Though a fort on Boyard bank was suggested as early as the 17th century, it was not until the 1800s under Napoleon Bonaparte that work began.

At the centre is a yard, and the ground floor provided stores and quarters for the men and officers.

[1] The construction of the fort was first considered during a build-up of the French armed forces undertaken by Louis XIV between 1661 and 1667.

In 1692 the French engineer Descombs began planning the programme of building the fort; however, once it became clear how expensive it would be the scheme was abandoned.

Vauban, Louis XIV's leading military engineer, famously advised against it, saying "Your Majesty, it would be easier to seize the moon with your teeth than to attempt such an undertaking in such a place".

The fortifications were completed in 1857, with sufficient room for a garrison of 250 men; however, by this time the range of cannons had significantly increased, covering the hitherto unprotected gap and making the fort unnecessary.

An access platform for the berth of ships was built 25 meters from it (the old fort pier was destroyed long ago).