The bodyguard of the Pointe du Souc’h

Coastal areas have always had to be careful to protect themselves against enemy invasion from the sea. The guardhouse of the Pointe du Souc’h were built in 1747 at the coastal tip called Pointe du Corbeau Beg Ar Bran, or Beg Ar Souc’h - the name of the nearest beach.

There was always a shortage of coastal guards because, even when the country was not officially at war, the memory of the attacks from the English and even pirates was enough to warrant a constant watch over the localshores – just in case!

During the 17^th century, Louis XIV was such as great ruler that he was also known as Louis the Great (and The Sun King). He wanted to make his coastal frontiers as impenetrable as his borders on land and so, having given Colbert - his Minister of Finance - both the order and the means to do it, the famous French engineer Vauban was instructed to set to work and realise Louis’ vision.

Under strict orders, the look-out men at this guardhouse would raise the alarm about any suspicious enemy vessels by using flags or fire signals or even blank canon shots.