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Fort Medoc, Cussac-Fort-Medoc
One of three forts designed to defend against attacks on Bordeaux
Situated on the left bank of the gironde estuary, opposite the Citadel of Blaye and the Fort Pate, it was built by Vauban in the 17th century. The three buildings together formed a barrier to block the Gironde estuary from attack.
Overlooking the Gironde, Fort Médoc was built in 1690 in typical French stone and is protected by ditches which could be flooded as a first line of defence.
Although it has never been used in battle, the three forts which were intended to work together makes this militarily interesting. Blaye and Fort Paté make up the trio of forts, though it's not possible to visit Fort Paté which is sited on an island in the middle of the river.
The square shaped fort, at right angle with the shore, made up of four bastions joined up by walls. An outer triangle shaped fortification protects the King's door and is located opposite the estuary. Its huge body was protected thanks to moats flooded by means of locks, surrounded by a covered lane and an outer moat. Inside the fort, there were two lines of barracks, a housing for a chief of staff, a chapel, a bakery and a powder store. At that time 300 soldiers could be housed.
Today you can visit the bakery and ovens, the barracks, a small chapel and the surgeons room.
