A little history of Aix island fortifications
And also
The tops
The story of the island of Aix began in the 11th century with the foundation of a Clunisian priory.
Disputed by the English and the French during the Middle-Ages, then by Catholics and Protestants, Aix was completely ruined in the beginning of the 17th century.
Then, Colbert decided to protect all Charente's coasts and raised fortifications: islands of Ré and Oléron, Rochefort, the Boyard stronghold in middle of the sea... and island of Aix!
Hawke landed here in 1757 and demolished all the fortifications, raised by Vauban!
One man, Napoleon I, finally built two strongholds, the fort de la Rade and the fort Liédot.
The first one was built in 1810 on the foundations of Vauban's fortifications, finished in 1837. It nowadays houses... a holiday village.
The second one dates back to 1808: it used to be a jail. It nowadays houses cultural exhibitions.