Belle-Île-en-Mer Citadel

Belle-Île, France

The first fort in Belle-Île island was built in 1540 by François of Rohan. It was heavily reconstructed as a large fortress in 1683-1689 according the design of famous fortress architect Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. In 1761-63 it was besieged and occupied by the English fleet. Since 1960 it has been a Museum hotel.

References:

Citadelle Vauban

Castles and fortifications in France

Address

La Citadelle, Belle-Île, France

See all sites in Belle-Île

Details

Founded: 1540
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

More Information

www.citadellevauban.com

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ange GILLET (4 years ago)
Magnifique lieu chargé d histoire et que dire de cette vue ! je conseil vivement ...

Antoine Falempin (5 years ago)
Miraculous hotel, enjoyable scenary

Hervé DAUL (5 years ago)
Lieu rempli d'histoire situé sur belle en mer. Visite très intéressante et enivrante, proposant de magnifique vues, paysages et découvertes. Le personnel est très compétent et souriant. Accès facile aux personnes en fauteuil roulant. Tarif abordable. Bâtiment faisant partie du patrimoine historique et culturel de l'ile

Philippe Mesny (5 years ago)
Site exceptionnel , témoin du génie de Vauban. Hôtel unique en son genre. Chambres spacieuses. Petit déjeuner somptueux.

Monco Carser (5 years ago)
Fortress of impressive size and interesting details. Good place to visit. You can spend a nice amount of time going around and seeing their interesting exhibition.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Timeless Treasures of Wales

Gothic Cathedrals of Belgium

Migthy Cathar Castles

Photo from Flickr, copyright Robert Anders

Historic Site of the week

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped theater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive cedar of Lebanon timber. It was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000. It lasted intact until it was destroyed and left in ruins by the Heruli in 267 AD.

The audience stands and the orchestra (stage) were restored using Pentelic marble in the 1950s. Since then it has been the main venue of the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October each year, featuring a variety of acclaimed Greek as well as International performances.