Fort de la Prée
Less well known than the citadel of Saint Martin, the Fort de la Prée is nevertheless well worth a visit, as it is the oldest military fort on theIle de Ré! Situated between La-Flotte-en-Ré and Rivedoux, 30 km from the campsite, Fort de La Prée is one of the rare examples of pre-Vauban military architecture in Charente-Maritime. Discover it.
Visits and events at Fort de la Prée
Discover the history of this 17th-century fortress, which has so much to tell, on a self-guided or guided tour.
From the bastions of the ramparts to the powder magazine and the blockhouses built by the Germans during the Second World War, the fort's walls hold many secrets. To find out more, simply follow the guide through the various rooms and exhibitions devoted to the history of the fort, the military architecture of the Charentais forts and the daily life of the Rétais people under the German occupation.
If you're spending your camping vacation with the kids, don't miss the exhibition devoted to the King's Musketeers. You're sure to be a hit! Young and old alike will be invited to don a musketeer's costume and fight a sword duel! It's sure to make your visit a lot more fun and less time-consuming for the kids!
Another discovery: the museum of ancient graffiti
Located in the Commandant's house, the exhibition features numerous graffiti casts and original stones found in Charente-Maritime, the oldest dating back to the 12th century.
Between two exhibitions, take the time to turn around and admire the exceptional panorama of the Ile de Ré bridge and the ocean from the ramparts. Finally, if you're not in a hurry, take advantage of your time in La Flotte to follow up with a visit to the Châteliers abbey, located right next to the fort.
A little history
Built in 1625 with the ambition of asserting royal power against the Protestants of La Rochelle, the fort de la Prée did not meet with the unanimous approval of Louis XIII's generals. The square fortress with its four bastions, two of which faced the sea, was deemed too small, with a capacity of just 400 men, and, above all, unable to withstand a siege for lack of water. As a result, the fort underwent major modifications on Colbert's orders in the second half of the 17th century. Having fallen into oblivion for a time, Fort de la Prée returned to service in 1793. It was refurbished in 1875, before finally closing its doors in 1934.
During the Second World War, the German army occupied the fort. They built two blockhouses for telecommunications and observation, known as the "Berta" battery. A few years later, another era and another setting. Fort de la Prée became a vacation camp from 1950 to 1980. It was listed as a historic monument in 2008.
Find out more about visiting Fort de la Prée
Open from April to the end of September, and during the All Saints' vacation period.
Tour duration: approx. 1 to 2 hours
Address: Route de Rivedoux, 17630 La Flotte