: Having lost its defensive value, the fort was repurposed as a military prison in 1870 , primarily housing political prisoners after the Paris Commune.
: Since 1990 , the fort has gained global fame as the filming location for the adventure game show Fort Boyard . The show's production funded major restorations, including clearing 50cm of guano and repairing the outer walls and central courtyard.
As of 2025, significant restoration projects are ongoing to protect its foundations from erosion, with plans to potentially allow public access by 2028.
: It measures approximately 68 meters (223 ft) long and 31 meters (102 ft) wide , with stone walls rising 20 meters (66 ft) high. Layout :
: Featured casemates for up to 74 cannons and further quarters.
: It was officially abandoned by the French Navy in 1913 and fell into ruin, suffering damage from the elements and being used as a target for German practice during WWII.
: Built on a massive artificial riprap mound created by dumping thousands of tons of stone onto the sandy seabed. Operational History and Modern Use
: Having lost its defensive value, the fort was repurposed as a military prison in 1870 , primarily housing political prisoners after the Paris Commune.
: Since 1990 , the fort has gained global fame as the filming location for the adventure game show Fort Boyard . The show's production funded major restorations, including clearing 50cm of guano and repairing the outer walls and central courtyard. Fort Boyard Original
As of 2025, significant restoration projects are ongoing to protect its foundations from erosion, with plans to potentially allow public access by 2028. : Having lost its defensive value, the fort
: It measures approximately 68 meters (223 ft) long and 31 meters (102 ft) wide , with stone walls rising 20 meters (66 ft) high. Layout : As of 2025, significant restoration projects are ongoing
: Featured casemates for up to 74 cannons and further quarters.
: It was officially abandoned by the French Navy in 1913 and fell into ruin, suffering damage from the elements and being used as a target for German practice during WWII.
: Built on a massive artificial riprap mound created by dumping thousands of tons of stone onto the sandy seabed. Operational History and Modern Use