Fort Brescou

Agde

A sombre volcanic citadel isolated out at sea, the only island on the Hérault coast.

Built on an isolated volcanic islet about 1,200 metres off Cap d'Agde, Fort Brescou occupies the only island on the Hérault coast. Constructed at the end of the 17th century to protect the mouth of the Hérault and the port of Agde from Barbary raids, it was later used as a state prison under the Ancien Régime. Like the nearby cathedral of Agde, it is built of black basalt from the ancient volcanoes of Mont Saint-Loup and Agde. Having become private property in the 20th century, the fort remains closed to the public today but is still an emblematic landmark of Cap d'Agde.

Getting there : Private property, not open to visitors; visible from the beaches of Cap d'Agde and on boat trips.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound