Fort de Brégançon

Brégançon stands on a rocky peninsula connected to the coast of Bormes-les-Mimosas by a narrow causeway, rising 35 meters (115 feet) above the Mediterranean. The complex includes a medieval keep, defensive walls, and reception buildings spread across the cliffs overlooking the Hyères Islands and Toulon roadstead.

The fortification arose in the Merovingian period as protection against seaborne raiders and expanded during the Middle Ages. In 1968 the complex was designated as the summer residence of French presidents and has since welcomed numerous international guests.

The keep and fortress chapel preserve medieval masonry, while the salons and dining rooms are arranged for receptions where heads of state gather. Visitors see rooms used during official summer sessions when the building serves as a working location.

Guided tours take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays and require booking at least 72 hours in advance with valid identification. Access to the site follows the causeway, which may close during high winds or poor weather conditions.

The property alternates between private use by the head of state and public visits, with the Centre des Monuments Nationaux managing visitor access. The coastal position made the fortress a strategic observation point for shipping movements in the western Mediterranean for centuries.