Fouras

Fouras lies on a peninsular around 20 minutes (by car) to the north-west of Rochefort.  

The town boasts five beaches, the remains of a Vauban stronghold, and a very pleasant pedestrian street in which to stroll.  Around the coast there are plenty of pretty fisherman's cabins or platforms.  At the tip of the peninsular there is a causeway to Fort Enet, reachable at low tide.   Boats to ile d'Aix are also available.  

There is free parking by the castle (satnav Rue Vauban).