Fort de La Prée, Military fortress in La Flotte, France
Fort de La Prée is a square-shaped fortress on the eastern coast of Île de Ré with defensive ramparts and a central courtyard designed for military operations. Its positioning commands views across the Atlantic, reflecting the strategic thinking behind its layout.
The fortress was built in 1625 under King Louis XIII as part of the royal defense strategy for the island region. It became significant in 1627 when its commander Toiras successfully defended it against English forces during a major siege.
The fort comes alive during summer when actors in period uniforms reenact daily military routines, showing visitors how soldiers once lived and trained. These performances make the fort feel inhabited by its past in a direct and immersive way.
The fort is open from April through September and during autumn holidays, with guided tours offered at set times each day. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here to properly explore the buildings and ramparts at a comfortable pace.
The fort's ramparts contain concrete blockhouses built by German forces during World War II that remain visible today. These later additions show how the structure evolved to meet changing military needs across more than 300 years.
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