France
Fouras to Aix Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Fouras
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Arrives
Aix
Charente MaritimeAt a glance
The Fouras to Aix ferry takes about 25m. It is operated by Charente Maritime. Fares start from €10.80.
- Operator
- Charente Maritime
- Crossing
- 25m
Fouras to Aix ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Fouras to Aix ferry is operated by Charente Maritime, and the crossing takes about 25m. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Fouras – Aix crossing
Twenty-five minutes, and no car at the other end. Île d'Aix keeps motor traffic off its lanes, so the boat from the Pointe de la Fumée — the spit at the end of the Fouras-les-Bains peninsula, not the town itself — is a foot-passenger and bicycle service.
Book before you go
Reservation is compulsory in both directions. You cannot simply turn up and walk on. Book online, at the Pointe de la Fumée ticket office or on 05 46 84 60 50; boarding opens 15 minutes before departure. Sailings run every day of the year on the Pierre Loti, operated by Keolis Maritime Fouras Aix for the Charente-Maritime department.
What it costs, and when
Fares depend on season and on how busy the sailing is — each departure is coloured green, orange or red. In low season (January to March, late September to December) it is a flat €11.00. Mid-season adult returns are €18.00–€20.00 and a single €10.80–€12.00. In July and August returns run €22.00–€25.00 and singles €13.20–€15.00. Children 4–17 pay €13–€18 depending on season, under-4s free, and a bicycle €8.00–€12.00. Booking early gets the lower colour band.
Parking is part of the journey
Four car parks sit behind the jetty and the price follows the walk: €1.60/hour right beside it, down to €0.80/hour thirty minutes away — or ten minutes on one of the shared bikes, first half hour free. Day rates run €6 to €12. The first 30 minutes are free in three of the four.
Tide and timing
The 25-minute figure is the sea passage alone. Boarding, disembarking, weather and tide all add to it, and the operator publishes tide tables next to the timetable for exactly that reason. If you have a train or flight to catch from La Rochelle or Rochefort, build in slack.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Year-round service on the Pierre Loti
- Bicycles, trailers and hand carts carried
- Tide tables published with the timetable
- Four car parks with shared bikes nearby
- Aix'clusive and islander discount cards
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Fouras to the Île d'Aix?
The crossing takes about 20 minutes from the Pointe de la Fumée jetty in Fouras. Exact departure times vary with the tides, so the timetable is not the same every day.
Can I take a car to the Île d'Aix?
No. The Île d'Aix is a car-free island, so the boat carries foot passengers and cyclists only. You leave your vehicle in the mainland car parks at Fouras and cross on foot or with a bike.
Does the Fouras to Aix boat run all year?
Yes. The maritime service runs daily throughout the year. Sailings are most frequent in summer and reduced in winter, and departure times shift with the tides.
Where does the boat leave from in Fouras?
From the jetty at the Pointe de la Fumée, the long spit reaching out from Fouras-les-Bains. There are car parks near the embarkation point where you leave your vehicle.
What is there to see on the Île d'Aix?
The island is small enough to explore on foot in an afternoon. Highlights include the house where Napoleon spent his last days in France in 1815, now a museum, and views out to the coastal forts including the well-known Fort Boyard between Aix and Oléron.
Should I book in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially in high season. Fares are sold dynamically across low, mid and high seasons, and reserving early tends to secure the best rate. Arrive at the pier around 30 minutes before departure.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around €10.80. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Charente Maritime.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Charente Maritime, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 13, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
€10.80
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Fouras on the map
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