Jijel

Jijel, also called Djidjelli or Gigeri in European accounts, became the target of a French attempt to establish a permanent naval foothold on the Algerian coast in 1664. Louis XIV's expedition brought together a fleet commanded by the Duke of Beaufort and land forces under Gadagne. They took the port in July, intending to use it against Mediterranean corsairs and to influence trade in the western Mediterranean. Holding the position proved much harder than occupying it. The anchorage was difficult, the defences troublesome to construct, and the commanders quarrelled. Ottoman artillery placed on the surrounding heights threatened the French positions. Shortages and sickness compounded these problems. By the end of October the expedition had withdrawn, abandoning guns and its projected base. The brief occupation exposed the importance of both the harbour and the heights overlooking it.