Connected by a dyke to Ratonneau, Fort de Pomègues stands as the sentinel of the Frioul archipelago. This island, Pomègues, is the largest in the group. It stretches 2.7 kilometers long and rises 89 meters high. The island of Pomègues, part of Marseille, is just a short boat ride from the old port.
Let’s journey back to the 16th century. The Frioul Islands were vulnerable to attacks from French and foreign fleets. In 1597, the Florentines seized Pomègues. They quickly constructed a defensive tower to protect the island. This marked Pomègues as a vital outpost for Marseille.
For two centuries, Pomègues played a crucial sanitary role. Marseille was often exposed to the plague and cholera. Contaminated ships were quarantined in the natural port of Pomègues. In the 19th century, a dyke connected Ratonneau and Pomègues. This linked Pomègues’ port to the new lazaretto. The Caroline Hospital was ahead of its time in architectural and sanitary design.
The Fort de Pomègues has a rich military history. Various batteries and military fortifications are on the island. These include the Cap Caveaux battery at the southern tip. You will also find the Pomègues battery and the fort itself in the north. The semaphore battery sits south of the Poméguet Tower. The Poméguet Tower is in the island’s center.
The Pomègues semaphore was decommissioned. It had watched over the harbor since 1906. The island offers stunning views and a glimpse into Marseille’s past. The cove of Pomègues was a quarantine area for maritime travelers. They waited here before entering Marseille until the 19th century. This helped combat the plague. Five hectares of land and buildings accommodated about thirty-five ships.
The island of Pomègues remains wilder. It has more authenticity than other islands in the archipelago. The Crine cove offers a serene escape. The Pomègues tower provides panoramic views.
The Fort de Pomègues witnessed bombing during World War II. The Germans occupied the forts. They were then bombed by the American air force.
Today, the Frioul archipelago is a haven for many animal and plant species. The Calanques National Park protects the natural areas of Pomègues. The park ensures the preservation of this heritage. It offers a quality welcome to visitors.
The island of Pomègues is part of the Calanques National Park. The park works to protect the wild character of the islands. They encourage visitors to adopt environmentally friendly behavior.
Pomègues has served as a backdrop for artistic works. The island and its Poméguet tower were featured in the series Draculi & Gandolfi. The series was created by Guillaume Sanjorge. The island’s rugged beauty and historical structures add to its charm.
Take a moment to appreciate the strategic importance of Fort de Pomègues. Consider its role in protecting Marseille. Remember its contribution to maritime health. The Fort de Pomègues stands as a testament to the island’s vibrant past.