If you have to remember one name in this story, here it is: Vauban. A royal architect, he is also one in the hearts of the people of Bordeaux, whose main defenses he built, at times when we could not have walked whistling near the rivers, in particular. This is also how the name “Verrou Vauban” was born, this military triptych built to counter the enemy, from the citadel of Blaye to Fort Médoc.

Say, tell me the story ofu Fort Medoc

In the fall of 1689, the teams that had worked in Blaye were monopolized to build Fort-Médoc, on the marshy left bank of the Gironde. Fort-Pâté, the third element of the lock, was built at the same time as Fort-Médoc. Fort-Médoc's defensive works were quickly completed. The garrison takes possession of it, even if all the buildings are far from being finished.

In 1789, a few men, most of them invalids, and three old cannons ensured the defense of the fort. Here we are!

Fort-Médoc escaped destruction in 1814 and was decommissioned by the army in 1916, then acquired by the municipality in 1930. A fairly rock'n roll story for the Fort, which will continue to see its future constantly questioned , but all is well: he is still there!

Let's stop for a moment and start with the royal gate: its sculpted decor, the work of Pierre Berquin, exalts the power and prestige of the monarchy. Yes, it throws! The pediment represents the sun, symbol of Louis XIV, from which rays radiate in all directions, of course. The vaulted corridor under the central building is closed by a wooden door and by a portcullis (disappeared); loopholes ensure the defense of the passage. In short, nothing is missing from this military arsenal. The main building includes the residence of the major of the garrison, arms rooms and beautiful vaulted rooms. The inner courtyard was originally bordered by two barracks that could accommodate the men of the garrison. Of these barracks, all that remains today are the floors, a few sections of wall and chimneys (one of the bedrooms in the south barracks has been restored), a chapel (restored), a bakery being restored at the far end from the north barracks.

This place offers a magnificent panorama of Blaye, Fort-Pâté and the estuary. Fort-Médoc, saved from ruin, restored from year to year, place of animation of the town, serves as a setting for cultural and festive events. We even remember seeing Jimmy Cliff singing Reggae Night there, sitting on bales of straw. The icing on the cake, a pontoon on the estuary allows visitors to access this magnificent site in a different way, very peaceful, after a short boat trip! 

Fort-Medoc
Cussac-fort-medoc
Classified Historic Monument.
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Fortifications of Vauban

Things to see and do near Fort Médoc

The dome of the Lamarque church

The dome of the Saint-Seurin church, like a lighthouse in the middle of the village of Lamarque, dominates the entire landscape.
This recently restored curiosity is accessed by a wooden spiral staircase of 189 steps. Up there,
it is a marvel, with four bull's-eye windows, each provided with an orientation table and opening
over an exceptional panorama: village, forest, Médoc vineyards, the estuary and its islands.

And much more…

13 results)

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4

Hide and seek in the Médoc in Castelnau-de-Médoc

castelnau-de-medoc
1,1 km
by bike
Duration: 1,1
Difficulty : Easy-to-use

Roller ride: The Arcins marsh

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Roller ride: The Arcins marsh

arches
9,55 km
walk
Duration: 2 p.m.
Difficulty : Very easy
10 D +

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2

Saint-Laurent Listrac horse loop

saint-laurent-medoc
29 km

5

Fort Medoc

cussac-fort-medoc

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5

Loops of the Arcins-Soussans marshes

souss without
11,5 km
walk
Duration: 1 p.m.
Difficulty : Easy-to-use

From the river to the Châteaux: Saint-Laurent du Médoc

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From the river to the Châteaux: Saint-Laurent du Médoc

saint-laurent-medoc
14,2 km
walk
Duration: 3 p.m.
Difficulty : Easy-to-use

5

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2

Saint-Laurent Sud Horse Loop

saint-laurent-medoc
29 km

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2

Horse Loop Saint-Laurent West

saint-laurent-medoc
26 km

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5

Hide and seek in Médoc in Listrac-Médoc

listrac-medoc
1,1 km
by bike
Duration: 1,1
Difficulty : Easy-to-use

The Liron Way

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The Liron Way

saint-laurent-medoc
11 km
walk
Duration: 2h
Difficulty : Easy-to-use