Fort Énet, Coastal fort in Fouras, France
Fort Énet is a coastal fortification located between Pointe de la Fumée and Île d'Aix that becomes an island at high tide. It features multiple interior spaces with gun positions and stone-built barracks arranged in a compact defensive layout.
The fort was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1810 to protect the French fleet following a British attack attempt. It formed part of a larger defensive line against naval attacks on this coast.
The fort displays the layout of an early 19th-century fortification, with casemates and officer quarters still visible today. Its design reflects the defensive strategy that was vital to protecting this stretch of French coastline.
The fort is only accessible at low tide and is best visited between March and October when tidal conditions are favorable. The path crosses oyster beds from Pointe de la Fumée, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
The fort forms part of a defensive triangle with two other fortifications that jointly protected the regional naval arsenal. This arrangement demonstrates a rare example of coordinated coastal defense engineering from the early 1800s.
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