Access and car parking

Ile d'Aix is part of the Charente archipelago and lies in the centre-west of the Charente Maritime department. The small island is situated in the middle of the Pertuis d'Antioche between Ile d'Oléron and Fouras on the north-west side of  the vast estuary of the Charente river.

All year round a daily ferry service connects the island to the Pointe de la Fumée at the far end of the Fouras peninsula. You can only reach Ile d'Aix by boat. The crossing takes about 20 minutes covering a distance of 6 km. On the way you have a marvellous view on Fort Enet and the famous Fort Boyard.

You cannot take your car to the island where only about ten local vehicles are allowed.

There is of course a carpark at Pointe de la Fumée. You visit the island on foot, by bike or on board a horse and carriage, the signposting is excellent so you will not get lost.

The pier is located at the pointe de la fumée in Fouras, at the end of the cul-de-sac in front of the Café de l'Océan.

Coming by car :

There is a paying municipal car park 200 metres from the pier.
Check availability on board before paying. Payment is made on arrival by ticket machine.
You can use the FLOWBIRD application to extend your parking time.
Free parking 1 km towards the city centre (prairie du casino).

You want to use public transport :

• By BUS
From Rochefort
Information on www.rbus-transport.com
LINE E : Rochefort - Fouras (Pointe de la fumée stop) Monday to Saturday all year round.
LINE J : Tonnay Charente - Fouras.  Sundays and public holidays (except 1 May) from the spring to autumn holidays.

From La Rochelle
Route 5 : La Rochelle - Fouras in July and August
Information on www.transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr

• By train and bus
TER line La Rochelle - Rochefort then bus G or J (see above).

ATTENTION

In summer and at major weekends, plan to arrive early. Car parks can be overcrowded. Allow plenty of time for parking and arrive at least 30 minutes before the boat departs.

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