LE SEMAPHORE DE FORT RICHELIEU
Sète Castles and defence sites
Contact
LE SEMAPHORE DE FORT RICHELIEU
Chemin Saint-Clair
34200
SETE
Presentation
An 18th-century fort designed to defend Sète
Construction of this fort began during the reign of Louis XV, in 1745. Designed by architect Antoine de Niquet, general engineer for fortifications in Provence, Dauphiné and Languedoc, it cost the States of Languedoc 50,000 livres. In 1746, the town of Sète had 52 cannons, with two soldiers and a sailor on watch. It was one of a series of fortifications installed along the Languedoc coast during the 18th century.
Remarkable military architecture
Fort Richelieu is composed of three terraces, arranged in a fin-like pattern. The central body, facing the sea, comprises a platform supporting the main artillery battery. The barracks are located behind this battery. On the Mont Saint-Clair side, a half-moon-shaped salient covers the fort's structures, with a powder magazine.
The Semaphore - a strategic post for the French Navy
The semaphore, a strategic observation post of the French Navy, is in charge of ensuring the safety of Sète, its port and its inhabitants in the event of marine submersion. It is also responsible for providing information to ships.
Exceptional visits
Still the property of the French Navy, the building is open to the public during Heritage Days only.
Construction of this fort began during the reign of Louis XV, in 1745. Designed by architect Antoine de Niquet, general engineer for fortifications in Provence, Dauphiné and Languedoc, it cost the States of Languedoc 50,000 livres. In 1746, the town of Sète had 52 cannons, with two soldiers and a sailor on watch. It was one of a series of fortifications installed along the Languedoc coast during the 18th century.
Remarkable military architecture
Fort Richelieu is composed of three terraces, arranged in a fin-like pattern. The central body, facing the sea, comprises a platform supporting the main artillery battery. The barracks are located behind this battery. On the Mont Saint-Clair side, a half-moon-shaped salient covers the fort's structures, with a powder magazine.
The Semaphore - a strategic post for the French Navy
The semaphore, a strategic observation post of the French Navy, is in charge of ensuring the safety of Sète, its port and its inhabitants in the event of marine submersion. It is also responsible for providing information to ships.
Exceptional visits
Still the property of the French Navy, the building is open to the public during Heritage Days only.
Information
- Accessible for people with reduced mobility :
- Pets :
- No
- Free Entrance :
- No
Opening day(s)
From Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 September 2026
Destination
LE SEMAPHORE DE FORT RICHELIEU
Chemin Saint-Clair
34200
SETE
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 43.3985357
Longitude : 3.6890991