The fortress was built using limestone salvaged from the ruins of the 12th-century Abbaye des Châteliers located nearby.
Cardinal Richelieu commissioned the construction to maintain control over the Île de Ré during the period of Protestant rebellions.
The fort's star-shaped design was specifically engineered to eliminate blind spots for defensive cannon fire.
During the Second World War, the German army integrated the fort into the Atlantic Wall defense system.
The chapel within the fort was extensively restored to reflect its original architectural features.
Fort La Prée is the oldest military structure on the Île de Ré, constructed in 1625 under the orders of Cardinal Richelieu. Designed by the architect d'Argencourt, the fort features a distinctive star-shaped trace italienne layout intended to defend against naval assaults. It was heavily modified by Vauban in the late 17th century, incorporating stone from the nearby Abbaye des Châteliers. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the site served various roles, including a military prison and a barracks. Today, the fortress functions as an open-air historical site hosting thematic exhibitions about its military and religious heritage. Visitors can explore the ramparts, the parade ground, and restored interior rooms that showcase the fort's long defensive history. The site provides panoramic views of the Pertuis Breton strait and the mainland coastline. Maintenance and preservation are managed by the Association des Amis du Fort de la Prée.
The highest point of the ramparts facing the Île de Ré bridge provides the best vantage for wide-angle landscape shots.
Walk the entire perimeter of the ramparts for unobstructed views of the ocean and the bridge to the mainland.
Check the official schedule before visiting, as the site periodically hosts guided historical reenactments.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes as the historical flooring and stone stairs are uneven.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on restricted sections of the stone walls, as they are fragile and pose a safety risk.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during winter months.
Stay within marked pathways to preserve the archaeological integrity of the ramparts.
