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In Rochefort, head towards the Île d'Oléron, exit to the right just before the bridge and pass underneath it. At the first roundabout, go straight ahead, then at the second roundabout, turn right towards the transporter bridge. Park nearby.
(S/E) Just before the bridge, follow Chemin du Martrou to the right, then 80 metres further on, take the path on the left that leads to the banks of the Charente. Pass in front of the transporter bridge, which is still in service, and follow Chemin de Charente on the right bank towards the Rochefort shipyard.
(1) After 3 km along the river, you will arrive at the first dry dock (Napoleon III), which houses the Hermione. Continue along Chemin de Charente, pass a second dry dock (Louis XV) and walk alongside the 374-metre-long Corderie Royale.
(2) At the entrance to the marina (Bassin Lapérouse), cross the footbridge and continue along the river. Turn left, go around the Vieille Forme de Radoub and return to the port via Rue de la Vieille Forme. Turn right and pass in front of the harbour master's office.
(3) Go down to the quay to pass under the bascule bridge. Go around the next basin (Bassin Bougainville) completely, then pass under the bridge again on the other side. Continue along Quai aux Vivres, then turn left onto Quai Joseph Bellot (Bistrot "Le Cap Nell") and immediately right into Rue du Petit Port Marchand.
(4) The route continues along the Corderie Royale car park (toilets available on the right). Pass in front of the Maritime Museum: the Hermione may be docked on your left.
(5) After the museum, continue straight ahead on Rue de la Ferronnerie, then turn right onto Rue Émile Combes and immediately left onto Rue des Mousses. Join Rue Louis Vaudreuil. Follow it to the right until you reach Place du Clos Saint-Maurice.
(6) Turn left and walk past the former powder magazine (Rochefort Music School). At the end of the building, turn right onto Rue Jean Jaurès, then left towards the roundabout. Staying on the same pavement (roundabout on your right), turn left onto Avenue de La Fosse aux Mâts.
(7) Walk past the Municipal Campsite (Le Rayonnement) and continue along the same street until you reach the junction with Avenue de la Charente. Turn right, walk past the Rochefort Stud Farm and continue to the double roundabout.
(8) Turn left onto Rue Charles Plumier, passing in front of the Conservatoire du Bégonia.
(9) Arrive in the Avant Garde horticultural area, surrounded by greenhouses. The road turns right (west) to join Avenue Jacques Demy. Turn left and arrive at the transporter bridge car park (S/E).
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