Bernezac.com - France, Atlantic Coast, Fouras
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Fouras and the Peninsule of Fouras Fouras is not only a family resort, it is also a place to visit at any time of the year. Fouras is not only a quiet family resort, a little off the beaten track and away from the big tourist centres. It is also a place to visit at any time of the year and one that we recommend to all those who stay in Charente-Maritime, whether it is South of the river Charente or North. |
Fouras is 15 km away from Rochefort, 30 km from La Rochelle and 55 km from Royan.
The inhabitants are called "Fourasins" but when pronouncing the name of the town, the final ‘s’ is silent.
Its uniqueness comes from its position as a peninsula, at the north exit of the estuary of the Charente.
The "Pointe de la Fumée"
On arriving at Fouras by the D937 road, at the entrance to the town, the road forks, to the right " Plage Nord, Pointe de la Fumée " and to the left "Centre Ville".
If it is your first visit, to get a general view of the peninsula, please, go to the right, and visit the Pointe de la Fumée jetty.
The Pointe de la Fumée is very busy. It is from this jetty that the ferries depart to the island of Aix and also the boat trips around the famous Fort Boyard, which is not open to visitors, leave from here.
From the Pointe de la Fumée, the Fort Enet is accessible at low tide. It was built in 1810, on the orders of Napoleon 1st.
At low tide, on both sides of the Pointe de la Fumée, the area becomes the domaine of the oyster producers and amateur fishermen.
The Pointe de la Fumée is also renowned for its speciality seafood and fish restaurants.
The Town Centre and the Beaches
You can then return towards the town centre and park in the car park of Fort Vauban. It is pleasant to walk along the beach or in the small streets of the centre with its typical Charentaise low houses.
The characteristic of the peninsula allows Fouras to offer a variety of beaches facing all the different horizons, the Plage Nord to the North, the Grande Plage to the West, the Plage Sud to the South.
The Plage Nord is lined with beautiful villas built during the first part of the 20th Century.
The walk which overlooks the Grande Plage is very pleasant and the woods of holm oaks around the Casino are particularly restful.
Finally, take time to visit Fort Vauban. After 1666 and the construction of the arsenal of Rochefort, Fouras occupied a strategic position for the defence of the estuary of the Charente and the protection of the Port of Rochefort.
Entry to Fort Vauban is free. The donjon dates from the 15th Century and the surrounding walls from the 17th Century.
There is a charge for admission to the museum and for the ascent to the top of the donjon, from which point you can view the panorama of the Pointe de la Fumée, Fort Enet, the island of Aix, Fort Boyard, the island of Oléron, the island Madam.
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