Sablanceau and Redoute of Rivedoux

Sablanceau (anciently Saint-Blanceau) is a beach at the easternmost end of the island of Île de Ré in western France.

On 12 July 1627, an English invasion force of 100 ships and 6,000 soldiers[1] under the command of the Duke of Buckingham invaded the island of Île de Ré at the beach of Sablanceau,[2] with the objective of controlling the approaches to La Rochelle, and of encouraging the rebellion in the city.

[3] Toiras fought against the landing from behind the dunes, with a force of 1,200 infantry and 200 horsemen, but the English beachhead was maintained, with over 12 officers and 100 men dead.

A redoubt (Fr: "Redoute") was built in 1674 as part of the effort by Vauban to fortify the coast.

The battery remains to this day, and was reinforced by German Blockhaus fortifications during World War II.

The beach of Sablanceau is at the easternmost end of Île de Ré . Chart of the Road of Basque , 1757.
Beach of Sablanceau, seen from the Lavardin.
Île de Ré bridge from Sablanceau.
Landing of the Duke of Buckingham in Sablanceau, 1627.
Redoute de Rivedoux.
Sablanceau battery, inside view.