What is this tiny "islet" between the Pointe de la Fumée of Fouras-les-Bains and Ile d'Aix?
FORT ENET ... another "little brother” of Fort Boyard ... It is private, it can be visited according to a well-defined schedule ... We tell you almost everything about it but the best is still to go and visit the incredible fort.
The “Battle of Aix Roads”
The story of Fort Enet begins with the "Battle of Aix Roads".
In April 1809, the English Navy deliberately released burning ships on the French fleet in the roadstead of the Aix Island. It was utter chaos. Imagine the scene; 34 English ships against 15 French ships that absolutely must defend the entrance of the Charente and therefore the Naval Dockyard of Rochefort. In a note to Napoleon, Admiral Zacharie Allemand described the battle: "Nothing could stop them led by a violent wind. We had no enemies to fight but a general and incendiary destruction to avoid (...). The sea was on fire. "
The island of Aix is plundered by the English and the French Navy narrowly avoids their entry into the Charente river.
At the time, it is clear, a new fort must be built to lock the Pertuis d'Antioche and secure the harbor of the island of Aix.
The Fort Enet at the Pointe de la Fumée in Fouras-les-Bains
To avoid a similar battle in the upcoming years, Napoleon 1st, required the construction of Fort Enet on the Enet islet between Fouras-les-Bains and Aix Island...
In 1810, the construction of the fort began and two years later the French army took possession of it. From there, it protected the roadstead and also served as a prison.
Guided visit of Fort Enet
Wait until the low tide to visit this unusual fort and walk a 1.6 km long pass between the oyster parks of La Pointe-de-la-Fumée. Here's a little tip : put some wellies or any pair of waterproofs shoes to keep your feet dry.
You will not regret the half-hour walk to the Fort Enet! You'll enjoy the exceptional view of the Pertuis Charentais and the Fort Boyard in the distance. Do not forget your binoculars to enjoy this panorama.
Discover this listed historical monument, a building full of history, with your guide, Isabelle, : the casemates, the communal and convict cells, the officers' chambers, the ammunition store ...
Bring your flashlight to see all the details of the cells and the ammunition store.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION - To be confirmed in 2024
Opening times :
April to October according to calendar
Prices:
* Guided tour of the fort :
Adults: €8; concessions and Privilege Card: €7; children aged 7 to 14: €4 (€3 with Privilege Card); tribe rate (5 people): €25 (€22 with Privilege Card).
Fort Enet - pointe de La Fumée - 17450 Fouras les Bains
