Aix Island

The island charm of a military land: An island of tranquillity, it can be discovered on foot, by bicycle or in a horse-drawn carriage. With its fortified village, its coastal batteries, its forts, including the famous Fort Boyard, the island is a timeless place, charming history lovers and children dreaming of adventure. The only "real" island in the Charente-Maritime, the island of Aix draws its pride from its imperial past. Under the First Empire, it was transformed into an island fortress and became the keystone of Rochefort's defence system. After a first visit in 1808, Emperor Napoleon I landed there again in July 1815 and stayed for three days in the Governor's house, his last residence on French soil before his exile to Saint Helena.
It is also on the island of Aix that the know-how of one of the last mother-of-pearl makers in France lives on.

A remarkable natural site: The island of Aix, 3 km long and 700 m wide, concentrates all the diversity of the landscapes of the Charente-Maritime coast. Classified on the list of "Remarkable Natural Sites", it is a fragile place that we must respect.

Advice: The dunes protect the coastline, help to protect it by respecting the paths without straying. Preserve the flora and do not pick the flowers. Keep the island clean by taking your rubbish back to the mainland.

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