The Fort Carl site lies to the south-west of Gustavia. This rocky morne, covered by dry forest, preserves the remains of an ancient fort dating back to Swedish times. Owned by the Conservatoire du littoral, its management is entrusted to the Agence Territoriale de l'Environnement and the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy under an agreement.
From its summit, it offers panoramic views over the town, Anse de Grands galets and its cliffs, as well as the islets (Petits-Saints, Gros ilets and Pain de sucre) and surrounding islands (Saba, Saint-Kitts & Nevis, Saint-Eustache and Saint-Martin).
Fort Carl was one of four forts that framed Gustavia during the Swedish era (1784-1877), along with Forts Gustav, Anglais and Octav. Built in 1789, this light battery defended the city against external attacks from the south.
After two decades, the site was entrusted to the Conservatoire du Littoral in 2007, which then began restoration work, including the rehabilitation of certain structures.
Since 2021, the pupils of the CM2 class and their teacher, Nathalie GALOU, from Gustavia elementary school, have been passing the torch and continuing to develop this educational project to acquire knowledge and preserve the environment with the ATE, their scientific referent. Each year, they choose one or more actions to enhance the site.
