Île-d'Aix (Isle of Aix)

The Isle of Aix is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of France. In Roman times, the island was connected to the mainland and at low tide, it could be reached on foot. A small convent was established Aix in 1067. Around 1500, a heavy stormsurge removed the land bridge between Aix and the mainland. Aix has been an island ever since.

Points of interest

Fort Liédot was built between 1811 and 1835. Between 1850 and 1960, it was used as a military prison.
The Musée Napoléon is housed in the building that Napolean constructed during his visit to the island in 1808. After his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon came to the island again in an effort to slip past the Royal Navy blockade. He realized this would be impossible and he surrendered to the British, after which he was deported to Saint Helena.

The isle of Aix is located at the mouth of the river Charente, between the island of Oléron and the coast of mainland France. It is a popular place for tourist day-trips during the summer months. Ferries to the island depart from Fouras and La Rochelle. It also has a ferry connection with Oléron.

Not far from Aix is the Napoleonic maritime Fort Boyard.

Hotels in Île-d'Aix

Images

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