Fermont is brilliant!
Fort Fermont
Discover one of the most impressive works of the Maginot Line.
Located in Lorraine, in the heart of the Pays-Haut, Fort de Fermont is one of the most impressive historical sites of the Second World War in France. A true giant of concrete and steel, this major work of the Maginot Line plunges you into the fascinating world of French fortifications of the 1930s.
Between underground galleries, combat blocks, a period electric train, an exceptional military museum, and an impressive collection of cannons, the Fort de Fermont offers a unique immersive experience in Europe. Every year, thousands of visitors come to discover this emblematic site of memory tourism in Lorraine.
Le Fort de Fermont is a “major artillery fortification” built between 1931 and 1935 to defend France's north-eastern border. Designed as a veritable underground military city, the fortification is still impressive today due to its extraordinary dimensions and exceptional state of preservation.
Kilometres of gallery
Metres underground
Combat blocks
Soldiers
Square metres of outdoor museum
A unique immersive visit to the Maginot Line
A visit to the Fermont Fort is much more than just a historical discovery. For over two hours, you will explore a spectacular underground world that has remained almost intact since the Second World War.
After descending into the depths of the structure via the old military lift, visitors board the famous almost century-old electric underground train. This small military train allows access to the combat blocks exactly as the officers of the time did.
Along the way, you will discover:
- the underground military galleries,
- ammunition shops,
- the engine rooms,
- the power station,
- ventilation systems,
- the soldiers' barracks,
- artillery blocks,
- armoured turrets,
- the original equipment still preserved.
The atmosphere of the place, the immersion in the military installations and the numerous re-enactments allow for a concrete understanding of the daily life of the Maginot Line soldiers.
Board the famous «TGV» of Fort Fermont
At Fort Fermont, the adventure begins as soon as you descend underground. Visitors board the original military electric train that once ran through the fort's galleries, transporting men, ammunition, and equipment. The true backbone of the fort, this underground railway network connected the different sectors of this immense, buried fortress.
Humorously nicknamed the «TGV for Train à Grande Vibration, this historic train offers a memorable experience today. Travelling in period carriages, you will journey through the underground galleries of the Maginot Line.
A spectacular immersion that makes the Fort de Fermont much more than a museum: a real journey through time.
✔ Historic military train in operation
✔ Unique experience on the Maginot Line
✔ Underground transport 30 metres below ground
✔ A must-see attraction for all ages
The museum: an exceptional collection in France
The Fort de Fermont museum is one of the most impressive parts of the site. A true reference for military history enthusiasts, it boasts an exceptional collection of equipment from the Second World War and the Maginot Line.
Over more than 1000 m² of outdoor exhibition space, the museum presents:
- French fortress cannons,
- German artillery pieces,
- rare military vehicles,
- fighting equipment,
- armoured turrets,
- historical reconstructions,
- authentic military uniforms and equipment.
Fort de Fermont notably has one of the most beautiful collections of fortress and field cannons in France, with French and German parts used during the fighting of 1939-1940.
A UNIQUE presentation of artillery turrets
The Fort de Fermont Museum is also distinguished by an exceptional display of armoured turrets. Visitors can discover the interior of five retractable turrets, including several artillery turrets. A display considered unique in France.
These installations provide an insight into the workings of the Maginot Line's defence systems and the technical ingenuity of these military fortifications.
A Fort that remained undefeated in 1940
Le Fort de Fermont is also a significant site commemorating the fighting of 1940. Despite German attacks, the ouvrage (fortification) resisted until the armistice of 22 June 1940 and remains considered undefeated.
Even today, the impacts of the fighting are visible on several combat blocks, a reminder of the violence of the clashes and the resistance of the French troops.
The memorial in front of the fort's entrance pays tribute to the fortress troops “delivered to the enemy without being defeated”.
The President's message
The main asset of this site is the sixty volunteers who run it, keep it alive and have been maintaining it for over 50 years with the passion that characterises history enthusiasts. They will welcome you kindly, share their historical knowledge with you and offer you, whether you are alone or with your family, an unusual immersive journey by train, 30 metres underground, where you will discover a structure as authentic as it is surprising.
You will not fail to linger in the very comprehensive Maginot Line reference museum. This will allow you to see and understand everything you could not grasp about this imposing defensive line in the fort, and once again you will be able to pay tribute to the memory of the men who others pass down with care, precision, and selflessness for the benefit of future generations.
Enjoy your visit, everyone.
Some reviews
Prepare your visit
Situated near Longwy, Verdun, Metz, Luxembourg, and Belgium, Fort Fermont is an unmissable stop for all history and military heritage enthusiasts.
The temperature in the underground galleries remains cool all year round: it is advisable to bring suitable clothing and walking shoes, even in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Fort de Fermont last?
The train tour lasts nearly 2.5 hours and includes the underground galleries, the barracks, and the combat blocks.
When planned, the visit without the train takes almost an hour and a half.
The museum visit, which is separate from the site visit but included in the ticket price, lasts approximately forty-five minutes.
Le Fort de Fermont possède 12 kilomètres de galeries.
Fort de Fermont has over 2.5 kilometres of underground galleries situated up to 30 metres below the surface.
How many combat blocks does the work comprise?
The fort has 7 combat blocks built, although 9 blocks were originally planned in the initial project.
Is the Fort de Fermont Museum important?
Yes, it is the reference museum for the Maginot Line. The museum boasts one of the largest French collections of fortress cannons and Second World War artillery pieces.
Can we see artillery turrets?
Yes, the museum features five disappearing gun turrets, including several artillery turrets, in a configuration that is unique in France.
Is the underground still running?
Yes, the historic military electric train is still operational and is an integral part of the tour.
Le Fort de Fermont se situe à Longuyon (Meurthe-et-Moselle).
Fort de Fermont is located in Meurthe-et-Moselle, in Lorraine, near Longuyon, Longwy, Belgium and Luxembourg.
GPS: N49° 26' 988" - E5° 39.882'
Are animals accepted?
Yes, our four-legged friends are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Does Fort Fermont have a car park?
Yes. The Fort de Fermont offers a Ample free and secure parking, accessible to both cars and coaches. Groups, families, and individual visitors can thus park easily in the immediate vicinity of the site.
Can motorhomes park at Fort de Fermont?
Yes. Campervans are welcome at Fort Fermont. A Ample free and secure parking, Located at the entrance to the site, it allows for easy parking during your visit. It is accessible to motorhomes as well as cars and coaches.
Is the tour available in English?
Yes. Groups can benefit from an English-language tour by appointment. For individual visitors, we offer English audio guides as well as visitor's slips are made available for you to discover the Fort de Fermont, its museum, and the history of the Maginot Line independently.
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