Fort Balaguier

Fort Balaguier, located in La Seyne-sur-Mer near Toulon, is a 17th-century military structure built between 1634 and 1636 on the orders of Cardinal de Richelieu to defend the Toulon roadstead. Listed as a Historical Monument since 1973, the fort features imposing architecture with walls nearly four meters thick and was later reinforced by Vauban. Since 1970, the site has operated as a museum dedicated to local maritime history, naval heritage, and the history of Toulon’s penal colonies.

In July 2022, the fort underwent a major transformation into a pilot site for the "Neptune project," shifting its focus to the underwater world. Key attractions include an interactive virtual reality exhibit in the former chapel, allowing visitors to explore a 3D reconstruction of the Arroyo shipwreck. A film titled "Je suis la Méditerranée" highlights the beauty and preservation of the Mediterranean, while an interactive terminal and the Robin robot, designed for Titanic exploration, offer educational engagement. The site also features a Mediterranean botanical garden surrounding the fort, offering panoramic sea views and vegetation adapted to the local climate.

Admission costs €3, plus additional costs for photos. The museum is open year-round, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with hours extended to 7:00 PM in July. Located at 924 Corniche Bonaparte, 83500 La Seyne-sur-Mer, the site includes a hospitality area and boutique. This unique combination of military history and modern technological immersion provides a distinct visitor experience, connecting the region’s naval past with contemporary marine conservation themes.