Fort Fleur d'Épée overlooks Bas-du-Fort bay, in Le Gosier. Built between 1750 and 1763 on plans inspired by Vauban to protect Pointe-à-Pitre, it was taken by British forces under General Barrington in 1759, who occupied it until 1763. Retaken by the British under Admiral Jervis and General Grey in 1794, it was reconquered the same year by French troops under Victor Hugues, aided by former slaves turned soldiers, in the context of the French decree abolishing slavery, according to kreolmagazine.com and the Guadeloupe Islands tourist board. The site, managed by the Guadeloupe departmental council, is open to the public free of charge.
Culture & HeritageAll year round
Fort Fleur d'Épée, above Bas-du-Fort bay
An 18th-century fort, taken and retaken four times between the French and the British, overlooking Bas-du-Fort marina.