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Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse

Q White🇫🇷Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse

This square stone tower, built in 1880, stands 7 meters tall on the Quai de la République in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Its white exterior is marked with the upper half of its front face painted red. Originally, the light was displayed through a window, but it has since been moved to the balcony railing. The structure features a window and a balcony. The light emits a quick white flash and has a geographic range of 9.3 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This light functions as a front range marker, paired with a rear light, to establish a clear channel for entering the port of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. The modification of its light placement from a window to the balcony reflects changes in maritime signaling practices.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
7m
Geographic Range
9.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1880

Significant events: Originally the light was displayed through a window but now it is mounted on the balcony railing

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 with the upper half of the front face painted red
Material
stone

Structure: square stone tower with window and balcony

Location

City
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Sea Region
Located on the Quai de la République, the waterfront of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Latitude
46.6978°
Longitude
-1.9456°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Saint Hilaire de Riez(0.4 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-480
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse at night?+
Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur 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 Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saint Hilaire de Riez at 0.4 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (1 NM SSE), L'Île-d'Olonne (10.3 NM SE), Les Sables-d'Olonne (13.5 NM SSE), LA BARRE DE MONTS (14.2 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saint-Gilles Entrée 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.
How can I track vessels near Saint-Gilles Entrée Feu Antérieur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saint-Gilles Entrée 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.