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).

There is a charge for the boat tour of the fort.

Wild beach near the town centre.
Bordered by part of the fortifications of the island, the West Beach offers a magnificent view of the island of Oleron and Fort Boyard. At low tide, fishing is practicable.

Ideal beach for sunbathing or swimming in the sea.
Overlooking the lighthouse of the island of Aix, this charming beach is located near the pier. Its intimate looks and its panorama of Fort Boyard make it a pleasant place to swim. Sandy beach, accessible to any tide, with a unique view of Fort Boyard.

The Jamblet battery helped to protect the Rochefort arsenal and the harbour. The fortification presents a museum space to discover the military role of the island of Aix in the defence of Rochefort and its arsenal.
The Jamblet battery helped to protect the Rochefort arsenal and the harbour where the warships anchored. A simple 2-gun battery in 1756, the battery was destroyed by the English in 1757. Under the Consulate and the Empire (1799-1815), the whole defence of the Aix harbour was rethought and the Jamblet battery was rebuilt. In use until 1926, it was abandoned after the Second World War.

The fortification presents a museum space to discover the military role of the island of Aix in the defence of Rochefort and its arsenal.

French Sailing School.
The "Cercle Nautique de l'Ile d'Aix" is a sailing club welcoming you to a wide range of sailing activities!
-> First trip: an introduction to sailing of all kinds with an instructor
-> Sailing courses for ages 5 and over
-> Trimaran trip for 5 to 6 people (including instructor)
-> Introduction to the sea world: an educational visit to the foreshore
-> Groups welcome
-> Standup paddleboard, single or double kayak, Catamaran F1 rentals
Have fun with your family or friends.
The CNIA now has a MEGA SUP AIR (paddleboard for several people), available for rent from Monday to Saturday.

Now a historical monument, it is the house in which Napoleon surrendered to the English.
Discover the last home of Napoleon I on French soil before his exile to Saint Helena in 1815. The Napoleon Museum exhibits numerous relics that once belonged to him (furniture, portraits, keepsakes.). By the looks of its, it's almost as if the Emperor never left the house.