Built on Roman remains
Fort Royal was built between 1624 – 1627 on the site of a Roman rainwater tanks system and ancient bath. At that time, the fort was a fairly simple building and although it was heavily expanded around 1636, it was under Vauban that the fort was extended to the fort we see today with its star-shaped construction, which is very similar to Fort Carré in Antibes.
The sights of the fort
The fort contains a number of interesting things to look forward to: the 17th century chapel, the barracks buildings, the Bazaine terrace, the Méditerranoscope (a small marine biology aquarium), the Cannes Sea Museum, which also contains the ancient prison, and the ancient Roman cisterns.
The Man with the Iron Mask
The big draw in the prison section is, of course, the cell where the mysterious prisoner, the Man with the Iron Mask, was imprisoned for 11 years. This prisoner has throughout history been immortalized by writers and filmmakers, from Voltaire to Randall Wallace’s 1998 film “The Man in the Iron Mask”.
Today, more than 350 years since the arrest of the most mythical prisoner in world history, speculation about his identity is still widespread. However, recent research suggests that the man’s name was Eustache Dauger, an ordinary man born in 1637.
Same prison guard through 34 years
The reason for his arrest in 1669 must be found in his political involvement and he ended up in prison for 34 years – and particularly notable with the same prison guard throughout the years.
The prison guard was named Bénigne Dauvergne de Saint-Mars and, when he changed prisons, the prisoner followed. When Dauvergne became governor of the Lérins islands in 1687, he took his famous prisoner with him.
There are many suggestions as to why the prisoner should wear an iron mask. One tells that it was a trick from Dauvergne so he could impress the crowds with the importance of the prisoner he had with him.
It was after this time that rumors of the man with the iron mask began to circulate. One of the most persistent speculations was that it was King Louis XIV’s twin brother and that this was the reason why he had to hide behind a mask. Here illustrated by a poster in the prison corridor at Fort Royal.
By Tommy Sverre / 2021
Picture gallery of the prison cells:
Prison cell for The Man with the Iron Mask
Prison cell for The Man with the Iron Mask
Prison cell decorated by Jean Le Gac
Prison cell decorated by Jean Le Gac
Prison cell decorated by Jean Le Gac
Prison cell decorated by Jean Le Gac
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- Art
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- Churches & chapels
- Events
- Excursions
- Markets
- Monuments
- Museums
- Ports & Islands
- Squares & Promenades
Monuments Statue of Lord Brougham – Cannes’ “father”
Few have meant as much to Cannes as the English aristocrat and politician Lord Henry Brougham, whose statue adorns the basin of the avenue de la Liberté.
Events The International Film Festival in Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival is known worldwide and one of the most important film awards in the film industry. Was founded in 1939 and can celebrate its 76th birthday this year.
Art Cannes Underwater Museum
Cannes has got France’s first underwater museum, which is wildly fascinating in every way. 6 great sculptures below the sea surface connect…
Squares & Promenades Le Suquet – The old town
Here in the heart of old Cannes, the city shows its true soul. Here you find Le Suquet – the old town – a medieval area nestled on the hilltop of Mont-Chevalier. With its cobbled alleys, is one of Cannes city-must-xee places.
Boat trips Boat trips to Lérins Islands
If you want to visit the fantastic islands of Lérins, Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, you can sail there from Nice, Cannes and Golfe-Juan respectively.
Squares & Promenades La Croisette Promenade
The promenade at La Croisette is one of the most valued experiences in Cannes – it is the gathering point for mythical hotels, the casino, the Film Festival and…
Art La Malmaison Art Center
Great art welcomes you in historic premises that used to be part of the Grand Hotel. In 1863, when the hotel was built, this building served as a games room and tea room.
Excursions Excursions Cannes
Cannes is much more than the Croisette and the International Film Festival. With Cannes excursions you can experience Cannes from the Mediterranean
Art Bellini Chapel
This beautiful chapel completely surprises, filled with art and dedicated to one of Cannes’ beloved artists, Emmanuel Bellini.
Markets Forville Market
With its 3000 m2 and approx. 50 stalls, the market invites you inside to some of the best the Riviera has to offer in Provencal and Italian …
Museums Cannes Sea Museum
Cannes Sea Museum, Musée de la Mer, is located on the small island of Sainte-Marguerite. It is located in a unique historic setting in the old Fort Royal.
Boat trips Lérins Islands
Just a stone’s throw from La Croisette, on the opposite side of the Bay of Cannes, are the islands of Lérins. They consist of 4 islands, of which île Sainte-Marguerite …
Art Musée de la Castre
Located high on top of Le Suquet, in the medieval castle originally inhabited by the monks of Lérins, the Museum of World Discovery overlooks the Croisette.
