The fortress of Fort-Saint-Louis built in a "Vauban" style was erected in the 17th century by Jacques Dyel du Parquet, then lieutenant-general of Martinique in the bottom of Anglo-French rivalry for possession of the island.
At first it was just a wooden fence which was gradually increased to house the garrison responsible for protecting the people of Martinique. In 1670, the fort could accommodate up to 800 people.
He was first named "Fort Royal" and "Fort of the Republic" and finally "Fort St. Louis" in 1802 and it was around that developed the city of Fort-de-France.
Today the Fort Saint-Louis is still home to the commander of the French Navy in the West Indies and French Guiana. Long time (13 years!) closed to visitors, the fort will soon welcome visitors every day.
The tour will leave from La Française Beach, where a new door has been created. The course will last about an hour : "This is a circuit which is still interesting to understand things, even if it is short to say all that could be said about the Fort " according Jonhattan Vidal, military archaeologist.
It will propose, among other, mount a bastion, spend a curtain, dive into an underground section of the fort, reaching the highest level of defense of the fort, with a 360° view over the bay of Fort-de-France.
The reopening of the public places began Thursday, July 10, 2014.
