Fort Conde, Chivres-Val, France

The Fort de Condé, or Fort Pille, is a fortification of the Séré de Rivières system, built in France between 1877 and 1883 to defend the area between Soissons and Laon. It is located on the heights of the confluence of the Aisne and the Vesle near the communes of Condé-sur-Aisne and Chivres-Val. Although the fort was considered obsolete at the start of World War I, its command of strategic ground made it a coveted objective throughout the war, changing hands several times. Following the war it was used in support service before its abandonment and purchase by a local community. It has been under preservation since 1979 and may be visited.

The five-sided masonry fort was built by Dollot and Fortier at a cost of 1,850,000 francs-d'or. The fort covered 13 hectares and could accommodate almost 650 men and 20 officers. An infirmary for 80 invalids was also provided, as well as stabling for 12 horses, powder and ammunition magazines, a forge, a workshop and two wells. The fort featured two Mougin casemates mounting 155mm guns, as well as an initial18 guns on the rampart and 8 guns in a separate battery. Two casemates in the main fort were planned to provide indirect fire. The fort is roughly pentagonal, and features two double caponiers and a single caponier. One of the double caponiers provides covering fire to the fort's entrance.

The site is used for exhibitions, theater and son et lumière shows.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in France

User Reviews

TheEvdriver (4 years ago)
Bigger and better than we expected. The Fort is well and with a lot of effort renovated Nice lonely and quiet place for an night in the camper

Simon Whittle (5 years ago)
Something different to the usual WW1 cemeteries

CHARLOTTE STONE (6 years ago)
Interesting place to walk around would benefit from more information.

M Farrar (6 years ago)
A very interesting place to wander round. A pleasant walk too.

Lawn Mowers & Things That Make Noise (7 years ago)
Hidden Gem of a history lesson. Travel back to 1880 38 years before the first world way and see how the French defended themselves in the Franco-Prussian war in which it was defeated. It has been under preservation since 1979. Well worth a visit. It's not small so bring walking shoes and a packed lunch

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