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Halle aux Vivres: Brouage's Storied Storehouse

Explore the Halle aux Vivres in Brouage: a historic granary turned museum, showcasing military architecture and the rich past of this fortified city.

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The Halle aux Vivres in Marennes-Hiers-Brouage is a historical landmark dating back to 1631. Originally a storehouse for troops and ships, this elegant building now serves as a museum showcasing the rich history of the fortified city of Brouage.

A brief summary to Halle aux vivres

  • 8 Rue de l'Arsenal, Marennes-Hiers-Brouage, 17320, FR

Local tips

  • Visit during the opening hours between February 8th and November 11th, from 10:30 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM.
  • Explore the permanent interactive exhibition "Brouage se la raconte!" to discover the history of Brouage.
  • Check out the temporary exhibitions and events held in the Halle aux Vivres and the surrounding area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Halle aux Vivres is located within the citadel of Brouage and is easily accessible on foot from anywhere within the town. From the main gate of the citadel, follow Rue de l'Arsenal. The Halle aux Vivres will be on your left. The walk is short and straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    Marennes-Hiers-Brouage is served by regional buses. From the bus stop in Marennes, you can take a taxi or local bus to Brouage. Once in Brouage, the Halle aux Vivres is within walking distance inside the citadel. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, but a short trip within the area typically costs around €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Marennes-Hiers-Brouage. A taxi ride from Marennes to the Halle aux Vivres in Brouage takes approximately 6 minutes and costs around €12. Several taxi services operate in the area, providing convenient transportation to the site.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near the citadel of Brouage. Parking Nord offers 60 free spaces, open seasonally. There is also parking available at Plage de Marennes. In the center of town, a new parking lot on Rue Dubois-Meynardie provides 25 spaces. Parking is generally free, but availability may be limited during peak season.

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Discover more about Halle aux vivres

The Halle aux Vivres, located in the citadel of Brouage, is a testament to 17th-century architecture and military history. Constructed in 1631, this building served as a vital storehouse for supplying troops and ships departing for northern Europe and the Americas. Its design, featuring red brick and white limestone, echoes the architectural style of the Corderie Royale de Rochefort, though on a smaller scale. Measuring 54 meters in length, the Halle aux Vivres once functioned as a granary for a vast territory stretching from Charente to Gironde. Over time, the building suffered damage and fell into disrepair, including the demolition of its second floor. However, in 1990, a comprehensive restoration project was undertaken by the French government, the Poitou-Charentes region, and the Charente-Maritime department. This restoration revived the building to its former glory, including the reconstruction of the second floor and the rehabilitation of its double-vaulted ceiling. Today, the Halle aux Vivres is a prominent museum, known as the Musée des Places Fortes, showcasing the history of fortified sites. It houses a collection of plans, models, and various artifacts, including a reconstruction workshop for a 17th-century model of the Brouage citadel. Visitors can explore exhibits on military architecture and attend temporary historical and cultural exhibitions. The Halle aux Vivres stands as a reminder of Brouage's strategic importance and architectural heritage.

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