Le Palais, fortifications, Belle-Ile, France

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24675 pts.

Off the path Explo

68 %

Off the path Explo rate

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Comments

The ramparts are famous in the region. But this is a cool off the path Explo. Well done Fritz :-)
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- Description
  
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  Nice description. But there are no tips for a unique visit!
- Plans & useful information
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes, for the useful information, and you added a Google map plan!
- Pictures
  
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  Yes, 4 pics.
- Precise localization on map
  
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- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
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This is a rare example of a 19th century urban fortified enclosure. The ramparts kept their original state. I won't write about the close Vauban Citadel (16th century), located on the other side of the estuary: Vauban Citadel

My experience, Explo description:

In 1689, Vauban built his citadel in the Northern side of the estuary, while the Le Palais ramparts were located to the South. He later intended to fortify the city, but this project was never executed. In 1761, the English attacked Belle-Ile and settled their cannons on the Le Palais heights (which were not defended) and won the victory.

When Belle-Ile returned back to France, it was decided to construct a fortified enclosure to protect the city and the Citadel. The works begun under Napoleon and were suspended from 1815 to 1861. They were finally terminated in 1877.

When the urban enclosure was finished, artillery had already made heavy improvements, and military mobility was preferred rather than building strong defences: thus, the urban enclosure did never experience any battle.

Itis now classified as a National historical monuments.

The urban enclosure of Le Palais has a neoclassical architecture. It consists of 2 gates, (Porte Vauban and Porte Bangor) and 3 bastions connected by a wall. Walls are well maintained and a broad green gap serves as the promenade. The area has been upgraded with picnic areas. A pleasant tagged trail drives you among the fortifications.

How getting there:

By feet: Leave the port. Take Les Ramparts street which rises and provides views on the Vauban Citadel opposite. It passes under the gate of Locmaria. Just after this gate, rather than continuing on the road, turn right along the trail that is going into the green fields between 2 lines of fortifications and follow the tags.

Afficher fortifications de Le Palais sur une carte plus grande

Useful information:

Open hours:

Free.

Visit duration:

1-2 hours.

Entry fees:

Free.

Access security:

You need permission to access inside of the buildings.

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