Fort de Pierre-Levée, Defense fortress in L'Île-d'Yeu, France
Fort de Pierre-Levée is a stone fortification positioned on a hilltop near Port-Joinville with four bastions and an arrow-shaped outer works. The structure features a crescent-shaped defensive outwork that completes the fortified perimeter.
The fortress was built between 1858 and 1866, replacing earlier defensive structures that had stood on the site. It later served as a military barracks and functioned at times as a prison holding up to 400 soldiers.
The fortress reflects how islanders prioritized coastal defense during the 1800s and organized their military presence. Walking through its spaces gives visitors a sense of daily life for those stationed here and the role this location played in protecting the region.
Access requires advance booking through the local tourism office, and visiting is possible only during designated times. Planning ahead is recommended to ensure you can visit and to learn about current tour availability.
The fort takes its name from a large standing stone that once occupied the construction site before being removed to make room for the fortification. This prehistoric monument was a notable landscape feature until the military structure replaced it.
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