With its 75 inhabitants, Madame is by far the smallest of the four islands.
To get to the isle of Madame, you shall await the low tide! Access to the island is afforded by foot from Port-des-Barques by way of "passe aux bœufs" (steer pass): a submersible road, a natural passageway consisting in sand and seaside pebbles.
The one road circling the isle of Madame takes you along a sheltered coastal area punctuated by creeks offering comely panoramas of the Charente estuary and the Fouras peninsula. The other side is predominantly pebbly and features numerous wooden pontoons on stilts where one may fish at high tide with the help of a square dipping net, the “carrelet”. A little farther south, a tiny sandy beach allows for a unique regard on this striking range line of floating docks, dipping nets and the vast ocean.
You may also visit the isle of Madame’s “Ferme Aquacole” and discover the practice of agriculture and the salt harvest in the salty marshlands.
For further information, times of accessibility, etc.: The Madame Island Website
The aquacultural farm of the isle of Madame
[September 15-20 2010] With more than 100,000m² of exhibition space and 3 kilometers of pontoons, this nautical salon is primed to welcome over 700 boats, including 350 that will be afloat.
6 - 7 November 2010 This fifth edition of the "long distance" windsurf competition will gather 200 participants to challenge the mythical Fort Boyard.