Excursions to Fort Boyard

Fort Boyard is one of the main tourist attractions near Île de Ré and La Rochelle. Inter-island cruises allow you to tour it, with a stopover on Île d'Aix. Depart from the foot of La Rochelle’s towers for a day of adventure at sea. After an hour’s crossing, you’ll finally admire this iconic stone fortress. This experience will delight children, who may only know Fort Boyard from the famous TV game show filmed there. The maritime escapade continues with a stop on Île d'Aix. This charming destination is explored on foot or by bike but not by car; this is hardly a problem as the island is only 3 km long and 300 meters wide. Take advantage of your stopover to admire Île d'Aix’s beautiful scenery, with a walk along the coast or through the natural forest of ash trees and maritime pines. Enjoy a picnic break on a small beach with a Mediterranean cove-like vibe. After swimming or relaxing, return to the quay where the Inter-Island Cruises ship will await to take you back to La Rochelle. Hôtel Île de Ré, Les Grenettes, is perfectly located for exploring the Charente-Maritime region during your vacation.

What to See and Do on Île d'Aix?

Île d'Aix is the southernmost of the Îles du Ponant. It is loved for its rich biodiversity as well as its historical and cultural heritage. Here are five must-see places during your visit:

  • Mother-of-Pearl Museum: Discover the art of nacre craftsmanship, unveiling techniques for working with mollusk shells.
  • Napoleon Museum: History enthusiasts and admirers of the emperor will enjoy this museum that recounts his story, from his consulate to his legend.
  • Fort Liédot: Built based on sketches by Napoleon Bonaparte, the fort showcases 19th-century bastioned military architecture. Guided tours are organized daily by the tourism office.
  • African Museum: Visitors come here to explore the zoological and ethnographic collections of Baron Gourgaud, a descendant of Napoleon’s aide-de-camp and a generous philanthropist of Île d'Aix.
  • Jamblet Battery: This open-access museum reveals the entire military history of Île d'Aix.