Visit to Fort Louvois

Historical sites
Temporary closure

Adult €8.50 Child (6 to 11 years old) €4.50 Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) €8.50 Free with the Pass!

At your own pace and on your own, visit Fort Louvois and discover the history of this jewel of 17th century military architecture. From the ramparts to the powder magazine and the food hall, not forgetting the panoramic view over the Coureau d'Oléron from the top of the keep, the Fort reveals every nook and cranny.

Additional information

How to get there:

At low tide: access on foot only, 5 min crossing. 
A 400-metre paved road links the fort to the mainland. Access at low tide takes an average of 3 hours. This varies according to the tidal range and weather conditions.

At high tide: access by boat (shuttle), 10-minute crossing.
A boat provides a safe link. From the oyster-farming port of Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, board the shuttle directly. The crossing is free for visitors.

Visiting conditions:

. No picnic facilities on site
. Pets are not allowed inside the Fort
. Good footwear is essential (the road may be slippery)
. There are no toilets on site.

Built to Vauban's plans to protect Rochefort's naval arsenal, Fort Louvois is built on a rock that sinks at high tide, making it accessible only by boat. Designed in the shape of a horseshoe, with a central keep protected by a drawbridge and moat, it is reminiscent of the fortified castles of the Middle Ages.

A fun trail, access to wooden games and a photo studio to immortalise a moment in period costume are available to accompany the visit.

Opening hours

From 6 April to 3 November 2024: accessible according to the tide calendar, consult the timetable on fort-louvois.com

Last entry 45 minutes before closing time

  • Access by bus

    Access by bus from La Rochelle in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region: 
    Lycée de la Mer stop - Line 154 then walk to the Fort (about 2 km).
    Nouvelle-Aquitaine coach routes, timetables and traffic changes 

    PLEASE NOTE: regional coaches are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.

  • Access by car

    AVANTAGE INCLUS dans votre La Rochelle Océan Pass (tarif adulte uniquement) : bénéficiez de 1h gratuite sur la location d’une voiture Yélomobile.
    Rejoignez les sites inclus dans votre pass aux alentours de La Rochelle, avec la voiture en autopartage Yélomobile à toit jaune : sur réservation, pour 1h ou plusieurs jours les voitures Yélomobile facilitent vos déplacements à proximité de La Rochelle. 

    Détail des tarifs et conditions d’accès au service Yélomobile 

Fort Louvois

At the foot of the bridge over the Ile d'Oléron, Fort Louvois, listed as a historic monument in 1929, is a must-see site in the Marennes basin. Designed by Vauban, it is the younger brother of Fort Boyard.