Passage on the Passe aux Boeufs between Port-des-Barques and the Madame Island
On the left bank of the Charente river, in Port-des-Barques, a peninsula "at the end of the world", you will find a wide panorama on the Madame Island. You are between land and sea, facing the sumptuous setting of the “Grand Site”.
In any season, at low tide, with water resistant shoes, follow the Passe aux Boeufs, a one kilometre long natural tombolo. It is the start of your discovery of the island. Around you spreads a gigantic foreshore covered in sand, pebbles and seaweed... And add to this, a 360 ° perspective on Fouras, Aix Island, the entrance of the estuary and on Port-des-Barques !
That's it, you're at Madame Island for a 100% nature outing.
Tour of the Madame Island on foot, by bicycle and by a horse-drawn carriage
Let yourself be surrounded by the tide on the island which is a natural protection for the estuary of the Charente. On foot, by bicycle, and by horse-drawn carriage, visit one of the most enchanting sites of Rochefort Ocean!
While touring the island, discover the casemates of the Fort, protector of the Naval Dockyard of Rochefort. The Coastal protection agency exhibits superb retrospectives on the fauna and flora, geology and history of the Madame Island.
The island is home to the imposing "Croix aux Galets", which has become a summer pilgrimage to the memory of refractory priests deported during the Revolution.
Further away, stop at the Aquaculture Farm for lunch, a snack, an oyster tasting ... or a guided tour of the farm.
Fishing on foot on the Madame Island
At low tide, become a fisherman on foot... a beautiful moment of sharing in a fragile site that you must respect. From the beach, do not forget to admire the elegant fishing huts and their pontoons, the pride of the Madame Island.