Île Pelée
| Île Pelée | ||
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| Waters | English Channel | |
| Geographical location | 49 ° 40 ′ N , 1 ° 35 ′ W | |
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The Île Pelée is a French island located off Cherbourg in Normandy . It is the northernmost island in France. The east embankment of the port of Rade de Cherbourg leans against the Île Pelée.
historical development
The island used to be a rocky reef covered with seagrass. A fortress was built on the island as part of the construction of the Rade de Cherbourg . It was started in 1777 and completed in 1784 based on the designs of engineers Ricard and De Caux. The cost of construction was estimated at 4 million francs.
The fortress Fort de l'Ile Pelée consists of a granite stones from Chausey built citadel , a moat and a fortification wall. The defense fortress changed its name several times and was first called Fort Royal, then Fort National, then Fort Impérial and today Fort de l'Île Pelée.
In view of the further developments in the field of artillery , a five-meter-thick layer of concrete was applied to the north side of the citadel in 1898. During the French Revolution , the fortress was used as a prison . Between 1890 and 1894 a 1700 meter long dam connecting the island with the mainland was built. A 50-meter-wide opening was left 370 meters from the mainland. The engineer Paul Minard set up a small harbor on the island.
The French Navy is now the owner of the Île Pelée. Access is prohibited.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Île Pelée website Wikimanche (French).
- ^ Fort de l'Île Pelée website Wikimanche (French).