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Origin and history

The fort of Brescou, located on a 0.5 hectare volcanic island off Agde (Herault), came into being in 1586 when the Viscount of Joyeuse, Guillaume de Joyeuse, had it built to prevent the Spaniards from using this strategic point during the Wars of Religion. Enlarged in 1604-1605 and then in 1610, this first fort summary was partially destroyed in 1632 after the revolt of Duke Henry II of Montmorency, but the works ceased in 1634 with the beginning of the development of a neighbouring port. The present fort, probably dating from the last quarter of the 17th century, is often attributed to Vauban or his engineers, although later adjustments, notably by German troops during the Second World War (1942-1944), changed its structure.

Marrying the irregular shape of the rock, the fort consists of four bastions (Royal, Sainte-Anne, Saint-Antoine, Saint-André) connected by courtines, with an entrance protected by a half moon called Luneton de la Porte. Originally, the interior buildings, now hidden, included a house for the governor, a chapel, dungeons, a bakery, and houses for the garrison and prisoners. A large round tower, vestige of previous fortifications, supports the modern lighthouse. The fort served as both a military garrison and a state prison, welcoming Huguenots after the revocation of the edict of Nantes (1687), Protestants from Vivarais, or Algerian prisoners after 1843.

The fort played a minor military role, despite its strategic position. It was mainly used to monitor English vessels and protect local fishermen, with an active signal post from May to September. The garrison, often composed of invalids or militia, suffered from difficult conditions, as did the prisoners, some of whom were paying their own pensions. Escapes, although risky (1,500 m of swimming to the coast), were frequent, with about 25 attempts recorded between 1757 and 1773. After 1889, the fort was downgraded and assigned to the Bridges and Chaussées, before being automated in 1989 for its lighthouse.

Today, the fort of Brescou, classified as a Historic Monument since 1996, is closed to the public due to its state of disrepair. Restoration work has been undertaken since 1998, and the site was selected in 2019 for the Heritage Lotto. The island, renowned for its marine biodiversity (wolves, daurades, morayens), attracts divers and radio amateurs. Two lighthouses coexist on the island: a 16th century fanal and a modern 12 m lighthouse built in 1836, enhanced in 1901, and automated since 1989.

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