Fort du Loch, Military fort in Guidel, France
Fort du Loch is a military fort in Guidel featuring an irregular pentagonal shape with rounded corners, surrounded by a wide moat and defensive walls. Two internal buildings within the complex once housed troops and stored military supplies.
The fort was constructed in 1756 to protect the port of Lorient from English attacks. It formed part of a broader defensive network along the Breton coast.
The fort received official recognition as a historic monument on June 1, 1960, preserving its military architectural heritage for future generations.
The fort is accessible via local roads in Guidel and allows visitors to explore the entire site including its outer walls and ditches. The best time to visit is during clear weather when you can fully walk the grounds.
The fort features five semi-circular caponnières with crenels that allowed defenders to guard the ditches from several strategic positions. This design was typical of 18th century French military architecture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.