Fort La Pree La Flotte Ile De Re Edouard Salmon Skystudio
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Venture into this fort dating from the ‘Grand Siècle’ (the Great Century), a period of French history during the 17th century, under the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV.
Fort La Prée is a journey through 300 years of history, with Napoleonic re-enactments organised in the summer for total immersion in the past.
Built under the reign of Louis XIII to defend the island from Protestantism, Fort La Prée was redesigned by the famous engineer, Vauban, before becoming a secondary post.
A visit to Fort La Prée promises a journey through the history of Vauban coastal fortifications, as well as the island itself. A true testament to the ‘Grand Siècle’, this building is the perfect way to combine history and a fun family outing.
The fort can be visited on a self-guided or guided tour, depending on opening days and times.
Wall Fort La Pree Ile De Re
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Reconstitution Fort La Pree Ile De Re
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Start your visit at the main gate of Fort La Prée.
Once inside, have a look around the site before heading for the inner courtyard.
Visit the rooms, in any order you like, then continue on to the upper quarters. Next, go to the extended section, on the eastern side, dedicated to the Second World War, and finish in the lower right-hand section.
Congratulations! In a short space of time, you have journeyed through almost 300 years of history, from 1685 to the Occupation of France during the Second World War!
The term ‘la prée’ is actually a variant of the word ‘prairie’, also used in the name of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée, a village located between Rochefort and La Rochelle.
In the summer holidays, an exceptional event takes place: a week-long re-enactment of a Napoleonic-era infantry regiment.
Take a step back in time with shooting demonstrations, the changing of the guard, life in a military camp, a twelve-step musket-loading drill and taking down the camp in preparation for a new military campaign… This exceptional event is not to be missed!
For those who love living history and those eager to learn more about this time, you will not be disappointed!
Fort La Prée is open to the public from the French Easter holidays to October half-term.
Check the opening days and times before visiting, as the fort is sometimes used for private events.
Guided tours
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the site closes.
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