L'Île Madame, the smallest island of Charente-Maritime

From the village of Port-des-Barques, 15 kilometres from Rochefort, all you have to do is take a kilometre-long natural tombolo to discover Île Madame. This 70-hectare strip of land offers a breathtaking view of the mainland and a 360° perspective! For the time of a tide, allow yourself to be enclosed in this preserved territory to discover its many riches.

A natural protection of the Charente estuary, the island has an impressive fort and numerous casemates built in the 17th century to ensure the security of a naval arsenal threatened by the English Navy. Having become a prison after the painful episode of the Paris Commune, the Île Madame fort is known to have housed nearly 1,250 prisoners in less than 11 months.

Another of the site's heritage treasures is the Croix aux Galets. Built in the 19th century, it pays homage to the refractory priests deported here during the Revolution.

Listed natural site, the island has the immense advantage of offering one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Charente coast; from its coasts, you can clearly see the islands of Aix, Ré and Oléron but also the famous Fort Boyard.

On foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage, it is easy to tour the island in less than a day. That leaves time to fully enjoy during your walk, the natural wonders of this territory to be protected and to take advantage of the very low tides to fish on foot for seashells, cockles and scallops.

Above all, don't leave without visiting Elizabeth and Jean-Pierre's Aquaculture Farm. Growing shrimp and oysters and raising sheep in salt meadows, they will make you taste their products and share with you the history of the island in a particularly warm and friendly atmosphere.