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All France Saint-Malo Cézembre Island

Cézembre Island

A small island that was once a key Axis fortification during World War II.

Saint-Malo, France

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Stephan Delahaye
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Cézembre Island   delahayestephane69 / Atlas Obscura User
Cézembre Island   delahayestephane69 / Atlas Obscura User
  ChRx / Atlas Obscura User
Stéphane Delahaye Photographie   delahayestephane69 / Atlas Obscura User
Stéphane Delahaye Photographie   delahayestephane69 / Atlas Obscura User
Stéphane Delahaye Photographie   delahayestephane69 / Atlas Obscura User
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Cézembre has been occupied for centuries. Located just 14 kilometers from Saint-Malo, the island has played host to hermits since the 12th-century. Subsequently, a monastery and several churches were built on Cézembre. Towards the end of the 17th-century, the island was fortified by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban and maintained a military-type function until the end of World War II. 

On August 6, 1944, the allied forces begin to bomb Cezembre after capturing St. Malo. Stationed on the island was a garrison of about 300 German and Italian soldiers who refused to surrender. It would become known as the most bombed location of WWII between August and September 1944 as the garrison held out. However, they eventually surrendered.  

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August 4, 2019

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Cézembre Island
Saint-Malo
France
48.67666, -2.071389
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