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The fortifications of Saint-Martin
Discovery
Explore the fortifications of Saint-Martin: a captivating journey through the majestic ramparts and fascinating military history of the island of Ré
A little history...
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortifications of Saint-Martin were built by the engineer Vauban to provide shelter for the entire population of the island in the event of an enemy landing. These fortifications are unique in their size: 14 km of ramparts in a semi-circle with a 1.5 km radius.
In the past, they housed an arsenal, shops for food and gunpowder, barracks and officers' quarters... The citadel is open to the sea via a small fortified port, now the heart of the town with restaurants and shops all around. A walk around the ramparts offers great views of the ocean. The walk leads from the small port of the citadel to the port of Saint-martin in the town centre.
1H8 min by bike from le phare
ile de ré