Redoute de l'Aiguille, Listed historical fort in Fouras, France
The Redoute de l'Aiguille is a listed historical fort in Fouras, on the Atlantic coast of France. It has a large square footprint with two vaulted underground rooms called casemates in the southern corners and a courtyard once entered through a door on the south side.
The fort was built around 1673 to block access to the Pointe de l'Aiguille and stop enemy ships from approaching the coast. In the 18th century its walls were reinforced, especially on the seaward side, and it was officially listed as a historical monument in 2002.
The fort takes its name from the Pointe de l'Aiguille, the narrow tip of land where it stands. Walking along the shore, visitors can see the large square outline of the structure rising at the water's edge on its southern side.
Parts of the fort have been altered over time, so walking around the outside first gives a good overall sense of the structure. The southern side, which meets the water, is best seen at low tide when more of the base is exposed.
The northern side of the fort, once used as barracks, was partly demolished and replaced with a concrete hangar at some point in the 20th century. This contrast between old stone walls and bare concrete is one of the more unexpected things you notice when walking around the site.
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