Design by Vauban 1680 (≈ 1680)
Drawings for Louis XIV.
Fin du XVIIe siècle
Initial construction
Initial construction Fin du XVIIe siècle (≈ 1795)
Construction of the bastions and half moons.
1830
Defensive extensions
Defensive extensions 1830 (≈ 1830)
Addition of external works.
12 octobre 1929
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 12 octobre 1929 (≈ 1929)
Registration of initial items.
1960
Installation of 1st RPIMa
Installation of 1st RPIMa 1960 (≈ 1960)
Parachute regiment in garrison.
27 mai 2013
Extension of classification
Extension of classification 27 mai 2013 (≈ 2013)
Protection of 19th century additions.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The citadel, with its three half moons and glacis: inscription by order of 12 October 1929 - The 19th century extension of the citadel, in full (Box BK 4, 47, 57; BC 118): inscription by decree of 27 May 2013
Key figures
Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban - Military engineer
Manufacturer of the citadel in 1680.
Louis XIV - King of France
Sponsor of fortifications.
Origin and history
The citadel of Bayonne, called "Citadel General Georges-Bergé" in 1999, was a military work designed by engineer Vauban in 1680 at the request of Louis XIV to strengthen the city's defences. Built on a hill north of Adour, it overlooks the neighborhood of Holy Spirit. Its initial plans include a 480-metre square side, four mumps bastions, three half moons and tenails in the ditches, characteristic of Vauban's first defensive system. In 1830, external works were added to modernize its defences.
The citadel has been classified as a historical monument since 1929 and has had several uses: a prison during the Revolution and the First Empire, and a military camp now home to the 1st Parachutist Regiment of Marine Infantry (RPIMA) since 1960. The Porte Royale, closed, and the Porte de Secours, the only current access, testify to its architectural evolution. Its protected features include half moons, glacis, and 19th century extensions, registered in 2013.
The site illustrates Vauban's strategic legacy, combining 17th century military innovation and subsequent adaptations. Its role in local history reflects the geopolitical stakes of Bayonne, a border town between France and Spain, as well as its importance as a stronghold under the Old Regime and revolutionary periods. The citadel remains a symbol of the French military presence in the Basque Country, while being a protected architectural heritage.
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