Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Royal Fort of Île Sainte-Marguerite, located on the largest of the Lérins islands in the bay of Cannes, finds its origins in a first fortification built between 1624 and 1627, probably under the direction of engineer Jean de Bonnefons. The island, occupied as early as the fifth century BC, housed a sanctuary dedicated to the local deity Léron. In 1635, the Spanish seized the fort and rebuilt it according to a pentagonal plan inspired by Moroccan fortresses, adding bastions and earthworks. The Battle of the Lérins Islands in 1637 enabled the French to regain control after a 45-day siege.

In the 17th century, the fort was reinforced by Vauban, which proposed improvements such as the construction of half moons and the transformation of the well into a tank, although some of its recommendations were never implemented. In 1685, the fort became a state prison, welcoming famous prisoners like the man with an iron mask under the governance of Bénigne Dauvergne de Saint-Mars. Six Protestant pastors are also imprisoned there for life after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, their cells becoming today a Huguenot memorial.

In the 18th century, the fort served as a refuge for the inhabitants of Cannes during the Austrian Succession War and was occupied by Austro-Sard troops in 1746. He underwent various changes, including the removal of the Royal Gate in 1841 and the installation of a coastal battery in 1862. After losing its prison function at the beginning of the 20th century, the fort was declared a historic monument in 1927. Since 1996, it has housed the Museum of the Iron Mask and the Fort Royal, as well as an international youth centre. Archaeological excavations, undertaken since 1973, have uncovered Roman and medieval remains.

Among the notable discoveries was a 1715 bronze cannon, found at sea in 1995, bearing the coat of arms of Louis XIV and the Duke of Maine. This cannon, with a calibre of 24 pounds, illustrates the French classical artillery of the early eighteenth century. Today, the fort attracts 80,000 annual visitors and benefits from a restoration within the framework of the 2024 Heritage Mission, with a contribution of 300,000 euros.

External links