Ile d@Aix at last

Dateline: August 22nd, 13.15hrs
Location: Le Vieux Port, La Rochelle
At the second, or was it third time, of asking, we boarded the ferry bound for Aix via a panoramic tour around Fort Boyard. Fascinating to hear that when the fort was eventually completed the technology of warfare - in particularly gunnery - meant that it was obsolete and never used for its intended role in the defense of the approaches to Rochefort.
Somewhere along the way we misunderstood how long the crossing to the isle was, and what with a late departure, to ended up with only an hour on land before catching our pre-booked return ferry.

This was long enough for a shortish stroll around the settlement by the port and adjacent ramparts to absorb some of its military history and to sit opposite this typical island maison to enjoy a big ice cream sundae (one each).
The island was first inhabited in the 11th century by an order of monks from nearby Il de Re but in the 17th century, with the establishment of the Royal Arsenal and Dockyards in Rochefort, it was taken over by the military. A substantial forst was developed to conduct the defense of the channel that leads to Rochefort. The fort remained active until 1927.

All too soon the ice creams were licked and the return ferry called.

We mouched around the Old Port and the area of the Aquarium for a good while before heading over to Port de Plomb for a dinner of moules et frites. What better way to end the day.