La Prée Fort is located in the coastal commune of La Flotte, in the Charente-Maritime department, on the northeast coast of the Île de Ré.
It was built in 1625 following the plans of the architect d'Argencourt, with the function of protecting the island while monitoring navigation in the passage of the Pertuis Breton and access to La Rochelle.
The oldest fort in the department, it was built by reusing the remains of the Romanesque abbey of Châteliers. Quite a symbol: the royal and Catholic power thus also wished to strengthen its power vis-à-vis La Rochelle, which remained a Protestant stronghold...
From 1628, changes were made with the addition of redans (protruding angles) and bastions at the level of the security enclosure. A covered path with retractable weapons areas will then be created. Blondel finally modernized the site while retaining old elements, adding a lower defense (counterguards, half-moons, new covered path, seafront), while to prevent the sea from entering the fort and silting up the port, a new enclosure will be built. A garrison building will rest on this glacis. Modifications will finally be imposed by Vauban: all the exteriors of the fort will be razed, the seafront being preserved and a battery will be added at the end, which will be combined with the lights of the citadel of Saint-Martin and the coastal citadels to completely ban the Breton sluice to enemies.
Around 1900, the site which had lost its usefulness was abandoned.
Occupied by the German army during the Second War, it then housed a holiday camp.
Today, listed in the Inventory, the fort is the property of an association.
A true belvedere over the sea, this unique testimony to the history of the island is open to visitors. There are also activities and shows for young audiences (treasure hunts, escape games, etc.). The site can occasionally be privatized or host seminars.
Open from April to September and during the All Saints holidays. Price: from 2.50 and 6 euros. Information on +33 5 46 09 73 33.
