Ancienne Batterie de Sablanceaux, Military fort in Rivedoux-Plage, France
The Ancienne Batterie de Sablanceaux is a square-shaped fort on the coast with sides measuring about 45 meters each. It contains two guard houses, a powder magazine, and a freshwater well for the defenders.
The fort was designed in 1674 by Vauban following an English landing led by the Duke of Buckingham in 1627. It was built to protect the French coast from further invasions.
The fort shows how France protected its coastline and reflects the building methods used for military defenses of that era. You can see how soldiers lived and worked within these walls.
The exterior grounds are located on Avenue de la Plage and remain accessible year-round, though interior visits are not currently permitted. It is wise to bring weather-appropriate clothing since the coast can be windy.
During World War II, occupying forces built an observation bunker into the southern guard house, leaving traces of their coastal control. This addition shows how different periods left their marks on the site.
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