Citadelle Vauban Hôtel-Musée

Overlooking the entrance to the port of Palais (Belle-Ile-en-Mer), a place of character in a historic setting.

Built originally to defend the island from pirates, this medieval fort was successively modified by the Dukes of Gondi, then by Fouquet, and finally by Vauban, who is notably responsible for the double wall and angled bastions, a trademark of the military architecture of this figure of the Grand Siècle.
Over the years ... left abandoned, the Citadelle was sold in 1960 by the administration of the Domaines to André and Anna Larquetoux, who embarked on a true monumental project. For 30 years, this vast restoration program was financed exclusively privately, without any external help. The Citadelle is, in fact, the largest private construction project in France, with over 40 million euros in works. Their entire fortune was completely invested in it. For information, this couple is also responsible for the renovation of the Passage Dauphine in Paris, purchased in the 1950s.

In 2005, the Savry group (Les Hôtels Particuliers) took up the torch and enthusiastically continued reviving this place steeped in history. Specializing in the restoration of buildings listed as Historic Monuments, this group focuses on exceptional addresses that combine heritage and hospitality, notably including the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, the Château d'Ermenonville, and the Citadelle Vauban Hôtel-Musée, the latest addition to the large family of Les Hôtels Particuliers.

Today, alongside two museums (Belle-Ile and maritime), the Citadelle houses a totally unique and unusual hotel and restaurant.
60 rooms and 4 suites, redesigned in the spirit of the place (as listed as historic monuments). Some of the furniture comes from India, a nod to Fouquet, linked to the Indian trading posts. The bathtubs have a view of the sea, "for a real sea bath," says Philippe Savry, founder of the Savry group. The terraces, for their part, offer a superb view of the islands of Houat and Hoedic, the Quiberon peninsula, and much closer, the entrance to the port of Palais.
The immersion is total; you are transported out of time. Some complain about the lack of wifi in a hotel of this standing (?). With walls over 3 meters thick, our brave little modern waves don't stand much of a chance!
Spa and gastronomy to forget the wifi, it's not too much to ask ... take the opportunity to recharge!

✯ Open from mid-April to the end of September ✯

From 109 EUR
Rates 2021, from €109 per night for two people. Additional breakfast €19. In all rooms, welcome products, bathrobes, and slippers.

Room rates
✦ Quartier Maitre (located on the 1st or 2nd floor, rooms with a view of the inner courtyard and the Citadelle's gardens), from €109
✦ Quartier des Majors (attic rooms located on the 3rd floor with sea view), from €125
✦ Quartier du Grand Pavois (rooms located on the 2nd floor with sea view), from €179
✦ Quartier de l'Amirauté (maximum capacity of 2 adults + 2 children with sofa bed for the 2 children, rooms located on the 1st floor with terrace and sea view), from €205
✦ Suite Junior Sarah Bernard (30m2 rooms, king-size bed, with sea view and port view), from €259


Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
The hotel, being located facing the sea, at the entrance of Palais port, and therefore in the buildings constructed "facing the enemy," the entrance gate of the Citadelle is logically situated on the opposite side. Once you pass through the Donjon Gate, you will need to go around to access the Hôtel-Musée.

A valet can pick you up or drop you off at the Palais port pier.

The museum entrance is free for hotel residents.