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 (9 months 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 (16 months 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 (16 months ago)
Interesting enough. Easy parking in early January!!

Sarah Bouché de Vitray (2 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 (2 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.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

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