The fortifications
The fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the Vauban Citadel
Listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadelle and fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré are a must-see during your camping holiday in l'île de Ré .
A little history
Designed by Vauban, the citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré was built in 1690, under the reign of Louis XIV, to protect the island of Ré, as well as the port of La Rochelle and the Rochefort arsenal, from English invasion. A first stronghold already existed in 1625. Vauban reused the site of the first fortress to build a citadel combined with a city wall.
From 1873 to 1938, the citadel became a transit point for convicts bound for the penal colony of French Guiana and New Caledonia. The Saint-Martin-de-Ré penitentiary was home to many famous prisoners. Among them were Captain Alfred Dreyfus, Guillaume Seznec and Henri Charrière, better known as "Papillon". Part of the citadel still houses a 400-strong prison.
Guided tour of the Vauban citadel
Protected by 14 km of ramparts, this perfect 280-meter square is reinforced at each corner by an orillon bastion, equipped with posterns and half-moons for crossfire. The star-shaped layout is characteristic of classic bastioned fortifications. Each defensive element protects its neighbor and eliminates blind spots for attacking fire.
The citadel is entered through a monumental gateway surmounted by a pediment bearing the effigy of the Sun King, who commissioned the fortifications. A visit to the Saint-Martin-de-Ré citadel includes the former barracks, the arsenal, the chapel, the gunpowder stores, the underground bastions, the officers' quarters and the small fortified port. A veritable city within the city, the fortress could house a garrison of 1,200 men.
Guided tour from June to September and during school vacations. Departure from the Porte des Campani in Saint-Martin de Ré.
Running time: 1 h 15
Price: €7 per person - €3 for children aged 5 to 12, free under 5.
Before or after your visit to the citadel: come and meet the "donkeys in knickers" in the Barbette park, at the foot of the fortifications. Children will be delighted to ride a Poitou donkey along the ramparts.