Fort de Fouras, 17th-century coastal fort in Fouras, France
Fort de Fouras is a 17th-century coastal fortification with thick stone walls and defensive bastions designed for military protection. A dungeon tower around 30 meters high rises from the structure and overlooks the Charente River estuary and nearby islands.
The fort began as a medieval castle and was transformed into a military stronghold during the 1660s. This conversion served to protect the naval shipyard at Rochefort and control shipping traffic on the river.
The museum inside displays objects from the region's maritime and military past. These items show how the fort played a key role in controlling the river and coast.
The fort is accessible year-round with closure on specific dates like July 14, and guided tours are offered during the warmer months. Visitors should be prepared for steep stairs and narrow passages when climbing the tower.
From the fort's terrace, four different islands come into view: Aix, Madame, Oleron, and Re, along with neighboring fortifications Boyard and Enet. This vista reveals why the location was so strategically valuable for controlling the entire region.
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