Île-d'Aix, Fortified island commune in Charente-Maritime, France
Description
This commune sits on a small island between Oléron and the mainland near the mouth of the Charente, measuring roughly 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from north to south and under a kilometer (0.6 miles) across. Most buildings cluster around the harbor while fortifications ring parts of the shore and paths cross meadows and low vegetation.
History
Fortifications rose during the 17th century under Vauban, who used the strategic location along the Atlantic coast. Napoleon spent his final days on French soil here in July 1815 before surrendering to British ships and being taken to Saint Helena.
Culture
The houses follow Atlantic style with white plaster walls and pastel shutters that brighten narrow streets around the village center. Oyster farmers still tend shallow beds that reveal themselves at low tide, keeping alive a trade that has shaped daily routines for generations.
Practical
Access is only by boat from the mainland, with ferries running several times a day throughout the year. Motor vehicles are not allowed, so all distances are covered on foot or by bicycle.
Did you know?
Fort Liédot on the southern tip served as a prison until 1960 and held Algerian politician Ahmed Ben Bella in the late 1950s. The cells are now open to visitors and show the spare furnishings of that period.
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Fort Boyard
3.4 km
Musée napoléonien de l'île d'Aix
110 m
Fort Liédot
1.4 km
Aix island lighthouses
406 m
Musée africain de l'île d'Aix
110 m
Église Saint-Martin
93 m
Poudrière du bourg d'Île-d'Aix
83 mMaison Lecomte
151 m
Plage aux Coquillages
879 m
Caserne Montalembert
138 m
Plage de l'Anse de la Croix
347 m
Hôtel de ville d'Île-d'Aix
50 m
Maison Gourgaud
151 m
Maisons Gourgaud
747 m
Caserne Vaudreuil
278 m
Maison de l'Empereur
670 m
Île d'Aix
725 m
Pointe Sainte-Catherine
512 mMaison, 27 rue Napoléon
102 mMaison, 24 rue Marengo
76 mMagasin H du génie
670 mMaison Lagord
151 mMaison communale d'Île-d'Aix
271 mMaison, 22 rue Marengo
70 mMaison Chabert
151 mMaison Louvel
151 mMaison Courrèges
151 mBatterie de Coudepont
1.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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