Discover the island of Aix, a corner of paradise in the Charente Estuary

Ah , Île d'Aix, what a little paradise! Just the mention of its name conjures up picturesque images : the ocean, Fort Boyard, fine sandy beaches, sunshine, nature. This island in the Charente-Maritime region, accessible only by boat, exudes relaxation and tranquility. Indeed, only the vehicles of year-round island residents are allowed to circulate on this island, which is 3 km long and 600 meters wide. So, do you have a taste for adventure, a yearning for the open sea, a dream of sailing?

Departing from the port of Saint-Martin on the Île de Ré, we board the "Chevalier Arlequin" of Croisières Inter-Iles for a dream day trip to the Île d'Aix. On the agenda: playing Robinson Crusoe, exploring the island's heritage, and basking in the sun on one of its magnificent beaches. A day full of surprises awaits.

A superb "rock" accessible by sea with Inter-Island Cruises

This sunny spring morning, there's a buzz of activity on the Quai Georges Clemenceau in the small port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the historic capital of Île de Ré. With nearly a hundred passengers on board , the Croisières Inter-Iles ship is preparing to cast off, bound for Île d'Aix. Here, there's no majestic bridge like its neighbors Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron. The only option is by boat to reach this tiny island in the Charente archipelago, bathed by the Bay of Biscay.

To everyone's delight, the day begins with a 1.5-hour boat trip to discover the coastline of Île de Ré and the Pertuis d'Antioche strait, bordered by Île d'Oléron and the famous Fort Boyard. More than just a guided tour, the captain and his crew take us on a true narrated cruise, highlighting the heritage we see along the coast. Leaving the quayside at the Saint-Martin-de-Ré marina, we admire the imposing walls of the Vauban fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel and the prison, and the charming little beach of La Cible before heading out to sea towards the island's bridge. With the wind in your hair, breathe in the fresh sea air and feel the sea spray that accompanies this boat trip through some of the most exclusive coastal scenery !

Heading to Fort Boyard

Lulled by the waves, we approach the most famous fort in France and the world: the legendary Fort Boyard rises before our eyes. What splendor! Built in several stages from 1804 to 1866, this majestic fortification in the middle of the ocean has been listed as a historical monument since 1950. The interior of this structure is not open to the public, as it is reserved for the filming of the famous television program that bears its name. An unmissable encounter with a marvel of the Atlantic and a truly moving experience for all Fort Boyard enthusiasts and fans of the show.

Experience the adventure on the island of Aix

A small crescent-shaped piece of land appears on the horizon, and we glimpse the two 25-meter-high towers of the Île d'Aix lighthouse, standing alongside the old stone semaphore station. A few moments later, we dock in the island's small harbor. We are immediately captivated. At the entrance to the island, we are greeted by the Fort de la Rade, built successively between 1692 and 1704, destroyed by the English, rebuilt in 1778, destroyed again in 1783, and finally erected once more between 1810 and 1814 in its current form. A veritable citadel for the island's only village.

Hollyhocks dot the streets of this picturesque village, and the bright, low, white houses with their colorful blue and green shutters create a bucolic atmosphere where time seems to stand still. Calm and tranquility emanate from the flower-filled alleyways. In the heart of the village, the Saint-Martin Abbey Church is a vestige of the island's first inhabitants: the monks of the Saint-Martin Priory. A true little paradise with an air of remoteness, untouched by the hustle and bustle of city life and car traffic. An inspiring breath of serenity and exoticism. Here, everything is done on foot or by bicycle !

To explore the island on foot at your own pace along its pedestrian and cycling paths, allow between 2 and 3 hours for the 7km route. Île d'Aix is classified as a "Remarkable Natural Site " and showcases the diverse landscapes of the Charente-Maritime coastline : vineyards, sandy coves, cliffs, a rocky shore, and a lush forest rich in ash, maritime pine, and holm oak trees. Its beaches, bordered by crystal-clear waters, are breathtakingly beautiful. The stunning Anse de La Croix beach, near the ferry terminal, offers a unique panoramic view of Fort Boyard. Its fine sand extends gently into the transparent waters, perfect for swimming.

Beyond the semaphore station, the Grande Plage beach on Île d'Aix stretches for over a kilometer along its western side. It runs alongside the Tridoux battery, the Bois Joly battery, and the Jamblet battery (open to visitors) and offers a beautiful view of Fort Boyard.

Finally, just outside the village on the eastern side of the island, near Bois Joly, the charming Plage des Coquillages stretches along a pine forest. Don't miss the beach nicknamed Baby Plage either, a magnificent cove located at the island's tip, but swimming is prohibited. Indeed, in the north of the island, the rocky and rugged coastline becomes wild and offers authentic landscapes to explorers who venture off the beaten track. Paradise, we tell you!

Cultural visits on the island of Aix

If you are thirsty for culture, several visits are a must on the island of Aix.

• The Île d'Aix has retained its defensive role in the Charente estuary, as evidenced by the remains of the nine batteries that stand facing the Atlantic. The Île d'Aix was the last French island set foot on by Emperor Napoleon before his exile to Saint Helena by the British in 1815. Explore the Musée Napoléon, located in the Emperor's last residence in France.
• At the northeastern tip of the island, visit Fort Liédot, built by Napoleon I. Semi-buried on the island's heights (13 meters!), it allowed soldiers to have an overview of the Aix harbor and thus optimize the protection of the Rochefort Arsenal.
• Art and craft lovers, push open the door of the Maison de la Nacre, one of the last mother-of-pearl workshops in France to discover the making of jewelry and objects from precious shells.
• Finally, the African Museum brings together an incredible collection of trophies, sculptures and ethnographic objects brought back from multiple expeditions to southern and eastern Africa by Baron Napoléon Gourgaud (1881-1944), a passionate ethnographer and natural scientist.

A wealth of ideas for exciting visits, tailored to your desires!

Discovering Île d'Aix promises a refreshing getaway in complete freedom, surrounded by unspoiled scenery. The island reveals itself as it is: natural, authentic, and discreet. An unforgettable experience to enjoy as a couple, with family, or with friends during your next stay in Charente-Maritime !

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