Fort de Fouras, Fouras, France

The 'Vauban Fortress' of Foras was initially a strategic fortification established by Philip the Fair, circa 1300. The donjon was rebuilt in 1480-1490 by Jehan II de Brosse.

The creation of the Rochefort Dockyard in 1666 made it a centrepiece of the system for defending the approaches of the Charente, which is prohibited from entering. At the end of the 17th century, François Ferry, the engineer of King Louis XIV, transformed the old feudal residence into the fort. In 1689, Ferry reinforced the walls of the Donjon to set up a battery of 9 canons and a signaling point. In 1693 a lower circular battery was set up to control access to the river Charente. The donjon received a signal station from 1889 to World War II.

Today classified as a Historical Monument, the castle houses a museum of regional history. Free entrance or guided tour of the fortification and the underground parts of the keep at 2 p.m every day (except Monday) between June 1st and the third weekend of September.

Castles and fortifications in France

User Reviews

Seth Yates (2 years ago)
Interesting historical landmark which can be climbed offering great views of the islands of the Charante-Maritime region from the top of the tower.

Cheryl Thorne (2 years ago)
Loved walking around here. Lovely old fort, free entry just on the beach. It was really cold when we went so had to wrap up. well worth a visit.

George Nott (2 years ago)
Interesting enough. Easy parking in early January!!

Sarah Bouché de Vitray (3 years ago)
It was a really nice discovery especially at this time of the year it was so peaceful and the weather was perfect to admire the Vue from the roof. This is just beside the main beach and a car park.

Philip (3 years ago)
500 free parkings spots, there seems to be some hospitality inside (not verified by me). If you are Fouras it is worth to check out the promenade and get some ice cream. The view on the famous Fort Boyard is nice but be aware you are far away from it.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Fort de Fouras

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople