See also: Kingdom of France

Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707) was the chief military engineer of the Sun King (Louis XIV of France). An expert in both the art of building and breaking fortifications, his concepts stood as the guidelines for fortifications for a century after his death. During his career spanning four decades, 37 new fortresses were built and around 300 upgraded under his supervision. In 2008, 12 of Vauban's fortifications were inscribed on the world heritage list.

Map of Fortifications of Vauban

• 50.28252.7588891 Arras Citadel. (updated Dec 2017)

• 47.2361116.0269442 Citadel, city walls and Fort Griffon, Besançon. (updated Dec 2017)

• 45.121667-0.6733333 Citadel of Blaye, city walls, Fort Paté and Fort Médoc, Blaye. (updated Dec 2017)

• 44.8963896.6486114 City walls, Redoute des Salettes, Fort des Trois-Têtes, Fort du Randouillet, ouvrage de la communication Y and the Asfeld Bridge, Briançon. (updated Dec 2017)

• 48.28-4.5916675 La Tour Dorée, Camaret-sur-Mer. (updated Dec 2017)

• 49.5236115.7656 Ville neuve, Longwy. (updated Dec 2017)

• 44.6686116.6257 Mont-Dauphin Place forte. (updated Dec 2017)

• 42.512.1197228 Mont-Louis Citadel and city walls. (updated Dec 2017)

• 48.01757.52759 Neuf-Brisach Fortification. (updated Dec 2017)

• 46.202778-1.36527810 Saint-Martin-de-Ré City walls and citadel. (updated Dec 2017)

• 49.581111-1.25777811 Watchtowers, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue/Tatihou. (updated Dec 2017)

• 42.5880562.36611112 Villefranche-de-Conflent City walls, Fort Libéria and Cova Bastera. (updated Dec 2017)

• Military tourism
• Napoleonic Wars