Fort Cigogne, Military fort in Glénan Islands, France
The stone fortress stands on Cigogne Island with granite ramparts rising seven meters high and features two distinct bastions on its western and southern facades.
Construction of the coastal defense structure began in 1756 following Marshal de Montesquiou's request to protect against English and Dutch privateers in the Glénan archipelago.
The fort switched functions throughout time, serving as a meteorological station, an ornithological observatory, and currently hosts the Les Glénans sailing school activities.
The site undergoes extensive renovation work since 2019 to modernize facilities while maintaining its historical character through a partnership between local authorities and conservation organizations.
From 1891 to 1930, scientists at the fort conducted marine biology research and weather observations, contributing to maritime navigation improvements in the region.
Location: Fouesnant
Part of: Glénan Islands
GPS coordinates: 47.71675,-3.99305
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:46
This collection presents historical sites across France that lie away from the usual tourist routes. From medieval fortifications to Roman structures, these locations provide direct access to different periods of French history. The selection includes fortified towers, amphitheatres, Celtic temples and prehistoric sites. The sites featured include Roman theatres such as the one in Orange, medieval castles in Auvergne, Gallo-Roman temples in the Pyrenees and Palaeolithic caves in the Dordogne. Each location documents specific aspects of the past, whether through architectural remains, cave paintings or archaeological finds. These sites allow visitors to explore French history from prehistory through the Roman occupation to the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The locations are spread across different regions and are often less crowded than the well-known monuments, allowing for quieter visits.
Mousterlin
15 km
Phare de Penfret
3 km
Fort du Cabellou
16.5 km
Saint-Philibert's chapel
15.5 km
Phare de l'Île aux Moutons
6.9 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Saint-Nicolas des Glénan
954 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Neiges de Kerbader
16.1 km
La Baleine
14 km
Plage des Bouchers
16.3 km
Plage de Kermingham
16.4 km
Plage de Mousterlin
14.9 km
Plage de Kerannouat
14.2 km
Plage de Kerneuc
15.4 km
Plage de l'Ile Saint-Nicolas
1.1 km
Plage de Kerdalé
14.5 km
Dourveil
16 km
Plage de Kermyl
15.3 km
Trévignon
14 km
Phare du Cochon
16.5 km
Plage de Kerouini
14.1 km
Calvaire de la Chapelle Saint-Guénolé de Fouesnant
16 km
Chapelle Saint-Guénolé de Fouesnant
15.9 km
Stèle de l’âge du fer de Saint-Philibert
15.5 km
Menhir de Kerdalé
14.8 km
Retranchement protohistorique
16.3 km
Plage du Large
16.5 km
Plage de Coat Clevarec
15 km
Plage du Grand Large
15 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes