Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas Forts

At the entrance of the Vieux Port can be seen two massive defence works: Fort Saint-Jean at the North end and Fort Saint-Nicolas at the South end. The first was built by the Saint Jean-of-Jerusalem Hospitallers in the 13th Century. In the 15th Century was added a monumental square tower, and two centuries later a beacon and a watch tower. The more recent defence works date to Louis 14th, as does Fort Saint-Nicolas. Until 1944 a metallic transporter bridge was connecting both sides. Since then, a ferry boat joins the Port to the Place aux Huiles (Place of Oils) on the other bank.