Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse

Q Green 10s🇫🇷Le Verdon-sur-Mer, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse

Also known as: Saint-Nicolas (feu antérieur)

The Saint-Nicolas lighthouse was built in 1873 in Verdon-sur-Mer, France. This square, three-story concrete tower stands 13 meters tall, with its light positioned 22 meters above sea level. It displays a quick-flashing green light from a square opening on the third floor. Solar panels now power the lantern, a modern update to the historic structure. The lighthouse is situated just behind the ocean beach, about 1.5 kilometers southwest of the Pointe de Grave lighthouse.

Why it matters: This light, along with the Pointe de Grave lighthouse, establishes an approach range for vessels entering the Gironde estuary.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Green 10s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Green
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Q G
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1873

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Le Verdon-sur-Mer(1.4 km)
Admiralty No.
D1310
NGA No.
1500
ARLHS No.
FRA-625

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square 3-story tower with a domed roof; the light is displayed through a square opening on the third floor

Location

City
Le Verdon-sur-Mer
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
Located just behind the ocean beach, 1550 m southwest of the Pointe de Grave lighthouse in Verdon-sur-Mer. This light and the Pointe de Grave light provide an approach range for ships approaching the Gironde entrance.
Latitude
45.5621°
Longitude
-1.0835°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near France, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse at night?+
Saint-Nicolas displays the characteristic Q Green 10s. 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-Nicolas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Le Verdon-sur-Mer at 1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Royan (4.2 NM NE), Talais (4.9 NM SSE), Talmont-sur-Gironde (7.9 NM ESE), LA PALMYRE (8.5 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saint-Nicolas 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-Nicolas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saint-Nicolas 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.