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Fort of Pelee Island — Tourlaville
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Palaces, Villas and Castles 📍 Tourlaville, France 201 views

Fort of Pelee Island

The Fort de l'Ile Pelée is a military fortress located on an island opposite the coast of Tourlaville in the Normandy region of France. Built in the 18th century to protect the port of Cherbourg from enemy attacks, the fort has undergone numerous extensions and modifications thro...

Photo · Marisa M.

Fort of Pelee Island — Tourlaville, France.

Location
Tourlaville
Type
Palaces, Villas and Castles
Opening hours
Weather now
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About Fort of Pelee Island

Fort of Pelee Island - Tourlaville | Secret World Trip Planner

The Fort de l'Ile Pelée is a military fortress located on an island opposite the coast of Tourlaville in the Normandy region of France. Built in the 18th century to protect the port of Cherbourg from enemy attacks, the fort has undergone numerous extensions and modifications throughout its history.During World War II, the fort was used as a submarine base by the German Navy and later liberated by the Allies at the end of the conflict. Today, Fort de l'Ile Pelée is open to visitors during the summer and is a major tourist attraction in the area.An interesting anecdote concerns the fact that in 1896 the fort hosted French poet Paul Verlaine, who had been arrested for drunkenness in a local bar. Verlaine spent the night in a cell in the fort, where he wrote the poem "Une nuit que j'étais à mon poste." The poem was later included in his collection "Les poètes maudits."In summary, Fort de l'Ile Pelée is a military fortress located on an island off the coast of Tourlaville, Normandy, which has a long military history and is now a major tourist attraction in the area. The fortress was also home to French poet Paul Verlaine, who wrote one of his best-known poems there.

Fort of Pelee Island - Tourlaville | Secret World Trip Planner
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A perfect day in Tourlaville

Start with Fort of Pelee Island, then continue with nearby places selected by Secret World.

  1. 01
    Morning
    Fort of Pelee Island
    📍 Tourlaville
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  2. 02
    Afternoon
    📍 4.9 km away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Fort de l'Ile Pelée is open to visitors during the summer months, making it the ideal time to plan your visit to this historic fortress. This seasonal opening allows you to explore the island fort and enjoy the pleasant Normandy weather.
During World War II, the fort was commandeered by the German Navy and used as a submarine base before being liberated by the Allies at the end of the conflict. This significant wartime role makes it an important historical site for understanding the region's WWII heritage.
In 1896, French poet Paul Verlaine was arrested for drunkenness in a local bar and spent the night in a cell at the fort, where he wrote the poem "Une nuit que j'étais à mon poste." This poem was later published in his renowned collection "Les poètes maudits," making the fort a notable literary landmark.
The fort was constructed in the 18th century with the primary purpose of protecting the port of Cherbourg from enemy attacks. Throughout its long history, it has undergone numerous extensions and modifications to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
Fort de l'Ile Pelée is situated on an island opposite the coast of Tourlaville in the Normandy region of France, near Cherbourg. As an island fortress, you'll need to arrange transportation to the island, which is accessible during the summer season when the fort opens to visitors.

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