Citadelle de Brouage
Dates & opening times
Descriptif
Rich and prosperous, the town quickly became a strategic battleground between Protestants and Catholics. Cardinal de Richelieu became governor in 1627. He asked Pierre d'Argencourt to fortify the town, which was to become an impregnable stronghold.
In the late 17th century, Brouage began to decline, and Vauban intervened in 1685 to reduce the importance of the fortifications. Used as a prison town during the French Revolution, Brouage fell asleep, forgotten by the sea.
Brouage's fame is also due to figures such as Samuel Champlain, born in Brouage around 1570 and founder of Quebec City, and Marie Mancini, exiled here in 1659 by her uncle, Cardinal de Mazarin, to keep her away from Louis XIV.
Access to the citadel is free all year round. Guided tours are offered by the Tourist Office - especially during school vacations: history of the port, fortifications, military buildings...
Costumed tours during the summer season.
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Characteristics
Charges
Gratuit