Fort Louvois

About the museum

Fort Louvois, also known as the Fort du Chapus, stands on a rock in the commune of Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, at the foot of the Oléron bridge. Construction began in 1691 to a design by the Minister of War, the Marquis de Louvois. After his death, Vauban took over the project and reduced the plan to a horseshoe shape; the work was completed in 1694.

The fort was meant to cross its cannon fire with that of the Oléron citadel to defend the naval arsenal at Rochefort. It was adapted to the armaments of the following centuries and kept a garrison in the 19th century. During the liberation of Marennes in September 1944, it was heavily bombed.

The commune of Bourcefranc-le-Chapus later acquired the fort, which was restored in the 1960s. It has been a listed historic monument since 1929. Today, visitors explore on their own: the keep, barracks, provisions hall, powder magazine and guardroom, with a view of the Coureau d’Oléron from the top of the keep.

Highlights

• Vauban fort in a horseshoe shape, listed as a historic monument
• Access on foot along a paved causeway of 400 m at low tide, by boat at high tide
• Keep, barracks, provisions hall, powder magazine and guardroom
• Panoramic view of the Coureau d’Oléron from the keep
• Playful trail for children, wooden games and costumed photo studio

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid all day for one person. No booking is required for individual visits. The boat crossing at high tide is included in the price. Payment by cash, check, card or ANCV holiday vouchers.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

A playful trail with the character Ratastrophe, handed to children at the entrance by the mediators; old wooden games in the courtyard and a photo studio with costumes and accessories.

Getting there & parking

At low tide, a paved 400 m causeway connects the fort to the mainland: the walk across takes about 5 minutes, and access stays open for about 3 hours on average, depending on the tide coefficient and the weather. At high tide, a boat shuttle leaves from the harbor; the crossing takes about 10 minutes and is free for visitors. Wear good shoes, as the causeway can be slippery. Harbor address: Port ostréicole du Chapus.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A shop sells objects and books about the fort’s history and the maritime world. There are no toilets on site; public toilets are available at the harbor. Picnics are not allowed on the site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

All or part of the fort can be rented from March to October, for a family celebration, a seminar, a reception or a meeting, during or outside opening hours. Requests go through an event partner indicated on the website.

Plan your visit