It is located on the Belgian border, about 9 km northwest of Oostburg, in the municipality of Sluis.

The village was first mentioned in 1627 as "Een groot en seer sterck Retrenchement".

The village is named after Retranchement Cadsandria which was built around 1622 to protect against the Spanish troops, and consists of a wall with bastions with a sconce on either side.

[3] The fortification was built by Maurice, Prince of Orange to control the Zwin and protect the recently conquered harbour of the Sluis.

Retranchement and Sluis were the last places liberated by the Canadian army during the Battle of the Scheldt, due to the strong fortifications of the village.