Fort Cigogne, Military fort in Glénan Islands, France

Fort Cigogne is a stone fortress on Cigogne Island with granite ramparts approximately 7 meters high and two distinct bastions on its western and southern sides. The structure displays typical coastal defense features with thick walls and strategic positioning for protection.

Construction began in 1756 following a request to protect against English and Dutch privateers operating in the archipelago. It became part of a coastal defense network during 18th-century conflicts in Brittany.

Since 1967 the fort has been leased to the sailing school Les Glénans, whose trainees stay here, and until 1974 it also housed fishermen seasonally. The 20-metre tower raised on the rampart in 1911 serves as a landmark for boaters anchoring in the archipelago.

The fort stands on Cigogne Island in the Glénan archipelago and is reached only by boat; it is leased to the Les Glénans sailing school, which uses it as a base for trainees. Restoration and redevelopment work funded after the 2018 heritage lottery selection ran until 2024, so check access before landing. The 20-metre tower on the rampart serves as a landmark for boaters.

From 1891 to 1930, the fort served as a center for marine research where scientists studied sea biology and collected weather data. This work contributed to improved navigation aids for ships in the region.