THE VAUBAN TOWER
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 18-metre-high Vauban Tower has overlooked the Camaret-sur-Mer cove for over 300 years
Unique in French architecture, the 18-metre-high Tour Vauban has watched over the Camaret-sur-Mer cove and the entrance to the Brest Narrows for over 300 years. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2008, the Tour Vauban, also known as the "Golden Tower" (because of the color of its crushed-brick plaster), is located at the tip of a natural groove, close to the Notre Dame de Rocamadour chapel. The square tower was built between 1693 and 1696 at the request of Louis XIV, who feared an enemy offensive on Brest. But construction of the tower was not yet complete when an enemy fleet attacked on June 18, 1694 (Battle of Trez-Rouz). Fortunately, thanks to its low, semi-circular battery with embedded loopholes, the Tour Vauban was able to crush the Anglo-Dutch fleet as it tried to make its way to Brest. Louis XIV honored this victory by giving Camaret-sur-Mer the title of "Guardian of the Armorican Coast". To complete your visit, the tower now offers an interactive experience. The Interpretation Center offers a variety of tools to make your discovery fun: new scenography, tablets with access to augmented reality, temporary exhibitions and educational activities. All in all, it's a great way to spend quality time with the whole family! Tip: see the tower in Patrice Pellerin's comic strip L'épervier!
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Members' reviews on THE VAUBAN TOWER
On en a assez vite fait le tour, mais mérite tout de même le coup d'oeil!