Fort de Bouc guided tour

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Presentation

This summer, get on board with us to reach Fort-de-Bouc by boat. The journey to the fort is commented on and presents the surrounding landscape (Le Calen de Martigues - one of the last in France, the old Verminck soap factory, the swing bridge, the port of Port-de-Bouc ...). The Fort-de-Bouc will rise up before your eyes perched on an islet in the Mediterranean Sea. Follow the tour guide and disembark at this iconic location filled with history.

In the territory of Martigues, the pink limestone walls of the Fort-de-Bouc rise up at the channel mouth of Caronte. Since the Middle Ages, the Fort-de-Bouc keeps the passage between Fos’s gulf and the étang de Berre, halfway between Marseille and the Rhône. Thanks to its strategic position for the maritime trade and the control of the region, the Fort-de-Bouc has a double function, it is both a defensive work and lighthouse. It is registered as a historical monument since January 6, 1930.

In 1993, the city of Martigues decided to be committed in preserving and rehabilitating the Fort-de-Bouc. After restauration work and for the first time in its millennial history, in 2007 the Fort-de-Bouc opened to the public, offering visitors a real travel back in time.
The Fort-de-Bouc is geographically surrounded by the facilities of the Lavéra oil port. Thereby, its attendance and use are subject to various special constraints.

Practical information

Schedule :
- Departure time : 14h
- Return time : 17h
- Duration : 3h
Date(s) :
- The visit takes place 8 March 2025
- And also the 19 April 2025
By reservation :
- Yes
Supervised visit :
- Yes
Place of departure :
- Meeting point indicated on your reservation
Prices :
- Single price : 22 €
Important to know :
- Pets aren't allowed
- Forbidden to children under 10 years old

Accessibility

Disabled :
- Visite non accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite

About

Conditions of saleGuided tour. Access by sea.
All passengers must be registered.
All children from 0 to 9 years old do not have access to Fort de Bouc.

Provide hat, sunscreen, bottle of water. No drinking water on site. No toilets on board.
For your comfort, we advise you to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the start of the visit.
Correct outfit required.

By purchasing their tickets on our website, participants agree to comply with the health protocol in force on the date of the service.

Conditions of access to the fort:
Be at least 10 years old on the day of the service.
Be the holder of an identity document which must be presented at registration and boarding the boat for minors.

Cancellation conditions: if a customer cannot attend the visit, the visit will not be refunded or postponed. Only the cancellation of the visit by the organizers due to an insufficient number of participants or other could lead to a possible refund or postponement. No refund will be granted to the late customer.

Live the experience: Questions & Reviews"A visit I would strongly recommend to those around me."_ Magali"A superb, well-documented tour and a beautiful walk for someone who has lived in the region for over 40 years. I eagerly await more visits."_ Juan
"A wonderful morning during which our guides took the time to explain many things through anecdotes about the life and history of Fort de Bouc and its surroundings!"_ Claude
"An excellent introduction by boat through the Caronte Canal. S. was a very interesting guide, and combined with David, the fort's guardian, it was like traveling back in time. I loved it, and so did my partner. We did not expect to find such a beautiful and historically rich building. THANK YOU."_ Alix
"A great discovery. The fort is a somewhat 'magical' place, and the town is full of opportunities for visits. Thank you to the guide for her well-documented commentary and to the fort’s guardian for his humor."_ Martine

How long is the tour ?

The tour lasts about 2 hours at the fort and includes a 30-minute boat ride each way.

Where is the starting point ?

The tour starts in front of the main entrance of the Town Hall.

How do you access Fort de Bouc ?

Access is by boat through the canals of Martigues. As the fort is in a SEVESO zone, road access is prohibited.

What are the main sites to see during the visit ?

Visitors will discover the fort's corridors, the parade ground, the casemates, the medieval tower, the icehouse (a former state prison), and the ramparts offering a panoramic view.

When do the tours take place ?

Specific dates are offered throughout the year, mainly on Saturdays.

Is it necessary to book in advance ?

It is recommended to book through the Martigues Office of Tourism and Leisure.

Are there toilets or drinking water available on-site ?

There are no toilets or drinking water available at the fort or on the boat.

What can be seen during the boat ride ?

The journey includes views of the Caronte Bridge, the former Verminck factory, and the Calen, where Poutargue (a traditional fish roe delicacy) is made.