Ile-d'Aix ( fr. Île-d'Aix ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean , located in the Gulf of Pertuis d'Antioche near the west coast of France , near the city of La Rochelle and the mouth of the Charente River. The island’s population totals only 227 people (according to 2009 data) [1] . The size of the island is 3 km by 600 m, the area is about 1.2 km² (300 acres).
| Ile d'ex | |
|---|---|
| fr Île-d'Aix | |
 Island Map | |
| Specifications | |
| Square | 1.2 km² |
| Highest point | 15 m |
| Population | 227 people (2009) |
| Population density | 189.17 p / km² |
| Location | |
| Water area | Atlantic Ocean |
| A country |
|
| Region | Poitou - Charente |
| Area | Maritime Charente |
Content
Fortifications
The island has many fortifications, most of which were built during the time of Louis XVI . [2] In the southern part there is a fort de la Rad (Fort de la Rade) and two lighthouse towers, in the north - Fort Liedo (Fort Liédot). To the south-west of the island of Aix, in the strait that separates it from the island of Oleron , lies the Bayar fort , and to the southeast is the fort of Enet .
History
During the Hundred Years War, the island passed under the control of England for about 15 years. In April 1809, during the Napoleonic wars , a naval battle took place near the island, in which the British under the command of Thomas Cochrane stranded almost all (except two) French ships based in this part of the Bay of Biscay . Here in 1815, Napoleon I surrendered to the commander of the English ship, who took him to St. Helena [3] . At the time of Napoleon, several thousand people lived on the island, but with the loss of military significance, he was turned into a prison. During the First World War, about 1,500 people were stationed on the island, including the garrison and prisoners of war [2] .
Tourism
The island is a popular destination in France for tourist trips during the summer months. There is a ferry to the island several times a day all year round.
Notes
- ↑ INSEE popolazione legale totale 2009
- ↑ 1 2 The Island of Aix (English) . www.iledaix.fr. The date of circulation is September 11, 2009. Archived August 8, 2012.
- ↑ Ex, French Island // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : 86 t. (82 t. And 4 add.). - SPb. , 1890-1907.
Links
- Official site (fr.)