France
Fouras to Aix Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Fouras
Arrives
Aix
Charente MaritimeAt a glance
The Fouras to Aix ferry. It is operated by Charente Maritime.
- Sailings listed
- 0
Fouras to Aix ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Fouras to Aix ferry is operated by Charente Maritime. 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
The crossing from Fouras to the Île d'Aix is a short Atlantic hop to one of the few genuinely car-free islands on the French coast. Boats leave from the jetty at the tip of the Pointe de la Fumée, the narrow spit that reaches out from Fouras-les-Bains, and reach the island in around 20 minutes. Because the Île d'Aix keeps motor traffic off its lanes, this is a passenger and cycle service only — you leave the car in the mainland car parks and step aboard on foot or wheel a bike on board.
Who runs it and when
The link is operated year-round by the island's maritime service (La Maritime d'Aix). Unusually for a French island boat, sailings run every day of the year, though departure times shift with the tides in the Pertuis d'Antioche, so the timetable is not identical from one day to the next. Frequency is heaviest across the summer, when boats shuttle back and forth through the day; in winter the service thins to a handful of core crossings. Fares are tiered across three seasons — low (winter and late autumn), mid (spring and September) and high (July–August).
What the island offers
The Île d'Aix is a slim crescent roughly 3 km long and only about 700 m wide, easily explored on foot in an afternoon. It is best known as Napoleon's last refuge on French soil in July 1815 after Waterloo, and his lodging is now a museum. The waters around it hold the ring of coastal forts — Fort Enet on its sandbar and, further out between Aix and Oléron, the famous Fort Boyard made globally recognisable by the television game show.
- Boarding point: Pointe de la Fumée jetty, Fouras
- Crossing: about 20 minutes, tide-dependent
- Access: foot passengers and cyclists only; no cars on the island
Arrive at the pier well ahead of departure — around 30 minutes is advised in the busy season — and book ahead where you can, as fares are sold dynamically and the best rates go early.
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?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Charente Maritime) for current fares.
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.
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