Full Crossing — La Rochelle → Fort Boyard - Premium Pack

≈ 16 km (9.9 miles) | Atlantic open water | Solo or relay (up to 3) | From €2,200

Sixteen kilometres of open Atlantic water, starting from Les Minimes beach in La Rochelle, finishing at Fort Boyard.

The Full Crossing is a serious open water undertaking — comparable in distance and conditions to major channel crossings in Europe. It demands experience, preparation, and mental endurance. If you are looking for a challenge that tests you completely, this is it.

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

Requirements

Who is this crossing for?

The Full Crossing is for experienced open water swimmers with a proven background in long-distance sea swimming. This is not an entry-level challenge.

Minimum level required:

✓ Strong, experienced open water swimmer

✓ Significant previous open water swimming experience in sea conditions

✓ Capable of sustained effort over many hours

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

Uncertain about your level? Email us — every project is reviewed individually before confirmation.

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 acclimatise to 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 full crossing together — the route, tidal windows, what to expect. I answer every question you have.

5. Dinner

I book the restaurant. You rest.

Crossing day

6. Early start

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

7. In the water

Your crossing begins from Les Minimes. I count your stroke cycles every 30 minutes across the full 16 km. A certified open water rescue professional is on board throughout. A photographer documents the crossing.

8. Feeding

You manage your own nutrition and feeding system (throw-line). Prepare your feed plan in advance — it matters at this distance.

9. Finish

You reach Fort Boyard.

10. Celebration dinner

I book a restaurant. You have swum 16 km of open Atlantic. You deserve a proper meal.

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 Full 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

Boyard Challenge Swim is an accredited support organisation for English Channel crossing validations. The same professional standards apply here.

Booking

Ready for the full distance?

From €2,200 — Solo or relay (up to 3 swimmers)

→ Book your Full Crossing

Book your crossing between La Rochelle and Fort Boyard here

Questions? Email us: boyardchallenge@gmail.com