The must-see sites of the Isle of Yeu
The must-see sites of the Isle of Yeu
1,4 km - L'Île-d'Yeu
Not to be missed
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English
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The Citadel of the island of Yeu, also known as Fort de la Pierre Levée, is a fortification that dominates the landscape of the southwest of the island. Built during the reign of Louis-Philippe I, it was erected between 1846 and 1866 to protect the coast from enemy attacks.
Despite its original military purpose, the Citadel was never used as a war fort. It became famous for its role as a state prison. Many famous political prisoners and criminals were incarcerated there, including Marshal Pétain, head of the French state during World War II.
In 1945, after his conviction, Philippe Pétain was imprisoned there before being transferred to Fort Port-Joinville and then to Port-Joinville, where he died in 1951. The Citadel is now a historic site open to visitors. It offers a fascinating insight into France's military and prison history.
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