Cabanne Vauban in Carolles overlooking the bay and abbey of Mont Saint-Michel in the distance.

The Vauban stone cabins

In the 17th century, these cabins served as observation posts in the Bay. Named and commissioned by Vauban: Marshal of France: 1622 - 1707.

The Guard house Cabane Vauban above the beach of Carolles, France – © Nikater / Wikimedia Commons

Three of these huts remain on the bay. One is on allée des Mimosas, is in St Jean (St. John). The 2nd is located on Champeaux (GR223). The 3rd is on the commune of Carolles (GR 223). A 4th Vauban stone hut disappeared near this same hiking trail.

These huts were most often built in dry stone or with a minimum of joints between the stones. The one in St. John does not have a roof with 2 slopes like the other 2 but a rounded roof. As it threatened ruin it was recently consolidated with cement... Inside is a small photographic exhibition on customs officers. In front of the hut, a bench allows you to admire an exceptional view that made General Eisenhower say during his stay in St. Jean le Thomas: "from St. John the Thomas, we discover one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world".

Other important Vauban works have survived, including the dams and forts of Cherbourg harbour and the Vauban towers of La Hougue and Tatihou. Along the coast, there are also several guardhouses, cabins, small forts... these were used by customs to keep watch over the coast and find smugglers. The “cabanes Vauban” or “vigies” were lookouts built along the West Coast. “Cabane Vauban” in Carolles is one of the most popular areas of the resort. The view from the lookout is extremely beautiful!

During the Second World War defensive fortifications were also scattered in the department: for example, the battery of Azzeville or that of Crisbecq, vestiges of the Atlantic Wall.

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