Île-d'Aix Fortifications, Île-d'Aix, France

Isle of Aix (île d'Aix), in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular place for tourist day-trips during the summer months. Napoleon famously visited the island in 1808 and gave directions to reinforce the fortifications. He ordered the construction of a house for the commander of the stronghold (today's Musée Napoléon) and the construction of Fort Liedot, named after a colonel killed in the Russian campaign.

In 1809, the Battle of the Basque Roads was a naval battle off the island of Aix between the Royal Navy and the Atlantic Fleet of the French Navy. On the night of 11 April 1809, Captain Thomas Cochrane led a British fireship attack against a squadron of French warships anchored in the Basque Roads. In the attack, all but two of the French ships were driven ashore. The subsequent engagement lasted three days but failed to completely destroy the French fleet.

From 12 to 15 July 1815, Napoleon also spent his last days in France at Île d'Aix, after the defeat at Waterloo, in an attempt to slip past a Royal Navy blockade and escape to North America. Realising the impossibility of accomplishing his plan, he wrote a letter to the British regent and finally surrendered to HMS Bellerophon, which took him to Torbay and Plymouth before he was transferred to Saint Helena.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in France

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Elphias Dodge (2 years ago)
No comfort of any kind, no technologies but a few panorama views. do not go there.

Julie B. (2 years ago)
Lovely little island to visit on foot or by bike...

Elie Chamoun (7 years ago)
Wonderful and relaxing place. Make sure you carry cash on you

Ashvini (8 years ago)
One of the best places to visit in France. A beautiful island.

Nigel Dent (8 years ago)
A great place to spend a lazy relaxing day away from the frantic pace of life in general

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