
Latitude
48.8595°
Longitude
-3.1314°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Treguier(5.5 km)
Admiralty No.
A1762
NGA No.
7836
ARLHS No.
FRA-425
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Port-la-Chaîne Lighthouse at night?+
Port-la-Chaîne displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 4s. 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/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Port-la-Chaîne Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Port-la-Chaîne Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Lanmodez at 1.4 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Plougrescant (4.1 NM W), Lézardrieux (4.4 NM SSE), Tréguier (5.7 NM SW), Paimpol (5.9 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Port-la-Chaîne Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Port-la-Chaîne 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-la-Chaîne Lighthouse?+
Port-la-Chaîne 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-la-Chaîne Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Port-la-Chaîne 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.