Fort d'Uxegney, Uxegney, France

The Fort d'Uxegney is part of the fortifications of Épinal. It was built near the village of Uxegney between 1882 and 1884, and was modernized in 1910. It is an example of a Séré de Rivières system fortification. It retains its armament and is maintained as a museum.

Fort d'Uxegney is part of a 43-kilometre (27 mi) line of sixteen major fortifications designed to bar the advance of a German army into France. It retains a functioning example of an eclipsing Galopin turret. Armed with a 155mm gun, the assembly weighs 250 tons and was installed in 1907. A considerable amount of the fort's equipment remains in place, including kitchens, living facilities and details of armament, in an unusually good state of preservation.

In 1914 a further project to add two 155mm gun turrets in a separate armored battery was proposed, but was canceled by the outbreak of war. The Fort d'Uxegney saw no action during World War I, as the Germans did not advance into the area around Épinal. During World War II the Germans left Uxegney intact even as they stripped other forts around Épinal.

The French army used both forts as ammunition depots until 1960. They were afterwards abandoned. Since 1989 the Association pour la Restauration du Fort d'Uxegney et de la Place d'Épinal has restored and maintained the Uxegney site. The fort may be visited between May and September.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in France

User Reviews

William R Garofalo (2 years ago)
A true gem of preservation. Part of the defensive fortress system prior to WW1. Perfectly preserved, it's a must for those interested in the thinking and history of that era. A MUST VISIT!

William Garofalo (2 years ago)
If you are interested in the history of WW1, the Ft. d'Uxegney is a must visit. The most well preserved example of the defensive works built by France before 1914.

Joachim Lutz (2 years ago)
you should have seen it

Fiona Hunt (7 years ago)
Fascinating.

Jan Dankbaar (9 years ago)
Great guide through beautifully preserved Fort. An absolute must. Watch the times for the tour. Only two per day.

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