Tour Vauban du Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Artillery tower in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, France.
The Vauban tower is a limestone structure with four cannon openings and a cone-shaped roof that overlooks the harbor entrance. It stands at the water's edge, allowing views across the entire port area from its position.
The tower was built in 1694 by architect Benjamin de Combes as part of a network of five sentinel towers protecting the Normandy coast. These fortifications were created during a period of increased French coastal security efforts.
The tower shows how people in the 17th century defended the French coast and has been protected as a historical monument since 1948. Visitors can see the military thinking of that era reflected in its design and position.
The tower is easy to view from the harbor during a walk along the port area. The surrounding area is freely accessible from the waterfront and easy to reach on foot.
The tower served a double purpose, functioning both as a defensive fort and as a beacon to help ships identify the harbor entrance. This dual role was common in fortifications at busy French coastal ports of that period.
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