The Island of Aix is just a 20 minute boat ride from mainland France but worlds apart. At just 3 km long and 600m wide, Aix is best explored by bike or on foot. Indeed that’s the only option since vehicle access is by special permission only. Speaking on behalf of 2 of Aix’s residents that we met (from a total of 200), I found the locals to be relaxed (one even walked around barefoot), friendly and proud to call Aix home. The Deputy Mayor also likes to take long walks on the beach – sorry ladies, I didn’t ask if he was single.
The Deputy Mayor showed us around (by bike of course) and even took us to one of his favorite places to get away from it all – a beach with eroded coves. Despite the warm temperatures, it was deserted except for two contemplative souls (to be fair I don’t really know if they were contemplating, but I like to think that they were). The day trippers had left for the day, leaving Aix in peace.
It’s hard to believe that Aix is so close to mainland France, but yet so far away.
