Name and Location

The Phare de Port-la-Nouvelle, also known as Feu d'entrée au port, is a minor coastal light located in France. Its official name is Phare de Port-la-Nouvelle, and it marks the eastern entrance of Port-la-Nouvelle harbor. The lighthouse is situated at 43°00′44.5″ N, 3°04′11.3″ E, in the municipality of Port-la-Nouvelle (Arrondissement de Narbonne).

2. Construction and History

The construction date of the Phare de Port-la-Nouvelle is not publicly documented. It appears on charts since at least the late 20th century but does not have a formal monument historique designation recorded.

3. Architecture and Materials

The structure of the lighthouse is a freestanding tower with a height of 20 meters above its base. The focal plane is 23 meters above mean sea level, and the elevation of the ground point is 24.09 meters (geodetic reference). The construction materials and architectural style are not documented in public sources.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare de Port-la-Nouvelle has an official light reference of E 0522 (NGA 113) with a characteristic of Quick flashing white (Q W) and a period of continuous quick flashes (approximately 60 fpm). The range is 14 nautical miles, and the light category is minor.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse tower and interior are not open to visitors. However, it is accessible on foot from Boulevard du Front de Mer and the harbor promenade. Nearest parking is available along Bd du Front de Mer, with a walking distance of under 200 meters. There are no facilities on site, including no visitor center, museum, or guided-tour services.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de Port-la-Nouvelle sits at the eastern jetty of Port-la-Nouvelle, overlooking the Mediterranean entrance channel. Nearby attractions include sandy beaches to the south, the historic fishing quarter, and Pointe de la Franqui to the west.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is automated and unmanned, with a managing authority of French national agencies responsible for aids to navigation (ANFR/Service des phares et balises). Its national identification numbers are FR-ANFR ref. 942080 and IGN geodetic mark ref. 1126603-A.

9. Further Information

For more information, please visit the OpenStreetMap node "way/134535809" or consult NGA List of Lights, Publication 113 (Europe, North Coast of Africa, and Coastal Waters of Red Sea), SHOM nautical charts, or IGN Geodesie: fiche point 1126603-A.