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Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse

Q White🇫🇷Les Sables-d'Olonne, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse

Also known as: Tour d'Arundel (Tour de la Chaume) (feu postérieur)

Built in 1806, the Tour d'Arundel is a stone lighthouse situated in Les Sables-d'Olonne. It features a square medieval castellated base topped by a cylindrical light tower, lantern, and gallery. This unique architectural combination stands 27 meters tall, with its light positioned 33 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a quick white flash, visible for 15.9 nautical miles. It continues to be an active aid to navigation, guiding vessels near the Pays de la Loire coast. The structure is open to the public, offering a glimpse into its history.

Why it matters: Its distinctive architecture, merging medieval fortifications with a functional lighthouse, is a rare feature. The Tour d'Arundel's continuous operation since 1806 highlights its long-standing contribution to French coastal navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
33m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1806

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: square medieval castellated stone tower with a cylindrical light tower, lantern and gallery on the top

Location

City
Les Sables-d'Olonne
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Latitude
46.4939°
Longitude
-1.7957°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Les Sables-d'Olonne(0.0 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-174
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 33 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Tour d'Arundel is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse at night?+
Tour d'Arundel 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 Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Les Sables-d'Olonne at 0.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include L'Île-d'Olonne (4.4 NM N), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (12.7 NM NNW), Saint Hilaire de Riez (13.4 NM NNW), CHENAL DE LA FABRIQU (20.5 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tour d'Arundel 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 Tour d'Arundel Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tour d'Arundel 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.