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Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse

Q Green 5s🇫🇷Saint-Jean-de-Luz, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse

Also known as: Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Feu Antérieur)

The Saint-Jean-de-Luz lighthouse, a 14-meter cylindrical fiberglass tower built in 1938, guides ships into the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Its light, a quick flashing green, is displayed from a window on the top floor, a departure from typical lighthouse design. The structure stands 18 meters above sea level and has a geographic range of 12.7 nautical miles. A white tower marked with a red vertical stripe along the range line, it is situated on the east side of the harbor entrance. The lighthouse grounds are open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is critical for directing vessels safely across the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz and into its inner harbor entrance. Its unusual light placement from a top-floor window is a notable architectural feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Green 5s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Green
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Q G
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1938
First Lit
1870

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red vertical stripe on the range line
Material
fiberglass

Structure: square cylindrical masonry tower; the light is displayed from a window on the top floor

Location

City
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
guides ships across the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz to the inner harbor entrance. Located on the east side of the entrance, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Latitude
43.3876°
Longitude
-1.6689°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ciboure(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D1418
NGA No.
1688
ARLHS No.
FRA-482
Wikidata
Q3378358 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse at night?+
Saint-Jean-de-Luz displays the characteristic Q Green 5s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SAINT JEAN DE LUZ at 0.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include CIBOURE (0.6 NM ESE), Saint-Jean-de-Luz (0.7 NM NNW), Guéthary (3.5 NM ENE), Bidart (5.2 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saint-Jean-de-Luz 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 Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse?+
Saint-Jean-de-Luz 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 Saint-Jean-de-Luz Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saint-Jean-de-Luz 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.