Island Hopping

Several islands are scattered around La Rochelle, including the nearby Île de Ré, as well as a trio further south.

Accessible only by boat, the tiny crescent-shaped Île d'Aix (pronounced 'eel dex'), 16km due south of La Rochelle, has some blissful beaches. Between the Île d'Aix and the larger Île d'Oléron (linked to the mainland by a free bridge) is the fortress-island Fort Boyard, built during the first half of the 19th century.

Inter-Îles has sailings from Easter to early November to Fort Boyard (adult/child €18.50/11.50), Île d'Aix (€27/17.50) and Île d'Oléron (€27/17.50), plus sailings to Île de Ré (€18.50/11.50) from Easter to September.

La Rochelle's tourist office also has information about reaching the islands by public and private transport.