Who built the citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer?

A first fort was built here in the mid 16th century by the Rohan family, then bought and enlarged by the Gondi, before Fouquet had further work done and Vauban gave it its final shape at the end of the 17th century.

Was the citadel used as a prison?

Yes, it held among others the accomplices in the poison affair, political prisoners in the 19th century at the Haute-Boulogne wall, and German officers and soldiers during both world wars.

What remains of the Haute-Boulogne wall?

About 338 metres survive out of the original 670, with the stretch along the coast remaining nearly intact.

Is the citadel a listed historic monument?

Yes, it has been listed since 2007 for its facades, roofs and constituent elements, while the Haute-Boulogne wall has been registered since 1994.

Citadelle du Palais, à Belle-Ile-en-Mer

Le Palais

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Citadelle du Palais, à Belle-Ile-en-Mer stands in Le Palais (Morbihan), in the Bretagne region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: milieu 19th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Facing the harbour of Le Palais, the citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer spreads its star-shaped layout over a granite headland that once guarded the entrance to the port. A Breton stronghold begun in the mid 16th century, enlarged under the Gondi family and then Fouquet, it owes its present form to Vauban's engineers, who worked here during his three visits in the 1680s. Five centuries of military history unfold across the site, from wars against the English to German prisoners held here in the Second World War, within buildings that still show their Louis XIII character.

Written from Citadelle de Belle-Île-en-Mer

This place also features in Vauban’s citadels and forts

What to know

The site sits on a rocky headland facing the harbour of Le Palais, with outdoor walks along the ramparts that involve some walking.
The citadel brings together buildings from several periods, from the 16th to the 19th century, including a circular powder magazine and casemate remains listed as historic monuments.
The Haute-Boulogne wall, a remnant of the former detention centre, runs partly along the seafront and forms a separate protected structure listed since 1994.
The whole complex is a listed historic monument, covering in particular the facades, roofs and underground elements of the citadel.

Where this château is

Le Palais · Morbihan · Bretagne

Map of the area around Citadelle du Palais, à Belle-Ile-en-Mer

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

La Citadelle, 56360 Le Palais

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 2 97 31 84 17

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00091470
Period of construction: milieu 19th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer?: A first fort was built here in the mid 16th century by the Rohan family, then bought and enlarged by the Gondi, before Fouquet had further work done and Vauban gave it its final shape at the end of the 17th century.
Was the citadel used as a prison?: Yes, it held among others the accomplices in the poison affair, political prisoners in the 19th century at the Haute-Boulogne wall, and German officers and soldiers during both world wars.
What remains of the Haute-Boulogne wall?: About 338 metres survive out of the original 670, with the stretch along the coast remaining nearly intact.
Is the citadel a listed historic monument?: Yes, it has been listed since 2007 for its facades, roofs and constituent elements, while the Haute-Boulogne wall has been registered since 1994.