A new life for the Guardhouse of Fort Vauban at Cussac-Fort-Médoc

Conceived by Vauban as one of the three key elements in the famous « Estuary Barrier » in Gironde, this edifice never played a military role in its history because it was never attacked. Decommissioned by the French Army in 1916, the site became the property of the commune of Cussac in 1930 and will now relive thanks to the active support of Total Foundation.

Preservation of Endangered Heritage in Médoc

Registered on the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments in 1956, then classed as a World Heritage site by Unesco, the site has known many restoration works. Insulation, renovation of the facades, terraces, interiors, restoration of the parapets and battlements, clearing of the stairways, authentic paving for the terraces, the whole site has been reworked to look as new as possible.

Before the restoration works, the Guardhouse had even lost its roof. © CCFM

The majestic entrance-hall gives a foretaste of the renovated building. © CCFM

The Pride of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region

The pride of a whole commune and beyond, the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the three rooms of the Guardhouse will now be dedicated to hosting temporary exhibitions or events, with certain rooms put at the disposition of artists, associations or companies all year long. It is a fine example of the successful restoration of a national heritage site under threat...

The paved terrace has become a place for strolls and conversation. © CCFM