Fort d'Aleth

Fort d'Aleth is an 18th-century fortress on a promontory near Saint-Malo with thick stone walls and several defensive bastions. The site contains underground passages and bunkers that reveal the extent of its military infrastructure.

The fortress was built in 1759 and later converted into a German defensive stronghold during World War II. The site saw heavy use and damage during the 1944 battle for Saint-Malo.

The fort houses a museum focused on wartime history that helps visitors understand what happened here and why it matters to local memory. The rooms and exhibits connect the physical space to human experiences during conflict.

You can reach the fortress via marked paths from Saint-Malo, with guided tours available to explain the architecture and military systems. A visit typically takes two to three hours depending on how much time you spend in the museum areas.

The site occupies a strategic promontory that Romans used as early as the 1st century, making it a location of continuous military importance. The views across Saint-Malo bay explain why this spot remained central to coastal defense through the centuries.

Location: Saint-Malo

Inception: 1759

GPS coordinates: 48.63734,-2.02983

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:29