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.
Vufflens castle was built in 1425 on the site of a previous medieval castle by Henri de Colombier. It is the most significant example of a small group of fortified Romandy castles from the middle ages, characterised above all by its brick construction. In 1530, it was set on fire by Bernese troops. In 1641 it was acquired by the de Senarclens family. The castle is currently privately owned and cannot be visited.
A pleasant 30 minute-walk through the vineyards between Vufflens-le-Château and Denens, offers a stunning view of this magnificent castle, the lake and the Mont-Blanc.