La Tour Fondue, Hyères, Historical monument and blockhouse in Giens Peninsula, Hyères, France.
La Tour Fondue is a medieval fortification at the southern tip of Giens Peninsula that combines traditional tower design with modern blockhouse elements. The structure features thick stone walls and military architectural features oriented toward the Mediterranean Sea.
The fortification was built in the 17th century as part of a coastal defense system against maritime invasion. It served as an important watch station at a strategically vital location for French Mediterranean defense.
Today it serves as the main ferry terminal for trips to Porquerolles Island, where visitors from around the world gather before departing. This transportation role has made it a meeting point where different travelers intersect in their Mediterranean journeys.
The site is active daily with ferry traffic and has parking available throughout the year. It is best explored in early morning or late afternoon when the ferry terminals are less crowded.
The location was originally designed to monitor sea traffic but now serves as a departure point for holiday trips. This transformation from a military watch station to a tourism gateway shows how the place and its purpose have completely changed over time.
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