Fort Sarah Bernhardt, Military fort turned museum in Sauzon, France.
Fort Sarah Bernhardt is a former military installation on the Pointe des Poulains in Sauzon, built in 1859 as a defensive structure with a drawbridge, machicolations, and arrow slits still visible on its exterior. The former summer residence now houses exhibitions featuring personal belongings, stage costumes, and photographs documenting the actress's life and career.
The structure was built in 1859 as a coastal defense installation to protect waters near Belle-Île but was abandoned shortly after completion. Sarah Bernhardt purchased the neglected building in 1894 and made it her preferred summer destination until 1922, transforming its purpose entirely.
The site bears the name of Sarah Bernhardt, the acclaimed actress who transformed the military structure into her personal retreat and shaped how visitors understand 19th-century French theatrical life. Today, the displays show how she filled the space with objects reflecting her artistic world and social connections.
The property spreads across a larger estate and requires sturdy footwear since pathways are uneven and elevations rise toward outer areas. Plan extra time to explore the various structures scattered throughout the grounds, as the buildings are distributed widely and outdoor features like tennis courts are accessible.
The estate originally contained extensive outbuildings including a farmhouse and separate guest cottages, revealing that the site functioned as a grand summer compound. King Edward VII regularly visited the property, giving the location considerable social prestige during that period.
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