It’s the TV show that has rocked the childhoods, teen years, and even a few adult evenings for many. Since its debut in the 1990s, the show « Fort-Boyard » has captured the hearts of the French with its adventures and challenges that participating public figures must face, all for the benefit of charities. Entertainment is one thing, but reality is another. The future of the historic military fort that hosts the show is at risk. To help save it, the Charente-Maritime department and the Heritage Foundation launched a donation campaign called « Let’s Save Fort Boyard » on Tuesday, December 17.
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Over 36 million euros to restore the fort
It hosts the wackiest challenges for television, but at the same time, Fort Boyard is gradually deteriorating. Built during the first half of the 19th century at the initiative of Napoleon Bonaparte, the fort has fallen victim to the passage of time and erosion. Significant renovation work must be done to ensure it meets safety standards. This fundraising campaign aims to gather at least 9 million euros. The total cost for the works is estimated to be 36.6 million euros.
Le Conseil départemental de la Charente-Maritime espère récolter 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝’𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐬 pour aider à "sauver" le Fort Boyard 🇫🇷
— L'Echo Touristique (@echotouristique) December 18, 2024
Plus d'informations 👉 https://t.co/ThrUwdxe1P#FortBoyard pic.twitter.com/dgRbFSakkE
A public reopening is planned for 2028
With no protection against the waves, the fort is suffering from “ significant breaches with wastewater needing to be evacuated, which can cause damage inside the fort ,” says the Charente-Maritime Department. The rehabilitation work is expected to last until 2028. The building, located between the Île d'Oléron and the Île d'Aix, should then be able to reopen and be accessible to the public.
