Île d'Aix is a small Atlantic island in the shape of a croissant (1,3 square kilometers) at the mouth of the Charente River,
between l'Ile d'Oléron and the coast of mainland France. Aix island -population just over 200- is also close to Fort Boyard.
Napoleon Bonaparte made the island famous. The emperor visited Île d'Aix in 1808 and gave directions to reinforce its fortifications.
In 1815, from 12 to 15 July, Napoleon spent his last days in France on Ile d'Aix, after the defeat at Waterloo, in an attempt
to slip past a Royal Navy blockade and escape to the United States. That plan failed.
Aix island is a short boat trip away from Fouras-La Fumée harbour. Parking in La Fumée is expensive in Summer.
People move around the island on foot or by bicycle. Horse carriages are also available.
Aix information: http://www.iledaix.fr/?lang=en