Fodor's Expert Review Citadelle Vauban

Your first stop on Belle-Île will most likely be Le Palais, the island’s largest community. As you enter the port, it’s impossible to miss the star-shape Citadelle Vauban, named for the famous military engineer who, in the early 1700s, oversaw a redesign of the original fort here (which dated back to the 11th century). Stroll the grounds, savor the views, and then bone up on local lore at the on-site Musée de la Citadelle Vauban. The citadel is undergoing restoration until the spring of 2024.