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The Rocky spur dominating the
natural harbour and Le Palais roadstead has been occupied since antiquity. In
the 11th century, monks from Redon, followed later by other monks from Quimperlé,
founded a monastery. But because of its natural riches, Belle-Ile was invaded
and pillaged time and again. In 1549, King Henry II ordered the construction of
a fort and in 1572 Charles IX gave the island to Admiral Albert De Gondi, baron
of Retz, on condition that he organize its defence. In 1658, Henry De Gondi, having
been ruined, ceded the island to the Surintendant Fouquet, who immediately set
about constructing the Citadel but was arrested (1661) before he could finish
it. Louis XIV sent Vauban there in 1683 and, in the course of three short visits,
the brilliant engineer drew up comprehensive plans for the diffence of the Island
and town. only the plans for the Citadel, which was extended and restructured,
were carried in to effect. it was attacked several times during the 18th Century,
and captured by the English in 1761. he Island was return to France by the Treaty
of Paris (1763) in exchange for Minorca and has lived in peace ever since. Listed
as a historical monument on May 1933 and occupied by the German army from 1940
to 1945, the citadel was sold by the State in 1960. Now private property, it has
been fully restored and has become one of the most popular sites for tourists
ans cultural activities in Brittany. |
