The defense of Madame Island
Make a mental view of the Charente estuary : Fouras-les-Bains and Aix Island on one side and Port-des-Barques and Madame Island on the other... peninsulas and islands ideally positioned to defend the Naval Dockyard of Rochefort.
That is why in 1685 began the fortification of the Madame Island, with the construction of two batteries equipped with cannons. A few years later, the fort and its bunkers, protect the harbor of Aix and the naval nockyard which are more and more threatened by the English Navy.
Like Fort Boyard, the Fort of Madame Island became a prison at the time of the revolutionary period "La Commune de Paris" where the working-class revolted against the government in place. In 11 months, from 1871 to 1872, the fort welcomed nearly 1,250 detainees!
Visit of the fort and the bunkers
Discover with the Ecomuseum of Port-des-Barques the history and architecture of the fort of the island and its powder storing room.
Continue your adventure on this natural island, protected by the Coastal Protection Agency and visit the bunkers which houses exhibitions dedicated to the fauna and flora of Madame Island, but also on the history of the smallest island of Charente- Maritime!
Click HERE to know more.
