Ile d'Aix, Charente Maritime

Description:

Geography and Transport

The Ile d'Aix is a tiny island (1.2km²) situated off the Atlantic coast of Charente Maritime, to the north of the estuary of the Charente River.  It is located in the stretch of water known as the Rade des Basques, between the Ile d'Oleron and the mainland.  The island can be accessed via boat from Fouras on the mainland 3 times a day (the Pierre Loti ferry - 20mins), and the Inter-Iles ferry operator runs services from the old port in La Rochelle (as well as seasonal services from Oleron).  The nearest rail services run to Rochefort (24km), where it is possible to access the TER regional network.    La Rochelle provides access to both the high speed train (TGV) and an international airport.  The D937C joins the ferry port to the main N137 that carries traffic between Rochefort and La Rochelle.  Cars are banned from the island (parking is at La Pointe de la Fumee), although there are 6 service vehicles allowed.
See also: La Rochelle, St Georges d'Oleron, Marennes

Climate

The effect of the Atlantic Ocean on the weather here brings warm (not excessively hot) summers, and mild winters.  Summer temperatures average between 22C to 25C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov (62mm to 65mm) and driest are Jun and Aug (24mm to 29mm).  This part of Charente Maritime receives over 2000 of sunshine annually.

Tourism

Whilst the island has been populated since prehistoric times, it wasn't properly formed until the 11^th century, with the building of the church and Saint Martin's Priory.  The island is fortified and has been continually fought over between England and France.  The village was fortified by Vauban in 1669, and to get onto the island, visitors enter via a fortified gate and drawbridge.  Attractions include the Napoleon Museum.  Napoleon visited here in 1808 and ordered the fortification of the island to protect the armoury at Rochefort, with Fort Liedot being completed in 1834.  He ordered the building of a house, which now serves as the museum.  Napoleon also spent his last 3 days of freedom here in 1815 (after Waterloo), before surrendering to the English, and departing for exile in Sainte Helena.

It is possible to walk around the island in around 3 hours, and other options are by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage (1 hour tours).  Activities here include fishing, walking and sailing, and for birdwatchers there is a nature reserve with hundreds of species of migrating birds to see.  Nearby is the island of Madame, which can be reached via the causeway at low tide, and Fort Boyard, which was completed in 1857 as part of the fortifications, and was subsequently used as a prison.  Boyard is now home to TV and Film makers, and it is not possible to visit the site.  The island has a programme of activities during July and August, with shows, concerts, events free for visitors.  Les Vendredis has been running for 4 years.

Economy

Ile d'Aix is part of the Saintonge Maritime economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 11.4%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006). 

Facilites

The Ile d'Aix has limited facilities, for Supermarkets and a Swimming pool you would need to travel to Chatelaillon Plage approximately (28km).

Education

There are no Schools on the Ile d'Aix children have to travel to the mainland to Fouras (7km).

Key Stats

73% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (35.5% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (34.4% vs 18.2%).  13.4% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer females than males resident here (49.5% vs 50.5%). 

Key Facilities and Services: