Fort Saint-Père

Fort Saint-Père is a military fortification featuring four corner bastions connected by curtain walls and surrounded by a wide ditch. The perimeter is protected by covered pathways that preserve the typical geometric design of 18th-century defensive structures.

The fortification was built between 1777 and 1785 under King Louis XVI to protect Saint-Malo's land route from British threats. Construction occurred during a period when France was strengthening its coastal defenses.

The fort now serves as a major event venue and draws large crowds each year for the La Route du Rock music festival. Over time the site has become a living cultural hub where music and history intersect.

The fort sits approximately 9 kilometers south of Saint-Malo and is accessible year-round. The grounds are maintained using an ecological approach with grazing goats to naturally manage vegetation.

Inside the fort lies one of Europe's largest 18th-century powder magazines, constructed with external buttresses for reinforcement. This massive structure demonstrates the careful engineering required for storing explosives safely.