Fort Boyard in France selected to participate in Heritage Lottery for restoration

Fort Boyard, known for the TV show of the same name in western France (Charente-Maritime department), was included in the list of cultural sites participating in the Heritage Lottery, part of the proceeds from which will go to their restoration, TF1 TV channel reported on April 15.

A total of 18 monuments were selected. As noted by TV presenter Stefan Bern, the fort's structure received additional damage due to frequent storms. Participation in the lottery may allow the region to receive about 500,000 euros for the restoration of the facility.

"Since its safety is under threat, this building, which became popular thanks to the TV program (Ford Boyard, aired on French TV in 1990. — ed.), as well as other selected objects, will receive financial assistance for restoration," the TV channel reported.

The head of the department's council, Sylvie Marcilly, said that the inclusion of the fort, founded in 1801 by order of Emperor Napoleon and finally completed in 1857, in the list of lottery sites provided him with "national recognition."

The heritage Lottery was launched in 2018. Scratch cards are issued as part of the promotion, as well as special sweepstakes. The state completely redirects its tax share from the lottery in favor of the Heritage Fund to finance the restoration of historical monuments.

Heritage of the nation: business will receive preferential loans for restoration of ancient monuments

A special rate may be introduced for the revival of architectural structures

In December 2025, during excavations in Antakya, Turkey, after the devastating earthquakes of February 2023, a mosaic floor of late antiquity with a Greek inscription and floral motifs was discovered. Everything indicates that the owner of the house held a high social position.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.