Less frequented than the bigger islands, the crescent-shaped Île d'Aix is small enough – just 2km long – to be walked around in about three hours, giving a greater sense of its island status than is felt on the Île de Ré.The island is well defended, with a pair of forts and ramparts around its southern tip, and the whole island, particularly Fort Liédot, served as a prison for members of the Paris Commune and later held prisoners of war in the Crimean and First World wars. There's a museum (daily 10am–noon & 2–6pm; €3.81) in the house constructed to Napoléon's orders and inhabited by him for a week in 1815 while he was planning his escape to America, only to find himself en route to St Helena and exile, via Portsmouth. Extensive displays fill ten rooms with the emperor's works of art, clothing, portraits and arms. The white dromedary from which he conducted his Egyptian campaign is lodged nearby in the Musée Africain, with its entire collection devoted to African wildlife (daily except Wed same hours as above; €2.44). Access is by frequent ferry (half-hourly in season) from Pointe de la Fumée (tel 05.46.84.26.77), or with Interîles from La Rochelle (May–Sept 2–4 daily). The only hotel on the island is the overpriced Napoléon on rue Gourgard (tel 05.46.84.66.02, fax 05.46.84.69.70; €30–40), and there's also a campsite, the Fort de la Rade (tel 05.46.84.28.28; closed Oct–April). Alternate spellings:: France, Īle d'Aix, Île d'Aix, Ile d'Aix
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