25 minutes from the campsite, between Oleron Island And Rochefort, discover the citadel of Brouage, a jewel of the cultural heritage of Charente-Maritime and a site labeled “Most Beautiful Village of France” since 2017. Lost in the immensity of the marshes, this fortified city created from scratch by Richelieu in the 17th century reveals the charm of its ramparts, its monuments steeped in history and its alleys lined with artisan shops.
The Brouage citadel-museum, a stone star in the middle of the marsh
For a first look at the city, head to the Royal Gate, the main gate of the star-shaped fortifications. A trail leads from the quayside of the old commercial port to the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Along the way, you can discover the Royal Gate hangars, the powder magazines, the cooperage, the royal forge, and the Food Hall. All the monuments of interest are presented with the help of very detailed explanatory panels.
The Food Hall is the largest structure in the citadel: 54 meters long. With its red brick and cut stone facade, the building is reminiscent of the Royal Ropeworks of Rochefort. Built in 1631, it was once used to supply the kingdom's troops and warships. Today, the building houses the European Center for Military Architecture. Temporary exhibitions, conferences, and symposia are regularly held there.
At the foot of the walls and in the cobbled streets of the stronghold, the small shops of local and Canadian artisans (we'll tell you why later) add an extra charm to the visit. From the top of the ramparts, the patrol path offers a unique view of the village of Hiers, the Gulf of Saintonge, and the salt marshes.
Brouage, the most Quebecois of French cities
The village's close ties to Quebec City, Canada, are due to the great explorer Samuel de Champlain, who was born in Brouage. In 1608, he founded Quebec City, the first French city in America, which was then called New France. The interpretive trail "Brouage, Champlain, and New France" invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of the famous navigator, from the Gulf of Saintonge to the meandering St. Lawrence River in Quebec.
A bit of history…
A former port dedicated to the salt trade under the reign of Louis XIV, Brouage became a Catholic stronghold in the 16th century, commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu. The plans for the citadel were entrusted to the architect Pierre d'Argencourt. The fortifications were redesigned by Vauban in 1685. Reputed to be impregnable, the citadel, however, lost its importance by the end of the 17th century. Over time, the ocean retreated far from the town, giving way to vast expanses of marshland inland. Brouage became a prison town during the French Revolution and, when the army finally left the area in 1885, was abandoned and largely ruined. In the 1990s, Brouage was included in the Réseau des Grands Sites de France (Network of Great Sites of France). The citadel then underwent a major restoration campaign to restore its former charm.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Open all year round
- Distance from the campsite: 25 minutes by car (18 km)
- Guided tours, dramatized tours and puzzle trails for children organized by the Tourist Office (located near the church of Brouage)
- + info: http://brouage-tourisme.fr
Photo: © Jean-Christophe BENOIST