An exceptional site, occupied since Antiquity
Cap de Brégançon has been occupied since ancient times. The Ligurians took advantage of the dominant position offered by the steep coast to establish an oppidum. The site later became home to a trading post founded by Greek merchants under the name of Pergantion.
In the early Middle Ages, the Merovingians built their first fortress to watch over the coast. The castle changed hands several times before becoming a royal fortress at the same time as the County of Provence. In 1483, Jean de Baudricourt had a new citadel built on the current islet. Besieged in 1524, it held out for only a few days before being taken by Emperor Charles V.
Fort de Brégançon underwent major restoration work in the 17th century, on the initiative of Cardinal de Richelieu. It became state property during the Revolution and was restored by Napoleon Bonaparte, who turned it into a fortress to defend the coastline of southern France. In the 1920s, it was leased to a wealthy industrialist, who undertook major modernisation work, including running water, electricity and the construction of a sea wall.
General de Gaulle visited the fort in August 1964, to commemorate the Provence landings. The fort was refurbished and permanently transformed into a holiday resort for the President of the Republic and his family. The architect Pierre Jean Guth was entrusted with the refurbishment and modernisation.
