The fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Aerial view of the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré ©

A stone star between land and sea

Built under Louis XIV from 1681 to 1691 by the military engineer Vau- ban to defend and shelter the local population of the island against a siege and enemy landing, the for- tifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré are unique by their scale: 14 km of ramparts on a semicircle of 1.5 km radius.

Classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Network of Major Sites built by Vauban

You can visit the fortifications at your own leisure or join a guided tour organised by the local tourist office Destination Ile de Ré.