On one side, the island of Aix, a hollyhock paradise twenty minutes by boat from Fouras-les-Bains, and on the other, the island of Madame, the smallest island in the Pertuis Charentais, a haven of peace opposite Port-des-Barques. We explain why Le Comptoir Local® loves these small islands of Charente-Maritime so much, and we give you our tips for making the most of them!
When we talk about the islands off the Charente coast, we immediately think of Île d'Oléron and Île de Ré . But we mustn't forget the two other gems of the Atlantic coast: Aix and Madame. They are the two smallest islands in the Charente archipelago, but they are sure to surprise you as soon as you set foot on them!
Seen from the sky, above the Atlantic, the Île d'Aix and Île Madame appear like tiny drops set amidst the vastness of the ocean. They are the most authentic of the Charente coast and almost instantly invite visitors to a change of scenery and serenity. At Le Comptoir Local, the truly car-free island spirit, where we live to the rhythm of the tides and boats, melts our hearts...
Île d'Aix, the "Little Corsica" of Charente-Maritime
A paradise for hollyhocks, this "miniature" island 3 kilometers long and 600 meters wide offers an extraordinary playground for nature lovers. With its low and flowery houses, the village of the island looks like a postcard. The island also has very pretty coves of fine sand lined with pines and cypresses, it is a very beautiful mix between Brittany and the Côte d'Azur which welcomes you.
The island of Aix can only be reached by boat, taking the ferry from Pointe de la Fumée in Fouras-les-Bains. Connections are daily and the crossing takes about 20 minutes. On your arrival, you disembark at the quay on the side of the bastioned enclosure, in the immediate vicinity of the town center of the island with its streets and low fishermen's houses. Here, be sure to visit the Maison de la Nacre, where you will discover the know-how of one of the last mother-of-pearl in France. After the village, begin the tour of the island by the beach at Les Coquillages.
Our advice to fully enjoy the island…
Is there anything to eat on the island?
Yes, there are plenty of places to eat on site: restaurants, snack bars, and even a small supermarket where you can buy essentials. We recommend bringing a picnic and relaxing in the shade of the pine trees along Coquillages Beach.
How long does it take to go around the island?
On foot, the tour of the island is done in 3 hours. If you opt for the bike, 1 hour is enough to do the complete tour.
Can we swim on the island?
On the island, Anse de la Croix beach is the only supervised beach in July and August. The other beaches are not supervised but swimming is authorized. Only the beaches of Sables d'Or, Baby Plage and Saint-Eulard are prohibited for swimming, because of their dangerousness. Indeed, the rocks covered with oysters are too sharp and can injure bathers.
The opinion of the Local Counter
We prefer the ferries early in the morning to enjoy the atmosphere of the island barely awake. We prefer to go around on foot to have access to all the paths of the island and in particular those to the north, which lead to the most beautiful coves.
Find all tourist information about the island of Aix on the Tourist Office website.
Madame Island, wild and mysterious
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Charente-Maritime, this thin strip of land 800 meters long and 400 meters wide is the smallest island in the Charente archipelago. It is connected to the mainland by a road of sand and pebbles of about 1 kilometer, called the Passe-aux-bœufs.
Virtually untouched by any construction, the island can be explored on foot. This peaceful, wild, and unspoiled haven will captivate you with its gentle ocean air.
The island's coastline is made up exclusively of rocks, small cliffs, and pebble beaches. Even before arriving on the island, you can already see the carrelets, the famous fishing pontoons typical of the Charente coast. If you want to take advantage of fishing from these pontoons, you'll have to be patient and wait for the rising tide. The carrelets of Île Madame are, for us, the most beautiful in Charente-Maritime: elegant, harmonious, and reassuring. And for those who prefer fishing on foot, welcome to paradise! Our favorite spots: the orchard, the palles, and the toureau.
Find all tourist information about Île Madame on the Rochefort-Océan Tourist Office website.
