Fort National, Saint-Malo

Castle in Saint-Malo

Fort National, Saint Malo, France
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Pline

The Fort National in Saint-Malo is a historic fortress built in 1689 by the renowned military architect Vauban to protect the city’s port. Positioned on a tidal island just off the walled city, the fort was originally called Fort Royal before undergoing several name changes, including Fort Impérial and finally Fort National in 1870.

The fort played a crucial role in Saint-Malo’s defenses, forming part of a network of fortifications stretching from Fort-la-Latte to Pointe de la Varde. It was designed to withstand naval attacks, and in 1693, it successfully repelled an Anglo-Dutch assault aimed at breaching the city’s defenses. The structure includes a dry moat, a drawbridge, and a barracks building, which housed troops and ammunition.

During World War II, the fort was used as a prison by German forces, holding over 500 residents of Saint-Malo before the city’s liberation. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and history, offering guided tours that explore its military past and strategic significance. Accessible by foot at low tide, the fort provides breathtaking views of the Bay of Saint-Malo and the surrounding coastline.

The Fort National, Saint-Malo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Malo!

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Visiting Fort National, Saint-Malo

Address: Fort National, Saint-Malo, France

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