L'Île Madame, Charente-Maritime

Today we crossed from the mainland at Port-des-Barques via the causeway to L'Île Madame which is the smallest island of Charente-Maritime. It is largely uninhabited and has an area of just 4 square miles.
The drive across the stony causeway was very bumpy but worth it to arrive at this beautiful and peaceful haven.
There is a Camping de Mon Village site on the island and we are spending the weekend here with a small number of like minded travellers!
And we are blessed with fabulous weather this weekend.
We've enjoyed a walk around the perimeter of the island from which we have wonderful views including of Fort Boyard.
We also located the Croix des Galets (Cross of Pebbles) beneath which are buried the bodies of 254 catholic priests who died for their faith on this island (where they were being held prisoner) at a time of anti clerical persecution in 1794 during the French Revolution. They are commemorated during a pilgrimage here in August every year.Read more