Fort Mont Louis

Mont-Louis, France

Located in the eastern Pyrenees at an altitude of 1600 metres, the stronghold of Mont-Louis was built from scratch by Vauban on granite terrain and is perfectly adapted to the geography of the site. Work started in 1679 and was completed in two years. The fortified ensemble was added as a complement to Villefranche-de-Conflent in securing the route from the Pyrenees.

This ensemble consists of two square structures, in tiers on the slope: a citadel with orillon bastions and demi-lunes (ravelins) and a new town enclosed in the enceinte. Although it is rare, all the watch towers and drawbridge gates as well as both churches and wells have been preserved intact since the 17th century. The citadel is still used for military purposes today.

References:

sites-vauban.org

Address

La Citadelle, Mont-Louis, France

See all sites in Mont-Louis

Details

Founded: 1679
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

More Information

www.sites-vauban.org
whc.unesco.org

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Villefranche-de-Conflent Fortress (22 km)
St. Mary Magdalene Church (47,9 km)
Château de Peyrepertuse (53,6 km)
Alet Cathedral Ruins (55,1 km)
Serrabone Priory (40,3 km)
Abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou (23,2 km)
Château de Montségur (46,9 km)
Fort Libéria (22 km)
Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa (26,2 km)

User Reviews

C. GAILLARD (2 years ago)
My first visit in the Pyrenees to one of the cities fortified by the strategist Vauban. Remains a historic solar oven. There is the National Training Center of the 1st Commando de Choc Regiment. The place invites you to imagine what could have happened.

Thierry Andrianaly (2 years ago)
Visit of one of the towns fortified by Vauban. It now houses the National Commando Training Center 1st Shock Regiment and a historic solar oven.

Wenceslao Janda (2 years ago)
It is really worth knowing, the village is magical, the fortress is very beautiful, very well preserved, it is a World Heritage Site, the town has a great charm. I recommend it 100%

eric gatell (2 years ago)
Military fortress. You can only see it from outside.

Jordi T. (Ubuntu) (3 years ago)
Disappointing The visit is not allowed and you can find it upon arrival at the entrance. However, a trek through its surroundings is beautiful.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Riccardo Ravelli

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