Brouage fortified town

Founded in 1555 by Jacques de Pons for the salt trade from the Saintonge marshes, Brouage quickly became one of the major ports on the Atlantic coast. On the orders of Richelieu, Pierre d'Argencourt built its fortifications between 1630 and 1640. Champlain, the co-founder of Quebec City, was born there, and Marie Mancini was exiled there. The silting up of the harbor and the decline of the salt trade hastened its decline at the end of the 17th century.
The ramparts form a remarkable example of pre-Vauban fortifications. Forming a square 400 meters on each side, they are defended by seven bastions equipped with watchtowers.