Fort Saint-Louis

Fort Saint-Louis, initially named Fort des Vignettes in reference to the Vignettes roadstead whose entrance it was to protect from enemy ships, was built during the reign of King Francis I four years after the city was plundered by the Moors, with the aim of protecting the city. It would be considerably improved during the reign of Louis XIV, from 1692 to 1699. It was to be capable of defending the entrance to the Toulon roadstead, but its construction was also part of a desire to fortify Toulon and enlarge the arsenal. For this, the mission fell to Antoine Niquet, chief engineer of fortifications, who would be associated with Pierre Puget and Vauban. These works would considerably modify the physiognomy of the city of Toulon. Fort des Vignettes was partially destroyed during the Siege of Toulon in 1707.