La Rochelle: Fort Boyard Guided Boat Trip
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Non smoking
History
Fort Boyard, a formidable maritime fortress in the Pertuis d’Antioche strait, was constructed between 1801 and 1857 under Napoleon Bonaparte’s directive to safeguard the Charente estuary from British naval incursions. Built on a challenging rocky shoal exposed only at low tide, its star-shaped design, with thick granite walls, was intended to house 250 soldiers and 74 cannons. By its completion, evolving military technology had diminished its strategic value, leading to its abandonment by 1879. Revived in 1990 as the set for the globally recognized French TV show Fort Boyard, it now blends historical significance with modern pop culture fame.
La Rochelle, a vibrant port city since the 12th century, flourished as a Huguenot stronghold and a key player in maritime trade. Its Old Port, framed by the iconic Saint-Nicolas and Chain Towers, has witnessed centuries of commerce and conflict. The nearby islands of Ré, Oléron, and Aix, visible during the cruise, carry their own legacies, from salt production to naval fortifications. This guided boat trip weaves together Fort Boyard’s military and media history with La Rochelle’s rich seafaring tradition, offering a scenic and educational coastal adventure.
Highlights
- Discover the legendary Fort Boyard with expert commentary in English and French.
- Admire the stunning coastlines of La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and Île d’Aix.
- Depart from the historic Old Port, renowned for Saint-Nicolas and Chain Towers.
- Travel in comfort aboard a heated, spacious ship with a welcoming crew.
- Enjoy a dog-friendly cruise (additional €6 fee, arranged post-booking).
Full Description
Embark on a captivating 2-hour guided boat trip from La Rochelle’s Old Port, starting at the Compagnie Interîles ticket office next to the pier (Vieux Port). Present your non-exchangeable, non-refundable voucher 30 minutes before departure to ensure boarding. Aboard a heated, spacious ship, set sail past the medieval Saint-Nicolas and Chain Towers, symbols of La Rochelle’s maritime heritage, and cruise through the Pertuis d’Antioche strait toward the iconic Fort Boyard.
Your professional guide delivers engaging commentary in English and French, sharing the fortress’s Napoleonic origins, its military obsolescence, and its transformation into a TV show landmark. A photo stop at Fort Boyard allows you to capture its dramatic granite silhouette against the Atlantic horizon. Along the route, marvel at the scenic coasts of Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and Île d’Aix, with insights into their historical and ecological significance. The friendly crew is on hand to answer questions, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey. Dogs are welcome for a €6 fee (contact Compagnie Interîles post-booking to reserve). The non-stop cruise returns to the Old Port, leaving you with vivid memories of this maritime adventure.
Why Choose This Experience?
This 2-hour boat trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a blend of scenic beauty and cultural discovery. The expert commentary brings Fort Boyard’s story—from Napoleon’s vision to TV fame—to life, while the coastal views of La Rochelle and its islands captivate photographers and nature lovers. The heated, spacious ship ensures comfort, even in cooler weather, and the dog-friendly policy adds inclusivity. Reviewers praise the crew’s warmth and the tour’s immersive storytelling.
Ideal for a morning or afternoon outing, the tour complements La Rochelle visits, pairing well with explorations of the Old Port, Aquarium, or nearby islands. Its compact duration and rich narrative make it a standout way to experience the Atlantic coast’s maritime charm, blending history, pop culture, and stunning vistas.
What’s Included
- 2-hour guided sea trip with professional commentary (English and French).
- Views of Fort Boyard, La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and Île d’Aix.
- Access to a heated, spacious ship with crew assistance.
- Dog-friendly option (€6 fee, arranged post-booking with Compagnie Interîles).
Itinerary
- Meet at Compagnie Interîles ticket office, Vieux Port, La Rochelle (30 minutes early).
- Board the ship and pass Saint-Nicolas and Chain Towers (15 minutes).
- Cruise through Pertuis d’Antioche, viewing Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and Île d’Aix (45 minutes).
- Photo stop and guided commentary at Fort Boyard (30 minutes).
- Return to Vieux Port, enjoying coastal views (30 minutes).
- Total: ~2 hours.
Pricing
From $27 per person
Meeting Point
Compagnie Interîles ticket office, Vieux Port, La Rochelle, next to the pier (Open in Google Maps).
How to Get There
- By Bus: Route 1 or 20 to Vieux Port stop, a 2-minute walk to the ticket office.
- By Train: From La Rochelle station, take bus 1 (~10 minutes) or walk (~15 minutes) to Vieux Port.
- By Foot: From central La Rochelle (e.g., Aquarium), it’s a 5–10-minute walk to the Vieux Port.
- By Taxi/Rideshare: Request drop-off at Compagnie Interîles, Vieux Port, La Rochelle.
Good to Know
What to Bring:
- Comfortable layers for sea breezes (heated indoor area available).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for outdoor deck viewing.
- A camera or smartphone for photos of Fort Boyard and coastal landscapes.
- €6 cash for dog fee (if applicable; contact operator post-booking).
- Water or snacks (no food sales mentioned; no smoking indoors).
Know Before You Go:
- Not allowed: Smoking indoors, electric wheelchairs (contact for mobility options).
- Dogs permitted (€6 fee; call Compagnie Interîles after booking to reserve, not via booking platform).
- Arrive 30 minutes early; non-exchangeable, non-refundable tickets mean late arrivals forfeit access.
- Tours operate rain or shine; the heated ship ensures comfort in all weather.
- Commentary in English and French; confirm language preference when booking.
- The ship is not fully wheelchair-accessible; contact Compagnie Interîles for manual wheelchair or mobility accommodations.
- Minimum participants required; if canceled, you’ll be notified 24–48 hours in advance for a refund or reschedule.
Reviews
- Fantastic experience! The crew was incredibly welcoming, and the guide’s explanations about Fort Boyard and the islands were spot-on. Loved the cozy ship and stunning views—perfect for our family, even with our small dog!
- A brilliant 2-hour trip! The commentary was engaging, blending Fort Boyard’s history with fun TV show facts. The Île de Ré views were gorgeous, and the crew’s warmth made it special. Highly recommend!
- Great tour, great value! The guide was knowledgeable, and the heated ship was comfortable despite the chilly breeze. The photo stop at Fort Boyard was a highlight, though I wished for a bit more time there.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What specific historical details are covered in the commentary?
The guide’s English and French commentary details Fort Boyard’s construction (1801–1857) under Napoleon to defend the Charente estuary, its abandonment due to artillery advancements, and its revival as the Fort Boyard TV show set since 1990. It also covers La Rochelle’s medieval port history, including the Saint-Nicolas and Chain Towers’ role in trade and defense, and the maritime significance of Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and Île d’Aix, from salt production to naval battles. The crew’s anecdotes add context, and questions are encouraged for deeper insights.
How do I arrange for my dog to join the cruise, and are there restrictions?
Dogs are allowed for a €6 fee, payable directly to Compagnie Interîles (not through the booking platform). After purchasing your ticket, call the operator (contact in confirmation email) to reserve a spot for your dog, specifying its size. One dog per adult is permitted, must be leashed, and supervised. Small to medium dogs are preferred due to space; confirm restrictions when booking. The spacious ship accommodates pets comfortably, as noted in reviews.
Is the cruise suitable for young children or families?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly, with no physical exertion—just seated viewing on a stable, heated ship. The 2-hour duration and sights like Fort Boyard (famous from TV) engage kids 6+, while the commentary includes accessible facts about the towers and islands. All attendees need tickets, and children must be supervised on the open deck. No strollers are required, but space exists for small, foldable ones (confirm with operator). Families praise the welcoming crew and relaxed vibe.
What should I do if I’m running late or don’t receive my ticket?
Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable; arrive 30 minutes early at Compagnie Interîles’ Vieux Port ticket office, as late arrivals forfeit access. Your voucher is sent via email upon booking; check spam/junk folders. If not received, contact the operator immediately (details in confirmation). Plan for La Rochelle’s busy Old Port traffic, and use GPS to locate the pier. Missing the boat means no refund, so prioritize punctuality.
How accessible is the ship for people with mobility challenges?
The ship is not fully accessible; electric wheelchairs are prohibited, and boarding may involve steps or narrow entries. Manual wheelchairs or mild mobility issues may be accommodated—contact Compagnie Interîles in advance to confirm. The heated lounge offers comfortable seating, but the upper deck may have stairs. A companion is recommended for support. The Vieux Port ticket office is flat and accessible, but verify arrangements to ensure a smooth experience.
