🧱 An Engineering Feat… Made Obsolete

The oval-shaped fort measures 68 meters long, 31 meters wide, and 20 meters high. It could house 250 soldiers, with storage areas, gun casemates, living quarters, and artillery platforms on different levels.

Ironically, by the time it was completed, long-range coastal cannons had advanced so much that Fort Boyard was rendered completely useless for military defense.

🕳️ From Prison to Ruin… and Then to Fame

After 1871, the fort was used briefly as a military prison, before being abandoned in 1913. Over the decades, it slowly crumbled into the sea. It was declared a historic monument in 1950 and purchased by the regional council in 1961.

Fort Boyard first appeared on the big screen in 1967 in the film "Les Aventuriers". Since 1990, it has become internationally famous thanks to the Fort Boyard TV show, now adapted in many countries.

🏡 Discover Fort Boyard During Your Stay at Domaine de Rochebonne

Although the fort is not open to the public, several boat tours and cruises allow you to admire it from up close. Located just 30 minutes from Domaine de Rochebonne, it’s a must-see during your holiday in Charente-Maritime.

👉 Book your stay now and explore the legends of Fort Boyard!
👉 domainederochebonne.com

Located off the west coast of France, between Oléron Island and Île-d’Aix, Fort Boyard is one of Charente-Maritime’s most iconic landmarks. Today, it is famous as the filming location of the popular TV game show, but its history goes much further back…

⚔️ From Louis XIV’s Vision to Napoleon’s Construction

The idea of building a fort in the Pertuis d’Antioche strait was first proposed in the 17th century under Louis XIV. The goal: protect the Rochefort arsenal from Royal Navy attacks by filling the gap between the Île-d’Aix fort and the Oléron fort. However, artillery technology at the time wasn’t advanced enough to justify such a project. Engineer Vauban famously declared: “Your Majesty, it would be easier to catch the moon with your teeth.”

The plan was revived by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s. Construction began in 1801, and a workers’ village — Boyardville — was built on Oléron Island. Work was interrupted several times and only completed in 1857, under King Louis-Philippe.