Half Crossing — Fouras → Fort Boyard - Premium Pack

≈ 9 km (5.6 miles) | Atlantic open water | Solo or relay (up to 3) | From €1,800

Nine kilometres of open Atlantic water, starting from Fouras beach, finishing at the foot of Fort Boyard.

This is the classic Boyard Challenge Swim. The fort rises from the sea as you approach — there is no finish line quite like it in open water swimming. Tidal currents, open ocean, changing conditions: every crossing is different, and every crossing is yours.

Available solo or as a relay of up to 3 swimmers.

Requirements
 

Who is this crossing for?

The Half Crossing is designed for confident open water swimmers who have already trained and competed in open water environments. It is not a race — it is a supported challenge.

Minimum level required:

✓ Comfortable open water swimmer

✓ Previous open water swimming experience (sea, lake or river)

✓ Able to sustain effort over several hours

✓ Must be accompanied by a personal assistant on the support boat

Not sure if you qualify? Email us — we assess every project individually.

The Experience (day-by-day timeline)

What to expect

The day before — Arrival & preparation

1. Hotel check-in

You arrive and settle in. Your room key is waiting for you.

2. Optional training swim

If you want to warm up and get a feel for the water, I take you to Plage des Minimes for an open water session.

3. Lunch

I recommend and book a restaurant for the group.

4. Route reconnaissance & briefing

We go over the crossing together — the route, the tidal windows, what to expect on the water. I answer every question you have. No detail is too small.

5. Dinner

I book the restaurant. You rest.

Crossing day

6. Early start

We head to the departure point at dawn. The departure is from the beach or from the foot of the fort depending on tidal conditions — I confirm the day before.

7. In the water

Your crossing begins. I count your stroke cycles every 30 minutes. A certified open water rescue professional is on board throughout. A photographer is also present to document the crossing — you will have images to keep.

8. Feeding

You manage your own nutrition and feeding system (throw-line). This is your race plan — bring what you know works for you.

9. Finish

You reach Fort Boyard.

10. Celebration dinner

I book a restaurant to mark the crossing. You've earned it.

Important Notes

Important to know

⚠ Meals (lunch, dinner, celebration) are not included in the crossing fee — they are at the swimmer's expense.

⚠ A personal assistant accompanying you on the support boat is mandatory. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement.

⚠ The swimmer is responsible for their own nutrition and feeding equipment (throw-line system).

⚠ Departure point (beach or fort) is confirmed 24 hours before based on tidal and weather conditions.

Safety

Safety on the water

Every Half Crossing operates with a full on-water safety team:

- Dedicated assistance boat throughout the crossing

- 1 to 2 qualified skippers

- Certified open water rescue professional on board

- Dedicated swim supervisor (stroke count every 30 minutes)

- Professional photographer on board

Booking

Ready to swim to the Fort?

From €1,800 — Solo or relay (up to 3 swimmers)

→ Book your Half Crossing

Book your crossing between Fouras and Fort Boyard here

Questions? Email us: boyardchallenge@gmail.com