At a glance
Venture into this fort that bears witness to the Grand Siècle. A journey through 300 years of history awaits you, with Napoleonic re-enactments in summer for total immersion.
Venture into this fort that bears witness to the Grand Siècle. A journey through 300 years of history awaits you, with Napoleonic re-enactments in summer for total immersion.
Built under the reign of Louis XIII to defend the island from Protestantism, Fort La Prée was remodeled by the engineer Vauban before becoming a secondary post.
A visit to Fort La Prée promises a journey through the history of Vauban and coastal fortifications, as well as the island itself. A true testament to the Grand Siècle, this building is the perfect way to combine historical discovery with a fun-filled family outing.
The fort is open to the public from April to September, and during the All Saints’ vacation period, with guided or self-guided tours.
The best way to discover Fort La Prée is through the main gate.
Once there, feel free to observe the surroundings and familiarize yourself with the site. Then head for the inner courtyard.
Visit its rooms, in any order you like, then continue on to the upper quarters, then to the extension to the east of the site dedicated to the Second World War, and finish in the lower right-hand section.
Congratulations! In just a few hours, you’ve traversed almost 300 years of history, from 1685 to the Occupation!
The term La Prée is actually a variant of the word prairie, as in the village of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée, located between Rochefort and La Rochelle.
Right in the middle of the summer vacations, an exceptional event takes place: a week-long re-enactment of a Napoleonic-era infantry regiment.
Shooting demonstrations, changing of the guard, bivouac life, a twelve-round charge and camp withdrawal in preparation for a new campaign at the end of the holiday… it’s an exceptional opportunity not to be missed to take a step back in time.
For re-enactment enthusiasts and those eager to learn more, you won’t be disappointed!
Guided tours at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on opening days, from 8:30 p.m. in July/August.
Duration ≈ 1 h 15
Ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing time.
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