Ile-d'Aix Island France
Frequently Asked Questions
At the village landing, from which you cross a drawbridge into the walled village. The island is a 3 km crescent of land set in the Charente estuary.
No, cars have never been allowed. You cross this corner of France on foot or by bicycle, hired near the landing. That is what gives the call its particular rhythm.
The fortified village and the Napoleonic Museum, then the island circuit: 7 km on foot, two to three hours, or an hour by bike. Finish with a swim at the anse de la Croix.
It was here, in July 1815, that Napoleon spent his last days on French soil before surrendering to the British, who exiled him to Saint Helena. The house he occupied is now the Napoleonic Museum.
The Napoleonic Museum, the African Museum with the natural history collections brought back by Baron Gourgaud, and the last mother-of-pearl workshop in France, where buttons and jewellery are still shaped from shell. Three museums for a village of a few streets.
Vauban, who drew the ramparts to protect the Rochefort arsenal. The place d'Austerlitz opens behind the ditches; the rue Napoléon and rue Gourgaud line up low houses with multicoloured shutters, overflowing with hollyhocks in summer.
Yes, the coastal path circles the island in 7 km, a good two to three hours on foot or an hour by bike. It links coves, holm oak woods and old gun batteries, including Fort Liédot, a massive casemate buried in greenery to the north.
No, Fort Boyard cannot be visited. Two beaches, however, give perfect views of this stone vessel planted in open sea between Aix and Oléron.
At the anse de la Croix near the landing, with fine sand and clear water, or at the Grande Plage on the west side. Both look onto the green estuary waters where sailing boats and oyster punts pass each other.
The euro; bring cash, as the island's two or three shops do not always take cards. French is spoken; the museums provide English material, but the island remains very French-speaking.
