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Bernezac.com - France, Atlantic Coast, La
Rochelle, Rochefort, Royan, Island of Re, Island of Oleron, Charente,
Estuary of Gironde - Tourism and Holiday Guide |
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Bernezac.com - French Atlantic Coast - Island of Aix |
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The island of Aix, guaranteed
disorientation...
If you stay in the region, plan to spend a day on the island
of Aix, the last true island of Charente-Maritime
The island of Oléron and the island
of
Ré are connected to the mainland by bridges and the Madam island
is accessible by car at low tide.
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Island of Aix
(photo Michel Le Collen) |
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Take the ferry which crosses from Fouras to
the village situated
in the South of the island to the island of Aix.
You can leave your car at Fouras or in the secure car park at
the Pointe de la Fumée.
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There are also regular boat services during the season and these
also go to Aix from the island of Oléron, Boyardville, the
island of Ré and La Rochelle.
The island of Aix is now so popular and attracting so many
tourists each year, that the associations which protect the
island are becoming concerned about the situation.
With less than 200
permanent inhabitants, the population reaches
several thousands during the summer due to second homes, holiday
rentals and tourists who cross to spend a day there.
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In the heart of
the Charentais Archipelago
On the island of Aix, you
are in the centre of a circular panoramic view.
Clockwise, you
will see first of all the Madam island, then the island of
Oléron, followed by Fort Boyard, Pertuis d' Antioche, the island
of Ré, the bridge of the island of Ré, La Pallice, La Rochelle,
the coast, the peninsula of the Pointe de la Fumée, Fort Enet,
Fouras, Fort Vauban and the estuary of the Charente.
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We like... the
crossing
he crossing between Fouras, from the jetty of the Pointe de
la Fumée to the island of Aix takes half an hour.
The crossings by the ferry "Pierre Loti" run regularly all year
long.
The ferry carries some commercial vehicles, but it quickly
becomes evident that one is entering a world practically without
cars.
The travellers with their suitcases on wheels, the
residents of the island with their small, two-wheel trailers
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going shopping on the mainland, the bicycles, the groups of day
tourists, make boarding the ferry a lively and picturesque
experience. |
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Ile d'Aix, Austerlitz
square. |
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... ways of
transportation, on foot, cycling, by carriage
The absence of traffic is a little disorientating
when first landing on the Island and this feeling is
strengthened when passing through the heavy door to the
drawbridge and arriving in the square of Austerlitz, formerly a
military exercise square, old Place d'Armes, a grassy, shaded
space which gently inclines towards the centre of the village.
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It is possible to rent bicycles at the port or in the village.
Carriage rides are available from the square of Austerlitz.
... the variety of
landscapes
For an island of its size,
approximately 3 km long with 7 km of coast, one is immediately
impressed by the variety of scenery.
On this island you will
find every type of landscape of the Charente-Maritime coast ;
sandy beaches, cliffs, pine forests, tamarisks, marshes.
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An organic farm balances its
activities with a variety of enterprises, market gardening, the
breeding of Porcheron horses, donkeys of Poitou, mules, and
carriage rides.
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Two oyster producers ensure the local production of oysters.
It is said that at the beginning of the 20th Century, there were
40 hectares of vineyards. Today, a tiny domain has been
relaunched with chardonnay grapes.
On foot, it will take two to three hours to make a tour of the
island by following the coastal road but you can always take a
shortcut if you run out of time or begin to feel too tired.
By carriage, a short tour of the island, with a commentary,
lasts an hour.
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It is a very agreeable way to get a general idea
of the countryside, especially if it is your first visit to Aix.
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Ile d'Aix, a narrow street
with white houses. |
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... walking in the
streets of the village
Please, take time to walk
through the paved streets where hollyhocks grow along by the
houses and on the pavements, where wild grass grows between the
paving stones.
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Visit the church, the museum of the Emperor’s house, the African
museum and the factory which produces objects and jewels made of
mother-of-pearl,...
... the history
The military
fortifications, the walls, the heavy doors of the drawbridge,
the moats filled with water, powder stores, the house of
Napoleon 1st give evidence of the military and
historic past of the island of Aix.
Napoleon first stayed here in 1808, at which time he decided to
build a house, the Emperor’s house, which today is a museum.
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Napoleon returned here in 1815 after Waterloo. It was here that
he spent his last three days on French soil before embarking on
July 15th, 1815 for St. Helena with one of his loyal servants,
General Gourgaud.
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Today, the two main streets which start from Austerlitz square,
are named la rue Napoléon et la rue Gourgaud.
You are confronted with this historic military past when first
landing on the island.
A few metres away from the jetty, you
pass through heavy doors to cross the drawbridge to reach
Austerlitz square, a grassy space with a gentle incline towards
the village, the town, fortified by Vauban and surrounded by
moats, filled with sea water, which empty and refill during the
high tides.
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The Fort de la Rade
We suggest you begin the visit with the Fort de la Rade, entry
to which is on the left after crossing the drawbridge. Then take
the path along the top of the walls and make a tour of the
fortification.
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From this path there is a beautiful panoramic view of the coast,
the island of Oléron, the two lighthouses of the island of Aix,
and the famous Fort Boyard, about 3 km away.
It is interesting
to note that Fort Boyard is registered in the municipality of
the island of Aix.
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Island of Aix, aeriel view,
the Fort de La Rade and the village.
(photo Michel Le Collen)
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Sponsored Links |
Sea Kayaking
Accompanied by a professional guide, sail
around the islands, around the famous Fort Boyard.
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