Belgian researchers help renovate French world-famous but endangered Fort Boyard
At a special wave basin in Ostend, Ghent University simulates the waves, currents and winds which affect the historic Fort Boyard off the French coast. As such, the impact of the Atlantic Ocean on the structure can be measured which can then be protected accordingly.
Off the French coast, midway between the islands of Oléron and Aix in the department of Charente-Maritime, lies the iconic oval-shaped Fort Boyard. The first attempts were made to erect a fortress on a reef of sand and stone at this location under Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte, to repel English attacks on the town of Rochefort. It was not until 1857 that it was finally completed, however, and a garrison of 250 men could take up residence there. In 1913, the military function of the 70 m long and 30 m wide monument was abolished.
From 1990 onwards, it was regularly used as the setting for the popular adventure game show Les Clés de Fort Boyard. Participants had to complete a variety of tasks and solve riddles to find the treasure and escape. After France, the programme conquered the United States, Israel, Russia, the Netherlands and, in 1992, Belgium.
But Fort Boyard suffers greatly due to the elements. As a result, Ghent University was asked by the French government to save this piece of heritage from decay. The scientists 3D printed a 2 m scale model and cast the structures in concrete. In the 900 m² Coastal & Ocean Basin in Ostend, they are able to mimic conditions in France.
Fort Boyard will open to the public in 2027 thanks to this Belgian expertise.