When the French took the island away from the British, they considered that it was a mistake to concentrate all its defence exclusively around the Harbour of Maó. As a consequence, they invested many efforts in renovating the island's perimeter. As a result, they improved many of the roads along the coast, which enabled soldiers to travel on foot or by horse to any cove or beach around the island. This coastal path is famously known as the 'Camí de Cavalls', and goes right round the island of Menorca.