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Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇫🇷Plougonvelin, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse

Also known as: Saint-Mathieu (feu postérieur)

A cylindrical stone tower built in 1835 stands 37 meters tall at Pointe Saint-Mathieu, marking the entrance to the approaches for Brest. It rises from a one-story keeper's house and is topped with a lantern and gallery. The lighthouse first began operation with a light established in 1692. Its white light emits a single flash every 15 seconds, visible for 19.5 nautical miles. The tower was repainted in 2017 and is accessible to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for vessels navigating the entrance to Brest, a significant port. It also serves as the rear light for the Southbound Chenal du Four Range, guiding ships through a difficult channel.

Background
The Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on Pointe Saint-Mathieu in Plougonvelin, around Brest in Finistère. The lighthouse is open to the public.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
56m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)
Geographic Range
19.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1835
First Lit
1692

Significant events: Light established 1692, Repainted 2017

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
37m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
in 2017
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a round 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Plougonvelin
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
Pointe St.-Mathieu, marking the beginning of the approach to Brest, about 3 km south of Le Conquet and 30 km west of Brest
Latitude
48.3297°
Longitude
-4.7717°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Camaret-sur-Mer(7.9 km)
Admiralty No.
A1874.1
NGA No.
0104
ARLHS No.
FRA-056
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q1638606 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 56 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Saint-Mathieu is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse at night?+
Saint-Mathieu displays the characteristic Fl White 15s. 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-Mathieu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LE CONQUET at 1.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include Le Conquet (2.2 NM N), Le Conquet (2.2 NM N), PLOUGONVELIN (2.9 NM ENE), Camaret-sur-Mer (7.9 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saint-Mathieu 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-Mathieu Lighthouse?+
Saint-Mathieu 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 Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saint-Mathieu 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.