Ferries from Fouras

Boats for Île d'Aix do not leave from Fouras town but from the Pointe de la Fumée, the narrow spit at the end of the Fouras-les-Bains peninsula, where the gare maritime sits on Boulevard de la Fumée. La Rochelle is 30 minutes away by road, Rochefort 15.

The crossing

Twenty-five minutes to the island, every day of the year, on the Pierre Loti. The route belongs to the Charente-Maritime department and is operated by Keolis Maritime Fouras Aix. Departure times move with the tide in the Pertuis d'Antioche — the company prints tide tables next to the timetable for that reason.

Leaving the car

Île d'Aix is car-free for visitors, so the mainland car parks at the Pointe are part of the journey. A bicycle crosses for €12.00, a vehicle under 3.5 t for €45.00 where permitted, and a dog not carried in a bag or cage for €5.00. Fares are dynamic: sailings are colour-coded by expected demand and cost more when the boat is busy.