Fort du Dellec, Military fort and cultural venue in Plouzané, France

Fort du Dellec is a military fortress perched on the coastal cliffs of Plouzané, overlooking the Brest waterway. Stone fortifications form the structure with viewing points across the landscape and walking paths that connect to nearby coastal routes.

The fort was not built by Vauban, contrary to a common belief; a first coastal battery protected by an earth rampart was erected in the 18th century, modified in 1841–1842, and a second battery was added west of the fort in 1885. A shot furnace for heating cannonballs was installed in 1795. Most visible elements date from the 19th century, except the barracks, powder magazine and keeper's house from the 18th.

The fort is open to the public free of charge and has become an outdoor cultural and leisure space. Its belvederes, accessible to visitors, look onto the goulet de Brest, the narrowest point of which lies here: only 1 km separates the fort from the Roscanvel peninsula to the south. The small cove below shelters a marina used by pleasure boaters.

The site is accessible via coastal walking paths connecting Brest to Le Conquet with several viewing areas along the way. Wear sturdy footwear since paths can be uneven and clifftop winds are common.

In 1795 a shot furnace was installed in the fort: cannonballs were heated until red-hot and fired at wooden enemy ships to set them alight. The fort also kept a small crenellated bastion with machicolations guarding the surrounding ditch on the landward side.