Forts
After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, the French had become convinced that only an offensive strategy with an advance to the Rhine could be successful against the Germans. In 1872 a “Comité de Defense” was installed to work out the strategy. The commander of the 2nd Army Corps Genie Séré de Rivières was the secretary of this committee. At his intercession, an approach was chosen that builds on the fortress strategist Vauban. A line of cities (Verdun, Toul, Épinal, Belfort and of course Paris) was surrounded by a ring of fortresses. A total of 196 forts, 58 redoubts and 278 batteries were built throughout France in four main zones:
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The Jura around Besançon
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The Vosges between Belfort and Épinal
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Between Toul and Verdun
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Between Montmedy and Dunkirk. Naturally
Cities such as Paris, Nice and Toulon were fortified separately.
I – Tavannes
2 – Belleville
3 – Saint-Michel
4 – Belrupt
5 – Regret
6 – La Chaume
7 – Dugny
8 – Souville
9 – Marre
10 – Haudainville
11 – Rozelier
12 – Bois-Reunis
13 – Vaux
14 – Bois-Bourrus
15 – Sartelles
16 – Moulainville
17 – Landrecourt
18 – Belle-Epine
19 – Choisel
20 – Chana
21 – Croix-Brandier
22 – Douaumont
23 – Charny
24 – Froideterre
25 – Thiaumont
26 – Hardaumont 36
27 – La Laufee
28 – Eix
29 – Derame
30 – Fromereville
31 – Germonville
32 – Les Bruyeres
33 – Bois-du-Chapitre
34 – Saint-Maure
35 – Baleycourt
36 – Manesel
37 – Chatillon
38 – Saint-Symphorien
39 – Jaulny
40 – Bezonvaux
41 – Maubois
42 – Josemont
43 – La Falouse
44 – Vacherauville
Not marked on the map:
Citadelle de Verdun
Unfortunately, many forts can no longer be visited and are bricked up. This is because many accidents have happened, sometimes with fatal consequences. Many of the fortresses are dilapidated and in very bad condition. Our visits to the forts are from longer ago, but even then not entirely legal. Many fortifications around Verdun now belong to the army, so the forts are now on military territory. The visit is prohibited and the violation costs 128 € per visitor.
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