City walls of Brouage

The City walls of Brouage form a four-sided fortification with eight corner bastions surrounding this small settlement in Marennes-Hiers-Brouage. The design allows defenders to monitor and protect all sides from elevated positions along the perimeter.

The walls were constructed between 1628 and 1633 under Cardinal Richelieu's orders to defend this strategic coastal settlement. The site gained importance during French conflicts of the era and was eventually abandoned as military technology and regional strategies evolved.

This fortress reflects how trade and military needs shaped the community that lived within its walls. The layout and remaining buildings show how salt commerce and defense were central to daily life here.

Walking the full perimeter is a manageable half-day activity that is best done with sturdy shoes and water for hydration. Several buildings within the citadel are open to explore, which can extend your visit based on your interest.

The outer faces of the walls are made of cut stone while the tops are built with bricks for easier repair after damage. This practical solution reveals how builders anticipated repeated attacks and the wear such conflicts would cause.