Ile d’Aix: a natural paradise in Charente Maritime

Do you dream of a unique vacation in the heart of nature and by the beach? Then discover the Ile d’Aix, only accessible by sea from Fouras-les-Bains in Charente-Maritime.

Discover this haven of peace on foot, by bike or by boat. From our campsite on the Ile de Ré Les Varennes, take advantage of your vacation to explore the Ile d’Aix.

Discover Ile d’Aix, an unmissable stopover

Accessible only by sea, the Ile d’Aix is the perfect destination for a day trip during your stay.

The 129-hectare Ile d’Aix is located near the coasts of Aunis and Oléron, in the heart of the Charente archipelago. Ile d’Aix offers exceptional panoramic views, with a breathtaking view of Fort Boyard.

You’ll also find Ile d’Oléron to the west, Ile de Ré to the north and Ile Madame to the south.

Île d’Aix is a condensed version of the coastal landscapes of Charente-Maritime, and is located in the heart of the Gironde Estuary and Pertuis Sea Marine Park.

Discover the local atmosphere and meet the locals on foot, by bike or by boat. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of the Ile d’Aix.

All about Ile d’Aix

Here on Île d’Aix, time seems to stand still. Despite its small size, this island offers a multitude of activities. You’ll never be bored with its five beaches, the forest covering half its territory and its fortified historical heritage.

Here are some figures for the island of Aix:

A community of 234 inhabitants
– Three kilometers long with a maximum width of 0.6 km
– Essential services such as a town hall, school, post office and library
– Five beaches, three of which are open for swimming. The Grande Plage offers a dream setting for visitors
– Four museums enrich local culture
– Twenty-minute boat trip available every day of the year
– A two-hour walking tour of the island
– A forty-five minute walk from the port to Fort Liédot

Don’t wait any longer and explore the Ile d’Aix during your vacation, one of the most beautiful islands in France!

Crossing to Ile d’Aix

A visit to the Ile d’Aix couldn’t be easier. Embark from the commune of Fouras-les-Bains for a 20-minute sea crossing to the Ile d’Aix. During your voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the Enet and Boyard forts, emblematic guardians of these waters.

The Ile d’Aix, renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, is a place where time seems to stand still. This Ponant island, located south of the Atlantic coast, is part of the network of Villages de Pierres et d’Eau in Charente-Maritime.

Nestling in the Pertuis d’Antioche, it is covered in marshes, forests and vineyards, while sandy coves, cliffs and beaches define its coastline.

The island’s ecosystem is a haven for a multitude of birds, shellfish and fish. Restricted vehicle access ensures the preservation of this unique landscape. On the island, visitors are invited to stroll at their own pace, taking advantage of the paths dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists.

Discover the heritage treasures of the Ile d’Aix, which are sure to surprise you.

What to do on the Ile d’Aix?

If the panoramas of the Île d’Aix are worth the detour alone, there are plenty of activities to do and villages to visit. Here are just a few ideas.

Cross the drawbridge and discover the Place d’Austerlitz

The Place d’Austerlitz on the Ile d’Aix is the heart of the fortified village. Designed by Vauban, it deserves your full attention. Stroll along the narrow streets lined with small houses with colorful shutters.

Here you’ll find a postcard landscape.

Cultural and historical discoveries on the island

TheIle d’Aix is also steeped in history.

Discover Napoleon’s last home before his exile to St. Helena, now transformed into a museum dedicated to his memory.
Opposite this place steeped in history, the Musée Africain displays an impressive collection from the African continent, assembled by Baron Gourgaud.
The Maison de la Nacre opens its doors to you for an immersion in the traditional craftsmanship of the Gallet family, one of the last to perpetuate this know-how in France and on the Ile d’Aix.
To the north, Fort Liédot watches over the Ile d’Aix and the Rochefort arsenal. Since June 2024, the site has been offering an unusual experience: exploring the seabed of the pertuis without getting wet. “Immersion between estuary and sea” is an underwater adventure where you’ll wander beneath the ocean, guaranteed fun for young and old alike.

Want to relax by the water? Take a stroll along the Grande Plage on the Ile d’Aix. This beach offers a breathtaking view of Fort Boyard, the emblematic symbol of the Charente-Maritime region. Located in the heart of Rochefort Océan, each beach has its own character: the Sables Jaunes invite you to relax and unwind.

Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach, the Baby plage, reminiscent of a Mediterranean cove, or the long stretch of shellfish-fringed beach facing the Fouras-les-bains peninsula, you’ll find the ideal setting on Ile d’Aix. Please note: when the tide goes out, fishing becomes a popular activity on the Grande plage de l’Ile d’Aix. However, be sure to keep a respectable distance from the oyster beds to avoid disturbing the oyster farmers’ work. Swimming is only permitted on certain beaches: Grande plage, Anse de la Croix and Plage aux Coquillages.

Getting to Ile d’Aix by sea

Île d’Aix is only accessible by sea. All year round, the ferry runs from Fouras-les-Bains, at Pointe de la Fumée. Timetables are available from Service Maritime.

Between April and September, Croisières Fées des Îles organize daily departures at 9 a.m. from the Corderie Royale pontoon in Rochefort to the Ile d’Aix.

From February to November, departures are organized from La Rochelle. Depending on the season, Croisières Inter-Îles or Navipromer schedule between two and five trips a day, with journey times varying between 1 hour and 1h15.

Discover the Ile d’Aix from our 4-star Les Varennes campsite. Book your mobile home or pitch and enjoy a comfortable vacation for all the family!