Fouras has a lovely ambience that combines a seaside mood with the charm of a small French town.

The full name of the town is Fouras les Bains which harks back to the time when people came here to take the ‘sea baths’ and a lot of the architecture is redolent of this time with beautiful Belle Epoque mansions set in leafy streets.

Fouras was also once a strategic part of France’s naval defence against English invaders and Fort Vauban, perched at one end of the beach, is an impressive reminder of this turbulent part of French history. Leading back from the Fort by the car park is the main pedestrianised street that’s filled with boutiques selling everything from fashion and chic seaside home accessories to delicious bread, pastries, wine and more. In the summer months the shops are open on Sundays so it’s full of life.

Walk north from Grande Plage for the grander and leafier part of town, where many of the Belle Epoque mansions are found, along with a shady park with picnics tables for alfresco eating.

The peninsula at Pointe de la Fumée, a few minutes drive from the main town, is packed full of seafood restaurants, most of them with views. In the summer months reservations are essential – and parking can be tricky.

Especially for children is the treasure hunt that involves all six forts in the Charente-Maritime. Ask the tourist office for the booklet called ‘Le mystère de la legende des forts.’

What to See and Do in Fouras

Go to the Beach

Fouras has five beaches. The main one is Grande Plage (also known as Plage Ouest) which is situated between Fort Vauban and the casino. A gentle sloping and sandy beach, it is close to the centre of town but clean with gentle waves that make it perfect for young children. During July and August it is patrolled by lifeguards. It is also backed by a selection of cafés and restaurants.

Plage Sud: on the other side of Fort Vauban with a view to L’île Madame. Another good beach for children, it also has a beginners swimming pool, games and beach and kayak clubs. It also has shady spots to picnic.

Plage Nord: on the other side of the town, this is the beach where windsurfers come as it catches the breeze. A sailing school is also close by. It is, however, clean and sandy and in July and August specialised equipment allows those who are disabled to enjoy to the water. There’s a beach club for playing volleyball and other sandy sports here too.

Plage de l’Esperance: not really a beach for sunbathing, it’s where surfers and fishermen come. It has a camping and caravan site by the beach.

Plage de la Vierge: great views to Fort Boyard and the islands, it’s a place for fishing or going for a walk after eating well in one the restaurants at the nearby peninsula, rather than soaking up the sun.

Visit the Forts

Fort Vauban
The fort, once a chateau, was originally built in the 11th century where it stood guard over the Charente estuary and was the place for collecting tolls. It was partially destroyed in the 14th century but in the 17th century its strategic position by the Charente river, blocking enemy boats from entering the waterway, meant it became a vital part of France’s defence against the English. Between 1689 and 1693 its walls were reinforced and nine cannons on three levels installed. In 1937 it was made a historic monument and today is home to Le Musée Régional de Fouras whose exhibits contained in 10 rooms tell of the town’s history. Head to the top of the keep for a great view.

Le Fort Enet
Only accessible by foot during low tide, this fort can only be seen as part of a two-hour guided tour (you’ll need to have rubber boots or other waterproof shoes). Once there you’ll be able to see the various rooms including the Soldiers’ Room as well as the firing platforms and ammunition store. Tel:+33 (0)5 46 84 96 28 or visit the Fouras tourist office.

Fort Boyard
Unfortunately, this oval shaped fort off the coast and that can be seen in the distance from the shore is not open to the public as it has been given over to the TV show of the same name. However you can take a boat cruise out to it, and close up it is quite a sight. Plus you can enjoy magnificent sea views along the way. From Fouras, boats leave from the peninsula.

Things to Do and See near Fouras

Rochefort: for a guide to this elegant town see our guide to Rochefort.

L’île d’Aix: read about this pretty island here.

L’île Madame: Even smaller than L’île-d’Aix, the island of L’île Madame is only accessible during low water from Port des barques. Read more here.

La Réserve Naturelle d’Yves: Considered one of the best places to go bird-watching on the Atlantic coast, this nature reserve has a variety of habitat including mudflats, lagoons, dunes, wet meadows and tamarisk hedges. You can go on your own or take one of many different types of guided visits, including those done at twilight, on a bicycle, in a kayak or even on horseback. Tel:+33 5 46 82 12 44.

Tourist offices:

Fouras: Avenue du Bois Vert; Tel:+33 5 46 84 60 69
Ile-d’Aix: 6 Rue Gourgaud; Tel:+33 5 46 83 01 82

Getting to Fouras

La Rochelle airport is a 30-minute drive away. The TGV to La Rochelle from Paris takes about two hours.

Photo 1 by Ichut / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; Photo 2 by thierry llansades / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; Photo 3 by akial / CC BY 2.0 image cropped