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In Rochefort, head towards the Île d’Oléron, turn off to the right just before the bridge and drive under it. At the first roundabout, go straight ahead, then at the second, turn right towards the transhipment bridge. Park nearby.
(S/E) Just before the bridge, turn right onto the Chemin du Martrou, then, 80 metres further on, turn left onto the path leading to the banks of the Charente. Walk past the transporter bridge, which is still in service, and follow the Chemin de Charente along the right bank towards the Rochefort Shipyard.
(1) After 3 km along the river, you’ll arrive at the first dry dock (Napoleon III), which houses the Hermione. Continue along the Chemin de Charente, passing a second dry dock (Louis XV), and walk alongside the Corderie Royale, which is 374 metres long.
(2) At the entrance to the marina (Bassin Lapérouse), cross the footbridge and continue along the river. Turn left, walk round the Vieille Forme de Radoub and head back towards the harbour via Rue de la Vieille Forme. Turn right and walk past the harbour master’s office.
(3) Head down to the quay to pass under the bascule bridge. Walk all the way round the next basin (Bassin Bougainville), then pass under the bridge again on the other side. Continue along the Quai aux Vivres, then turn left onto the Quai Joseph Bellot (where you’ll find the bistro “Le Cap Nell”) and immediately right into Rue du Petit Port Marchand.
(4) The route continues alongside the Corderie Royale car park (toilets available on the right). Walk past the Maritime Museum: the Hermione may be moored on your left.
(5) After the Museum, carry straight on into Rue de la Ferronnerie, then turn right into Rue Émile Combes and immediately left into 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 Poudrière (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 (with the 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 carry on until you reach the double roundabout.
(8) Turn left onto Rue Charles Plumier, passing the Conservatoire du Bégonia.
(9) You will arrive in the Avant Garde horticultural area, amongst the greenhouses. The road curves to the right (west) to join Avenue Jacques Demy. Turn left and you will reach the car park at the transporter bridge (S/E).
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