Île-d'Aix is a small island in the Atlantic, off the west coast of France. It is also the name of the commune of the Charente-Maritime département which occupies the territory of the island. It has a population of only 186 (1999) and an area of about 300 acres (1.2 km²).
It is a popular place for tourist day-trips during the summer months.
Location
Île-d'Aix is located at (46.01277, -1.17250), at the mouth of the Charente, between l'Ile d'Oléron and the coast of mainland France. The island is also close to Fort Boyard.
Sights
Located on the island is the large Fort Liédot which functioned as a military prison from the early 19th century to the 1960s.
Transportation
Access to the island is provided by a ferry that leavs several times a day year round from Fouras just east of the island, or from La Rochelle, and Oleron, during the summer months. Cars (except for service vehicles) are prohibited on the ile, affording more tranquility.
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