What a view!
What a view: Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban was thrilled when he first Castle Ruin Bellegarde entered. The Marquis de Vauban, already during his lifetime with the Honorary title “Ingénieur de France” recognized – is considered the Most important military architect of the Baroque period. The fortress builder Louis XIV. is the real creator of “Enceinte de fer”, the iron belt, with which France secured its external borders at the time. Fort Bellegarde still bears the signature of the famous military architect, who was involved in the construction or conversion or expansion of 160 fortresses.
The lonely in 420 m height on a rock located, powerful Fort de Bellegarde to this day surpasses the Place Le Perthus. One enters the fort over a drawbridge and is equally fascinated by the view as Vauban was then: the south sweeps the View from La Jonquera to Figueres over the wide plain of the Empordà. On the other hand, the canigou to heaven, and in the east stretch the Mountains of the Alberes to the sea.
The mighty fortress has marked the border between Spain and France since the Pyrenean Treaty of 1659. In the Middle Ages, the former lords of the castle raised customs duties on Pass of Le Perthus and financed their lifestyle. Later they paid customs, and today it is the motorway charges and petrol prices that have an impact. 300 years before the construction of the first motorway, Vauban recognized the strategic value of the place. On behalf of Louis XIV, he had the old castle razed and constructed a well-fortified fortress in order to rule the main traffic arteries of the Pyrenees and to demonstrate power. Today – in a united Europe, military border systems have fortunately gone out of fashion. The restored buildings serve as Museum. one of the exhibitions is dedicated to the history of the fort. The fountain system, which has been used by the garrison since the 18th century, has been preserved. The 62 meter depth Fountain With a diameter of about 6 meters, the stone was completely carved into the stone and then plastered over a height of 50 meters.
The real highlight of the fortress is and remains the view. Therefore, on the way to the neighboring country, with good visibility, a detour up to the fort is worthwhile.
Fort de Bellegarde stands on a rock above Le Perthus, right on the French-Spanish border. It was built by Vauban, the fortress builder of Louis XIV. The essentials for a visit are here.
Fort de Bellegarde at a glance
- Location: on a rock about 420 metres above Le Perthus
- Builder: Vauban. Sources give the 17th or the 18th century
- Purpose: guarding the two easiest routes into France
- Access: signposted in Le Perthus, free parking right at the fortress
Frequently asked questions about Fort de Bellegarde
Who built Fort de Bellegarde?
Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. Sources differ on when it was built: Wikipedia says the 17th century, tourism sites the 18th.
Where is Fort de Bellegarde?
Above Le Perthus on the French-Spanish border, on a rock.
Where can you park at the fort?
There is free parking right at the fortress. The way is signposted in Le Perthus.
Sources: Tourisme Pyrénées Méditerranée, Fort de Bellegarde, Wikipedia, Fort de Bellegarde, Burgenwelt, Fort de Bellegarde.
