Name and Location

The Tancarville Lighthouse, also known as the "Unnamed" Lighthouse, is situated on the north bank of the Seine River in Tancarville, Normandy, France. Its exact address is 8 Rue du Nais, 76430 Tancarville.

Construction and History

The date of construction for this lighthouse is not recorded in public sources. The structure appears on the 2011 French land registry as a man-made lighthouse, indicating its purpose as an aid to navigation. It serves vessels entering or leaving the Port-industrial zone of Tancarville and transiting under Pont de Tancarville.

Architecture and Materials

The Tancarville Lighthouse is a small riverine lighthouse or beacon, likely with an octagonal or rectangular tower mounted on a masonry or concrete base. The materials used in its construction are not documented, but cadastral mapping suggests a masonry or precast-concrete core. It appears to be painted white with possible auxiliary day-mark panels.

Light and Navigation

The focal plane and tower height of the lighthouse are unknown, as is its light characteristic, range, and color. However, it is presumed to be equipped with a small automated lamp to mark the channel centreline. The power source is likely mains-fed or solar-backed LED.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Tancarville Lighthouse is not open to the public for interior access or guided tours. It can be viewed from the riverbanks near Pont de Tancarville or from vessels on the Seine River. Parking is available in a small lay-by on Rue du Nais.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers a clear sight-line along the Seine's navigation channel, with views of the surrounding industrial area and the Pont de Tancarville monument framing the downstream view. The nearby Mus��e Maritime du Havre is also accessible (12 km downstream).

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local pilots occasionally refer to this lighthouse as "le petit feu blanc de Tancarville," indicating its minor but important role in navigating the Seine River.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by an unknown entity, possibly the Port Autonome du Havre or Voies Navigables de France (VNF). It is presumed to be fully automated, with no keeper's quarters attached. The beacon appears on SHOM chart series for the lower Seine River (chart 7405), and radar coverage is provided by upstream VNF installations.

Further Information