Rescue of Fort Boyard: the President of the Department is "not disappointed" by the 500,000 euros collected

Sylvie Marcilly, the president of Horizons, expects this and is not afraid to face the question of the start, which may seem sluggish, of the fundraising campaign launched at the end of December 2024.

"We're now at around 500,000 euros in donations and sponsorship. I'm not disappointed. I'm even very satisfied with the commitment of many small businesses in the area. There's a certain enthusiasm. We're working on a national sponsor, we'll talk about it again soon. Our goodies (Editor's note: personalized advertising objects) on Fort Boyard are a success. The Grand Pavois also recently made Fort Boyard its guest of honor with 1 euro donated from each entry ticket... It's rather a great adventure that's beginning!"

And “The Hermione”?

A certainty not shared by Brigitte Desveaux and Jean-Luc Marchais, the co-presidents of the left-wing opposition departmental group Au cœur des solidarités. In terms of fundraising, "we're far from the mark," notes the Green elected representative from the canton of Lagord, who asks: "Are the TV show's production companies contributing as much as they could?"

Jean-Luc Marchais (Chaniers) is concerned about "the €1.5 million to be taken twice from the reserves" of the CAUE17 (Council for Architecture, Urban Planning and the Environment) and the budgetary consequences for 2026. Both also request clarification on the rehabilitation and upgrading work for the space that will welcome visitors once the project is complete. Are these included in the €44 million budget? Will additional funding be required?

The other marine heritage in danger is the "Hermione," whose repair work in Bayonne has not been completed due to a lack of funding. Brigitte Desvaux believes there is little hope of raising the missing €5 million through sponsorship.