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Terre-Nègre Lighthouse

Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s🇫🇷Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Terre-Nègre Lighthouse

Also known as: Terre-Nègre (St.-Palais-sur-Mer) (feu antérieur)

This cylindrical masonry tower, standing 27 meters tall, was built in 1856. It rises from the center of a one-story keeper's house complex and features a white exterior with a single vertical red stripe on its upper third, visible when facing the range line. The lighthouse's light cycles through white, red, and green, with three white flashes occurring in sequence every 12 seconds. Originally established with a first tower in 1772 and first lit in 1807, it later served as a rear range light from 1852 to 1902. Since 1960, it has operated as a front range light. The focal height of the light is 39 meters, with a geographic range of 16.9 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides ships on a northwest reach as they depart the Gironde estuary and serves as a leading light for ships entering the estuary.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) WRG 12s
Focal Height
39m
Geographic Range
16.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1856
First Lit
1807

Significant events: First tower built 1772, first light 1807, present tower built 1856, served as rear range light 1852-1902, served as front range light since 1960

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a vertical red stripe facing the range line on the upper third of the tower
Material
masonry

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story keeper's house complex

Location

City
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
Guides ships on a northwest reach as they depart the Gironde estuary and serves as a leading light for ships entering the estuary, located on the west side of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Latitude
45.6462°
Longitude
-1.1064°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Royan(3.8 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-503
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Terre-Nègre Lighthouse at night?+
Terre-Nègre displays the characteristic Oc (3) White/Red/Green 12s — 3 white/red/green flashes every 12 seconds. 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Terre-Nègre Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Terre-Nègre Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Royan at 3.7 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include LA PALMYRE (4 NM NW), Mornac-sur-Seudre (5.2 NM NE), Le Verdon-sur-Mer (5.7 NM SSE), Chaillevette (5.7 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Terre-Nègre Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Terre-Nègre 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 Terre-Nègre Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Terre-Nègre 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.