November Hike by Freetime
📍 CHARENTE-MARITIME (17) - ÎLE D'AIX / LA ROCHELLE
NOVEMBER 2026 EXPEDITION: ÎLE D'AIX, FORT BOYARD & ADVENTURE FESTIVAL
Set sail for the ocean! After the volcanoes of Auvergne, the peaks of Annecy and the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Freetime is taking you to the coast for the first time. A car-free island, a legendary fort and the adventurers' favorite festival: November is set to be full of sea air!
1. The Route: Around Île d'Aix
It all starts with an approximately 20-minute boat ride from Pointe de la Fumée in Fouras. On Île d'Aix, there are no cars: you step off the quay and the adventure begins right away. The well-marked coastal path takes you all the way around the island in 7 km: cliffs and tidal flats to the north, sandy beaches to the south, woods and marshes to the west, and views over the Pertuis d'Antioche to the east. The island is completely flat, so the hike is accessible to the whole family.
In November, the island returns to its peaceful state. The summer tourists have left, the low sun makes the ocean shine and the sea spray whips your face: it's the ideal time to discover it.
🧥 Hiking tip: On an island, the wind changes everything. Even in good weather, pack a windproof and waterproof jacket in your bag, like those from our Keela range. And keep an eye on the time of the last return boat: Fouras – Aix ferry timetable.
2. The Event: FIFAV in La Rochelle
The adventurers' meeting point! Thirty minutes from Fouras, La Rochelle will host the 23rd edition of the International Film and Book Festival of Adventure, at the Espace Encan, from November 16 to 22, 2026.
On the program: 130 screenings of adventure documentaries, meetings with authors and explorers, exhibitions, podcasts and workshops for the youngest. Mountains, sea, great journeys… plenty of inspiration for your next expeditions!
Top tip: Hike in the morning, then head to La Rochelle for an afternoon screening. Finish with a stroll around the illuminated Old Port, between its two medieval towers.
NOVEMBER ESSENTIAL
CITY BACKPACK PACK
From
€25.00
Lightweight and compact, perfect for a day hike on the island: a windproof jacket, a water bottle and a snack, and you're off. It will then follow you to the festival and through the streets of La Rochelle.
VIEW CITY BAGS3. The Unusual Location: Facing Fort Boyard
From the southern tip of the island, near the Fort de la Rade and the pier, it stands in the middle of the ocean, about 3 km away: Fort Boyard. Everyone knows it from TV, but few have seen it with their own eyes. The sight is breathtaking, especially when the sea is rough.
To the northeast, hidden in the forest, the path then leads you to Fort Liédot, the "impregnable" fort Napoleon wanted, with its moats and half-buried walls. In November, it is closed to visitors, but its mysterious appearance in the middle of the trees is well worth the detour.
Historical bonus: in the village, don't miss the house where Napoleon spent his last days in France before his exile, now converted into a museum.
📸 NOVEMBER CHALLENGE
Take a photo of yourself with Fort Boyard in the background and your Freetime bag on your back!
Post your photo with the hashtag #FreetimeFortBoyard and tag @Freetimeoutdoor. The best photo of November will win a surprise!
