Take advantage of your vacation in Charente-Maritime to visit Fort Boyard, made famous by the eponymous television show. One of the best ways to discover the monument is to opt for a visit Fort Boyard by boat, ideal for the curious and lovers of maritime history. It is also an opportunity to stop off on the Île d'Aix, a small island preserved from the Pertuis d'Antioche.
Sea trip destination Fort Boyard and the island of Aix
Fort Boyard
Located between the island of Oléron and the island of Aix, Fort Boyard It was built in the 19th century (1842-1866) to protect the harbor of Île d'Aix, the mouth of the Charente River, and the Rochefort Arsenal from attacks by the British navy. The fort was then used as a prison until the early 20th century before being purchased by the Charente-Maritime Department in 1989.
From April to October, we head for Fort Boyard on the occasion of a commented sea tripAs it approached, the music from the TV game show played on the boat, much to the delight of young and old alike. There was time to admire the monument from all angles, but we only went around it!
Indeed, Fort Boyard is not accessible to the public for the time being. However, even if the interior is not open to visitors, these cruises allow for a visit Fort Boyard from the sea, with breathtaking views and historical anecdotes as a bonus.
The island of Aix
To extend the walk, we make a stopover on the island of Aix the time of a day. 3 km long, 700 m wide: it is said that this small crescent of land alone concentrates all the landscapes of Charente-Maritime! We move there only on foot or by bike. In fact, the only vehicles present are those of some 250 inhabitants of the island.
We take the coastal path through a forest of maritime pines and holm oaks. We then discover a preserved island with its small coves with a Mediterranean feel and Vauban fortifications. Magnificent panoramas are offered to us on the island of Oléron, the island Madame, the island of Ré and La Rochelle offshore. We save a little time to stroll through the pretty alleys of the village or visit the island's museums, including theformer home of Napoleon I. As a family, you can also opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride.
How to get to Fort Boyard from Royan and its surroundings?
Several companies offer sea excursions around Fort Boyard with or without a stopover on the island of Aix.
- Alizé Cruises : departures from the port of La Grève in La Tremblade (nearest embarkation point from Royan), from Fouras and from Bourcefranc-le-Chapus (July and August only)
- Inter-islands Departures from Boyardville, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron and Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente, by motorboat or catamaran
- Picot Cruise of the Saint-Denis Islands - Cruises : departure from Saint-Denis-d'Oléron
- Sailing Discovery : Departure from Boyardville for an original sailing cruise
Book your sea trip to Fort Boyard
Useful information
- Book your cruise in advance (several days before in high season) in our tourist offices
- Arrive 30 minutes before departure time at the boarding platform (take summer traffic into account)
- Provide sunscreen, hat, sunglasses but also windbreaker and scarf (at sea, it is always cooler!)
- Stopover on the island of Aix: possibility of catering on site, prefer the picnic in high season
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