Promoting heritage in Occitanie

Restoration of Fort Brescou in Agde

An emblematic building on the Agde coast, the Fort de Brescou is in need of restoration.

The island of Brescou, of volcanic origin, is the only island on the Languedoc coast. The fort was built there in 1586 by the viscount of Joyeuse.

At one time a haunt of pirates and privateers, it was saved from destruction at the request of the King by Cardinal Richelieu, who saw it as the perfect place to build a military port. The Cardinal's death halted the work and the Fort became a state prison from 1680 to 1852.

The Fort was listed as a Historic Monument in 1996. Its geographical location, environment and architecture make it an emblematic and historic site for the town of Agde, which has owned the site since 2009.

After several centuries of being battered by the sea, it is now showing signs of exhaustion and can no longer be visited for safety reasons.

The project: restoring the Fort

The town of Agde and the association ‘Les Amis du Fort de Brescou’ have decided to save the fort by restoring it so that it can be reopened to the public.

Restoring the fort could also provide opportunities for economic development and tourism in the region. By attracting visitors and history buffs, the restored fort could become a major point of attraction, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural heritage.

By investing in this exciting project, we are helping to preserve history while creating opportunities for the future.

Heritage at risk: the Bern mission will help the Fort de Brescou.

As part of Stéphane Bern's mission to safeguard endangered heritage, the Fort is the only site selected in the Occitanie region.