Around l'îIe Madame

de fr

A pleasant walk passing by the Passe aux boeufs causeway, then around an island steeped in history. Numerous and varied views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

Details

n°190507
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.70 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 11 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 11 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 14 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m
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Photos

L'île Madame
In the rising sun
The carrelets of Ile Madame
Fort Boyard

Description of the walk

Start: from the Passe aux Boeufs car park, west of the town of Port-des-Barques.

(S/E) With your back to the car park entrance, turn left onto a sandy track (Passe aux boeufs causeway) that descends slightly. Follow the gravel path west-northwest to the island.

(1) Once on the island, at the fork at the Pointe de Surgères (oratory), turn right onto a small tarmac road. Take an opening in the hedge on the left to cross a meadow and reach the Croix des Galets (cross-shaped pile of pebbles, information panel).

(2) Reach the road further north and follow it to the left.

(3) At the Virgin statue, leave the road and turn left, then right onto the footpath (pontoon over the sea on the right). Follow the hedged path along the coast. The path becomes narrower, cross a footbridge and emerge onto a small beach with a masonry structure (the Puits des Insurgés).

(4) At the fork, turn left towards the fortifications (sign). Follow the first fortifications, then walk between two hedges. Just before you reach the tarmac road, turn left onto a path that runs parallel to it. Walk past the war memorial to a roadside barrier. Turn left through the barrier to reach the entrance to the fort.

(5) Retrace your steps to the fork near the small beach.

(4) Turn left and, after just a few metres, take the stairs on the left (the path opposite leads to a cul-de-sac). Skirting a field on your left, head towards the houses, which you pass on the left. Before reaching the road again, turn right onto a path that runs between two houses. Turn left and follow a beach (on your right) and a car park (on your left).

(6) Cross the tarmac road running north-west towards Plateau des Palles (information sign) and head due south on a wide gravel road. Follow the coastline (carrelets), pass the path on the left which leads to an aquaculture farm and cross a stream.

(7) Continue straight ahead (south-south-east), still along the coast. The path turns east, then north away from the coast, then east again. Follow the path between the pastures and ponds of the aquaculture farm, and find the Pointe de Surgères oratory.

(1) Take the Passe aux Boeufs causeway in the opposite direction to the outward journey to reach the start car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 3 m - Parking de la Passe aux Boeufs
  2. 1 : km 1.11 - alt. 4 m - Pointe de Surgères
  3. 2 : km 1.35 - alt. 3 m - Croix des Galets
  4. 3 : km 1.66 - alt. 3 m - Virgin
  5. 4 : km 2.36 - alt. 6 m - Insurgent well
  6. 5 : km 2.68 - alt. 14 m - Fort de l'Ile Madame
  7. 6 : km 3.49 - alt. 4 m - North-West Point
  8. 7 : km 4.04 - alt. 5 m - Ruisseau
  9. S/E : km 6.7 - alt. 3 m - Parking de la Passe aux Boeufs

Notes

Start: from the Passe aux Boeufs car park, west of the town of Port-des-Barques.

Gears: Good sports shoes are sufficient for this hike. Brief muddy passage possible between (3) and (4).

Facilities: Toilets near (3) and (6).

Important recommendations
This hike follows a submersible path, the Passe aux Boeufs causeway, so it can only be undertaken at certain times of the day, around low tide. It is imperative to consult in advance the crossing times horaires de passage which indicate when the path is covered by the sea.
These timetables are posted at the entrance to the departure car park, so be sure to check your arrival time to ensure that you will have time to complete the entire hike. To leave yourself some time, and also because this walk is rather busy, it's best to aim for arrival at the car park shortly after the time at which the passage begins to be discovered.
For further information, please consult the tide tables at Port-des-Barques.

Alternatives
- Only around the Island - You can take the Passe aux Boeufs by car (respect pedestrians) and walk strictly around the island (about 2.2km less). Two parking options: (i) at the Pointe de Surgères (1) (limited capacity) and (ii) at the north-western tip of the island (6).
- Plateau des Palles - At the north-western tip (6), at low tide, you can take the Passe aux Filles to wander through the oyster beds of the Plateau des Palles. Please note: the path is only open 2 hours before low tide and 2 hours after. Be sure to check the timetable before setting off, and be extremely careful! Also check that this addition is compatible with the Passe aux Boeufs return schedule.

Even if, by nature, this hike does not present any route difficulties, a 1/25000 scale map is always useful (at least the one that accompanies this description).

Walked by the author on January 1, 2016.

Worth a visit

Paysages marins:
- Numerous and varied views of the sea and surrounding islands and coasts: Ile d'Oléron, Ile d'Aix, Fort Boyard, Fouras and its Fort Vauban, ...
- Numerous carrelets between (4) and (7).

Fort de l'Ile Madame (5) :
Built in the early 18th century, this fort contributed to the defense of the Rochefort harbor. In 1871-1872, Communards were imprisoned in the fort, and it was they who built the Puits des Insurgés. During the First World War, rebel soldiers were also imprisoned here.

Memorial to the refractory priests who died in 1794__'' :
- Oratory at the Pointe de Surgères (1).
- Pebble cross where 254 priests were buried (2).

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 54 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Jean-Jacques Mongeaud
Jean-Jacques Mongeaud

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant route that starts at the Passe aux Boeufs at low tide. It is 1.2 km long, but be careful of wet pebbles so you don't slip on some sections. There is also a sign at the entrance to the pass indicating the return times so you don't get caught out by the rising tide! The tour of Île Madame is lovely, with views of the Charente estuary, Fouras and Île d'Aix, and lots of seabirds to watch. The tour of the island is about 3.8 km long. If you want to extend the walk, you can criss-cross Port des Barques and walk along the south side of the cliff with its breathtaking views.

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User 7321218

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk, enjoyed with our 4-year-old son. The only downside was that after seeing the well and the entrance to the fort, we couldn't return to the coastal path because access was prohibited. We therefore had to continue along the road and rejoin the coast for the rest of the walk.
It would be a good idea for the authorities to ban cars from the island: we need to think about erosion and protecting our natural heritage!

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Nico17300
Nico17300

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb walk around Île Madame. It's impossible to get lost as the island is small and you can walk in either direction. Be aware that it gets very busy in high season (really busy), so it's best to visit in low season. The scenery is magnificent, especially along the carrelets, and you can see the island of Oléron, the Charente estuary and the island of Aix. In the distance, you can see Fort Boyard.
Be very careful to check the tide times so you don't get stuck on the island for six hours.
A very beautiful walk at low tide can be extended southwards, along the beach and the carrelets, to reach the harbour centre without having to take the road.

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LisaHD
LisaHD

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Easy, very pleasant. Walk made on 08/04/2025 on a beautiful sunny morning. La croix aux galets, the fort, the carrelets, the farm ... View of Fort Boyard in the distance.

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dindons
dindons

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very nice easy hike. It's a pity that after point 4 the path is definitively closed. You have to get to point 6 directly after the fort at point 5 and not make the return journey towards the coast.

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PaulZoe
PaulZoe

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent (The most beautiful walk in Charente Maritime?)

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Our Lake District Escapades
Our Lake District Escapades ★

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent walk that we did as a family with a baby in the carrier bag and a dog. Beautiful views of the coast and the fishermen's "carrelets". We made a little diversions to the farm to buy salt. There's not too much shade, so it's best to go early in the morning.

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Mélodie
Moderator - Visorando English

FGECAYA
FGECAYA

Yes, but on Ile Madame there's a paying reception area for motorhomes.

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Ptigris21
Ptigris21

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A short tour of Ile Madame with no major difficulties, with magnificent views of the coastline, Rochefort, La Rochelle, Oléron and the Ile de Ré bridge in the distance.
The only drawback is the traffic of campervans and cars on the access road at low tide. A sign clearly indicates that hikers/pedestrians have priority on this passage!
To preserve this island seriously, it should be reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.

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toureiffeil
toureiffeil

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short, easy walk with some interesting viewpoints.
And why not repeat the walk in the opposite direction at the end!

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benmondon
benmondon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It's a short but dense tour, with plenty to see!
Ideal for the whole family.
But be careful not to get caught out by the tide times...

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elisvisorando
elisvisorando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I've often made the rounds of Ile Madame. This time, I made a new and very special discovery in the fog. The friends who accompanied me couldn't see the coast of the Fouras peninsula, nor the Ile d'Oléron, nor the Ile d'Aix, nor the coast to the south. Nevertheless, the walk did have a certain charm. The carrelets, so picturesque, bathed in a veil of mist. On returning to the Passe aux Bœufs, we were finally able to identify the landscape. A very fine route, even in these conditions. Not too crowded, despite the high tide, which was great for fishing on foot. Many professional oyster farmers at Les Palles.
In summer and on other busy days, a shuttle bus could reduce the number of cars passing through.

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FGECAYA
FGECAYA

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We stayed with the camper van on Ile Madame and took a tour of the island. A short walk of around 5 km with beautiful views of the sea, the fort, the carrelets and the burial place of the 254 priests who died on the island during the deportation. Beware of the tide to cross the passe aux bœufs.

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Ardechois33
Ardechois33

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I went there with the members of my association and all 23 of them were delighted with the walk, which we completed to make a 23 km hike.

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Ardechois33
Ardechois33

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I did this walk on Valentine's Day and there were very few people there.
Very nice walk
Information on the times when you should not venture onto the passe aux boeufs is given on a sign in the car park at the start of the pass.
We only saw 2 cars on the pass and I think, as the various comments say, that access should be limited to people from the island. And especially prohibit camping cars.

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