The Collectivity of Saint-Martin has started the restoration and development project of Fort Louis since 2017, the date of the start of project management studies.
After the preliminary studies phase (2016) and the various calls for tender necessary for the realization of this project (2016-2017), the TERH-Caribbean company started the safeguarding works under the direction of Pierre Bortolussi, architect chief of historical monuments.
The project, led by the Director of Territorial and Heritage Archives, Stéphanie Dargaud, was divided into several operational phases: this phase of work is therefore the first in a series which will continue until the completion of the complete restoration of the ruins of Fort Louis and a total redevelopment of the site. One of the objectives of the project is to provide the infrastructure necessary for a better reception of the public, thus enhancing a major site for the tourist renewal of Saint-Martin. An essential prerequisite before any restoration, this first stage of work, lasting 4 months, consists in ensuring the safeguarding of the structures built in place and in limiting, even stopping, their current deterioration linked to different factors. For example, the revegetation around the ruins has started to stop the loosening effect of the rocks.
A peculiarity and a choice of the Community
The work is carried out on an open site. The Collectivity wishes to remind everyone that everyone's vigilance on this natural and steep site is required. Depending on the progress of the work, some parts may not be accessible: do not cross the yellow lines.
Fort Louis, a heritage issue, tourist and economic
Fort Louis is protected as a historic monument: it is one of the 3 monuments, legally listed as a "historic monument", on the French side of Saint-Martin with the old barracks at Marigot, called the old prison, and the engraved rock from Moho.
This monument and its natural site, with a breathtaking view of Marigot Bay, are popular with tourists and residents alike. This heritage space deserves all the attention in order to be able to preserve it and pass it on to future generations. The ruins must be the subject of special treatment in order to guarantee the safety of all. New infrastructures will complete the site in order to guarantee a reception adapted to the tourist frequentation on a fragile heritage site: safety, accessibility and services. Among the services, quality is sought with a completely revised mediation thanks to the latest historical and architectural analyzes, with the help of recent results of the archaeological diagnosis (September 2016).
A real reception center will be created in order to offer several spaces suitable for a shop, a cafeteria, toilets and a management of entries and visitor flows. Finally, a space of approximately 80 places, reserved for the development of shows or other events, is being studied on the site.
Several phases will contribute to the outcome of the work:
- Emergency backup works (in progress)
- Restoration work
- Fitting out of reception and event spaces
- Development works of the surrounding urban roads
- Work and installation of signage and mediation on the site
These works are carried out and financed by the Collectivity of Saint-Martin with the support of the Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin (Development contract) and of the Direction of cultural affairs of Guadeloupe.
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