Bastion de Brittany

Beneath the castle, Bouillon has preserved small jewels of modern military architecture .

The great engineer and military architect Vauban went to Bouillon in the 17th century and wrote a recommendation for the fortification of the city. In 1680, under the direction of Vauban, the engineer Choisy built a new rampart, gates and nine defensive bastions. At the time, these works took place on the north side of the city, in the meander of the Semois. There are also two barracks , one of which has now disappeared, and the home of the provost , the city's military leader.

This is an important military district separated from the city by a wall that was attached to the fortress wall itself and was the last place of defense in case of an attack on the city. This wall, composed of schist walls pierced with numerous embrasures, is partially preserved behind number 22 of Rue des Écoles , along Boulevard Heynen and Rue de l'Hospice.

The bastion of Brittany is one of three bastions that survive today and is located near the house of the provost.

Like the Bastion du Dauphin, it is a two-storey solid slate building in the shape of a pentagon, pierced with embrasures and reinforced with watchtowers , small stone shelters perched on the corner of the facades. The two bastions have unfortunately been opened on both sides to allow circulation on the boulevards from the beginning of the 20th century.

Although distorted by the opening of two of its sections when the Boulevard Heynen was built (1903) to accommodate road traffic, the work still suggests the spirit of this remarkable architectural ensemble that surrounded the city until the mid- 19th century, when it was largely demolished.

Despite the strictly defensive function of the structure, fifty soldiers could also be accommodated above. The very beautiful oak frame will hold your attention.

Restored in the 20th century, the structure has been listed since 1985.

Willem Vandenameele