Le Palais is the main port in Belle Isle. The town is dominated by fortifications constructed by Vauban in the late 17th century. These have been beautifully restored in recent years and now house a magnificent hotel and a museum. They also provide a commanding view of the town.

Belle Isle is the largest island in Atlantic France and has abundant fresh water and plant life, making it an ideal location from which to attack the mainland. In fact, the island was taken by the english for two years in the early 1700's, leading to further fortification of the town through the 1800's after france regained the island in the treat of paris.