Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The first fort on this site was made from wood and built as a lookout for those nasty
Normans. What you see today dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, when wars between
England and France caught Brittany in the middle for well over a hundred years. While
thecastlewasneversuccessfullyattackedfromthesea,in1597itsgarrisonof25menwas
overwhelmed by a force of 2,000 soldiers coming overland. Later, Louis XIV's military
architect Vauban oversaw work shoring up the castle's outer defenses. It was used well in-
to the 18th century.
Touring the site, you'll cross two impressive drawbridges (notice the spiked gates),
peer into dungeons (one still holds a prisoner), and wander ramparts towering high above
the ocean. The guardroom houses a small gift shop (there's a good book about the castle
in English for €5). The small chapel was added in the 18th century, replacing the original
chapel, and is dedicated to St. Michael, protector of warriors. The largest structure inside
the fort is the governor's lodge (closed to the public).
The highlight of a visit to Fort la Latte is the climb to the top of the castle keep, with
a magnificent 360-degree view. You'll pass several beautifully vaulted rooms on the way
up. Once on top, as you gaze out from this invincible castle, clinging for its life to a rock,
