Fort Quélern

Fort Quélern is a military fortification on the Crozon Peninsula built in the middle of the 19th century. The structure features a square layout with corner bastions and is surrounded by a wide ditch carved directly into the rocky ground.

The fortification was built between 1852 and 1854 following modified designs by military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. During the 1870s, it served briefly as a prison following political unrest and regional uprisings.

From 1871 to 1875, the fort served as a prison for hundreds of Communards, including notable figures Élisée Reclus and Jean Allemane.

The fort remains under the control of the French Ministry of Defence and is not open to the public. Visitors can view the structure from outside and appreciate its scale and architectural form from the surrounding area.

The fort was briefly repurposed as a prison for rebels from the Kabylie uprising and later for political prisoners. Some of these inmates were buried near the port of Brest after their deaths, leaving behind a complex historical record.

Location: Roscanvel

Part of: retranchement de Quélern

GPS coordinates: 48.29875,-4.56416

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46