Madame Island

Madame Island is linked to the Port-des-Barques peninsula by the "Passe aux Boeufs" (tombolo - only accessible at low tide). From the island, you can see the seaside resort of Fouras-les-Bains, the Vauban fort and the island of Aix. Located in the Charente estuary, on the tourist town of Port-des-Barques, the Madame Island, is at low tide, "attached" to the mainland by a natural tombola of 1km Named "Passe aux Boeufs", extended offshore by a rocky tombola called "Passe aux Filles". It is only accessible at low tide, preferably on foot and by bicycle. It is a fragile space that must be respected and protected. On the highest point of the island, 18 meters above sea level, the Fort of the island was entrusted to the "Coastal protection agency". This fort had made the island, since the 17th century, a link in the defense system of the coast, the estuary of the Charente and therefore the maritime dockyard of Rochefort. You can visit it in the company of a guide of the Ecomuseum of Port-des-Barques. Your visit : After crossing the "Passe aux Boeufs", approach "the Well of the Insurgents" then continue by the pedestrian path which has you tour the island. To the north, towards "la Passe aux Filles", at low tide, you will probably cross oyster farmers on their tractors. Stop at the Aquaculture Farm to listen to the saltmaker telling you everything about the salt marsh, the salt harvest... and taste on the spot products of the island. Your visit: After the Cross of the Pebbles, the fort of Ile Madame, approach the "Puits des Insurgés" and then continue along the pedestrian path that goes around the island. To the north, towards "la Passe aux Filles", at low tide, you will undoubtedly come across the oyster farmers on their tractors. Stop off at the Ferme Aquacole to listen to the salt farmer tell you about the salt marsh, the salt harvest, but also the breeding of clams, sea bass, oysters, ... and taste the island's products on the spot. In the surrounding area, you can easily find salt meadow plants such as the obione and the maritime chard. On the way back, the typical "carrelets" of the Fort Boyard area are facing Oleron. Advice: consult the timetable for the "Passe aux Boeufs" before organising your outing and bring walking shoes that are not too fragile and resistant to sea water. Enjoy the island without a car: a free car park is open all year round at the entrance to the Passe aux Boeufs.