Iconic Fort Boyard Adventure Fortress in France to Open for Tourist Visits in 2028
Fort Boyard, the historic sea fortress off the coast of France famously used as the set for the international adventure game show Fort Boyard since 1990, is set to open for public tours for the first time in over three decades. Originally built between 1803 and 1866 to protect the naval base at Rochefort, the fortress quickly became militarily obsolete and was later used as a prison before being abandoned in 1913. It fell into disrepair until the late 1980s, when it was restored and transformed into a unique television studio for the adventure show, which has been produced continuously in France and adapted in over 30 countries, including Israel, where it aired from 1998 to 1999.
The Charente-Maritime region, which acquired the fortress in 1989, has approved a €44 million restoration project to repair the sea defenses and stabilize the structure, including rebuilding the breakwaters and anchorage areas. This complex engineering effort involves underwater repairs by divers and the construction of massive concrete components in Saint-Nazaire, which will be transported and installed near the fortress by 2027. The restoration aims to protect the fortress from ongoing wave damage and ensure its preservation.
Once restoration is complete, starting in August 2028, Fort Boyard will welcome small guided tour groups arriving by boat, allowing visitors to explore the fortress’s stone corridors and historic rooms. Access will be limited to protect the site and accommodate sea conditions. Prior to the official opening, a special lottery campaign running until August 23, 2026, will select 25 winners to visit the fortress with a companion on September 19, 2026.
For many who grew up watching the Israeli version of the show hosted by Aki Avni and Sigal Shachmon, this opening offers a rare chance to experience the legendary fortress in person, beyond its decades-long role as a mysterious and nearly inaccessible television set. The fortress’s new chapter as a public heritage site will preserve its legacy as both a historic monument and a cultural icon of 1990s television adventure.
