Fort Du Petit Be Saint Malo Smbmsm 413
Fort National St Malo Smbmsm 9177
©Thibault Poriel - Intra-Muros - Saint-MaloVauban and maritime fortifications
Advanced posts are numerous around Saint-Malo. In order to defend the kingdom from English and Dutch invasions, Louis XIV entrusted Vauban with the protection of the French coast. But the one who carried out the work was none other than Garangeau, appointed by Vauban “chief engineer and director of the fortifications of Saint-Malo”. The citadels built on the rocks in the middle of the sea are a testimony to the military genius of the Sun King’s engineers. In order to protect the city, the Bay of Saint-Malo was fortified from the 17th century. To protect the city, the Bay of Saint-Malo was fortified as early as the 17th century. Garangeau built the four forts on the offshore islets according to the plans of Vauban (King Louis XIV’s chief architect), thus making the port entrances impregnable.
The National Fort, at the foot of the ramparts
It is on the rock of Islet that the National Fort, called the Royal Fort in the time of Louis XIV, rests. Built in 1689 by Garangeau, according to Vauban’s plans, it protected the ramparts of the corsair city. You will access it on foot at low tide.If you see the French flag hoisted on the fort, it means that the site is open to visitors!
Fort National St Malo Alexandre Lamoureux 9140
Fort National St Malo Alexandre Lamoureux 9135
Fort National St Malo Alexandre Lamoureux 9132
Fort Du Petit Be Saint Malo Smbmsm 415
©Thibault Poriel - Fort du Petit Bé - Saint-Malo
Fort Du Petit Be Saint Malo Smbmsm 423The Petit-Bé fort
More confidential, the Petit-Bé fort, nestled behind the Grand-Bé island was completed in 1707, at the death of Vauban. It is now restored by a private individual, passionate about maritime fortifications. The access can be done on foot or by boat, depending on the tide. It is thus necessary to be careful and to inquire about the time of low tide of the day before engaging. To do so, take the reference time and calculate 1h30 before and 1h30 after. This gives you your access window. Visits are possible all year long.
The Fort de la Conchée, off the coast of Saint-Malo
Further out, four kilometers from the shore, facing the large beach of Rochebonne, is the Fort de la Conchée. This ship’s fort of 65 meters long and 32 meters wide had a garrison of 200 men. It belongs since 1989 to the association La Compagnie du Fort de la Conchée which has already restored more than 80% of the building. Due to the difficulties of access, the fort is only open to the public two days a year for the Heritage Days. The association of the friends of the Fort de la Conchée, proposes visits during major events, in particular the European Heritage Days.
Fort De La Conchee Baie De St Malo Yann Langevin 9124
Fort De La Conchee Baie De St Malo Smbmsm 9116
Sortie En Mer Pres Du Fort De La Conchee Baie De St Malo Smbmsm 106
