Name and Location

The Feu de la Digue de Socoa, also known as the Socoa Pier Light, is a small harbour light located on the northern shore of the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in south-west France. Its address is Avenue du Commandant Passicot, 64500 Ciboure, France, and its coordinates are 43°23′50″ N, 1°40′39″ W (lat 43.3974051, lon –1.6777053).

2. Construction and History

The Feu de la Digue de Socoa is a small, unpainted concrete or masonry lantern mounted atop the seaward end of the breakwater.

3. Architecture and Materials

The light sits just above the level of the pier deck and has a cylindrical lantern room with a simple metal railing. The overall design is typical of mid-20th-century harbour lights.

4. Light and Navigation

The light is likely to be a fixed or flashing green light marking the port-hand side of the entrance, although exact details are not publicly documented. Its range is estimated to be 3–5 nautical miles, typical for harbour entrance lights of this scale.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can walk out to the tip of the jetty to view the light up close. The breakwater is open to pedestrians at all tide states via the Avenue du Commandant Passicot. Visitors can access nearby car parks and café terraces at the marina, but there is no visitor centre at the light itself.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The light offers panoramic views over the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the fortified village of Socoa, and the Pyrenean hills to the south.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The light is operated and maintained by the French “Service des phares et balises” under the Direction des Affaires Maritimes. It is fully automated and has no on-site keeper’s quarters. Its navigational role continues in active service for small craft entering Socoa harbour.

9. Further Information

For further information, consult the latest French nautical chart or the “Liste des feux” published annually by the French Hydrographic Office (SHOM).