Citadelle de Brouage

Rich and prosperous, the city quickly became a strategic stake between the Protestants and the Catholics who disputed it. Cardinal de Richelieu became governor in 1627. He asked Pierre d'Argencourt to fortify the town which was to become a stronghold reputed to be impregnable.

From the end of the 1685th century, Brouage began to decline, and Vauban intervened in XNUMX to reduce the importance of the fortifications. Used as a prison town during the Revolution, Brouage fell asleep, forgotten by the sea.

Its fame is also due to figures such as Samuel Champlain, born in Brouage around 1570 and founder of the city of Quebec, and Marie Mancini, exiled here in 1659 by her uncle, Cardinal Mazarin, to keep her away from Louis XIV.

Access to the citadel is free throughout the year. Guided tours are offered by the Tourist Office – particularly during school holidays – and cover the history of the port, fortifications, and military buildings.
Costumed visits during the summer season.

All year, every day.
Exceptional closures on January 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25.