The Isle of Aix ( Île d’Aix in French) is just a short ferry ride from Fouras, on the west coast of France, but worlds away.
It’s a small island with only 200 inhabitants but a popular day trip with tourists during the summer months.
The Isle of Aix is best experienced before and after all the tourists have arrived. Then you’ll have romantic alcoves and long stretches of beaches all to yourself. I highly recommend spending a night there.
Automobiles are not allowed on the island without special permission.
The island is small so everyone walks or cycles their way around. I cycled around the island in just over an hour at a leisurely pace.
The highlights on the island include the Fort Liédot, a former military prison and a couple of museums.
But it’s not about sightseeing on the Isle of Aix, it’s about experiencing it:
Fresh mussels eaten sea-side.