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Port-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse

Q White🇫🇷Port-Vendres, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Port-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse

Built in 1858, this cylindrical cast iron tower stands 17 meters tall on the eastern promontory of Port-Vendres harbor. The hexagonal structure is supported by six iron legs and topped with a lantern, gallery, and enclosed watch room. Its focal plane is 12 meters above the water, emitting a quick white flash visible for 11 nautical miles. The tower itself is painted red, contrasting with the surrounding landscape. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: This range front light is essential for guiding vessels into Port-Vendres harbor, ensuring accurate alignment for safe passage.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1858

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
cast iron

Structure: hexagonal cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern, gallery, and enclosed watch room mounted on six iron legs

Location

City
Port-Vendres
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Occitania
Sea Region
Port-Vendres Range Front, on the tip of a promontory on the east side of the harbor in France
Latitude
42.5191°
Longitude
3.1142°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port Vendres(0.4 km)
Admiralty No.
E0497
NGA No.
6048
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Port-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
Port-Vendres Range Front displays the characteristic Q White. 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-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Port-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Port-Vendres at 0.1 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include COLLIOURE (1.3 NM WNW), BANYULS (2.5 NM SSE), ARGELES (3.1 NM WNW), PORTBOU (6.1 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Port-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Port-Vendres Range Front 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-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse?+
Port-Vendres Range Front 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 Port-Vendres Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Port-Vendres Range Front 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.