Located off the coast of the Cap d’Agde, the Fort de Brescou is built on top of the submerged part of an old undersea volcano. It was Cardinal de Richelieu’s dream to make it the entrance to a great port, but the work was stopped after his death.
Built by the Vicomte de Joyeuse in 1586, its primary role was to defend. Unfortunately, its modest fortifications were unable to withstand Montmorency’s revolt and it was completely destroyed in 1632.
Restored from a ruin, it was rebuilt how we see it today in 1680, probably using Vauban's plans.It became a state prison in the 18th century.The site can be viewed from a boat but can no longer be visited.
References:The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.