Côte Atlantique (Atlantic Coast)

The Fort Boyard is a key element of the Naval Dockyard of Rochefort which extends all along the estuary of the Charente.
If the construction of this fortification on the "Longe of Boyard" was considered as early as the seventeenth century, the project only really started in the course of the 19th century. Built with the aim of protecting the harbor, the mouth of the Charente and especially the large dockayrd of Rochefort from the assaults of the English navy, the Fort was transformed into a prison a few years after its completion.

The Fort has been classified as an historic monument since 1950.

The Fort is 68 metres long on 31 metres large, for a total surface area of 2689 square metres. The surrounding walls peak at 20 metres. The fort is also built on a sandbak called "Longe of Boyard" which gave its name to the Fort itself.

Since 1990, Fort Boyard has been the location of a television game of the same name.

Located between the islands of Aix and Oléron, the Fort Boyard is part of the territory of Rochefort-Océan. Many departures of cruises are possible to bypass the Fort (from Port-des-Barques, Fouras-les-Bains or the Island of Aix).
The cruise

Take one of the 3 orienteering courses to do on the on the island of Aix. Thanks to the map, find the markers in a given sector and punch your sheet.

Take one of the 3 orienteering courses on the Port-des-Barques peninsula with you! Thanks to the map, find the markers in a given sector and punch your sheet.

The Tourist Office offers the following services:

- reception and information

- free wifi internet access2

- ticketing for museums, guided tours and events, cruises, transport

- The Rochefort Océan Privilege card free of charge for the discounted purchase of 2 services simultaneously : Activities, visits, cruises, bike rental, bus, boat ...


This site is labeled Tourisme & Handicap (mental, auditory) and classified category 1, labeled Quality Tourism.

Discover the one and only know-how of one of the last nacre makers of France, the unique handmade speciality of the island with more than 60 years eperience.
The House of the Mother of Pearl has been existing since 1954, and is specialized in the transformation of shells into various objects, including jewels.

A sales and exhibit area
- An illustrated museum featuring twenty display cabinets
- A workshop and a meeting with a mother of pearl craftsman.
Here, you will learn about the life of marine molluscs and the constitution of their shell, the different stages of shaping of this rare and noble material. Furthermore, you will admire original creations.

The Abbey of Cluny establish in 1067 the Church and the Priory Saint-Martin.
The Abbey of Cluny establish in 1067 the Church and the Priory Saint-Martin. For nearly three centuries, the monastic community of Aix Island, extended its spiritual influence on La Rochelle and its region by governing a large number of parishes.

However, because of the intensification of the conflicts between France and England, the priory, repeatedly plundered and damaged, was abandoned in 1343. Of the whole church, only the eastern wing of the priory remains today, and the transept, the northern apse and the crypt of the church. The crypt, which certainly dates back to the foundation of the church, testifies of the religious history of the island.