Visit the Maginot Line
History, fortifications and discovery of Fort Fermont
Discover one of the largest fortification systems ever built in Europe.
A symbol of French military history, the Maginot Line continues to fascinate millions of visitors worldwide. Built between the two World Wars to protect the French border, this immense line of fortifications stretches for several hundred kilometres and comprises some of the most impressive military structures ever created.
Today, visiting the Maginot Line offers the chance to discover exceptional heritage blending history, engineering, military architecture, and the memory of combatants. Among the many sites still visible, Fermont Fort is among the best-preserved and most spectacular fortifications to visit in Lorraine.
Whether you're passionate about history, a heritage enthusiast, or simply curious to understand the role of the Maginot Line during the Second World War, this visit immerses you in a unique world where each gallery, each combat block, and each turret tells a page of French history.
What is the Maginot Line?
The Maginot Line is a vast system of fortifications built by France from 1929 to protect its border with Germany.
Its name comes from’André Maginot, who actively supported the project after the First World War. The aim was to prevent a new invasion of French territory by creating a defensive barrier capable of slowing down or stopping an enemy offensive.
Contrary to popular belief, the Maginot Line is not a simple continuous wall. It is in reality a complex system composed of:
- artillery works,
- military strongholds,
- casemates,
- underground shelters,
- from observation posts,
- communication networks,
- thousands of defensive positions.
This organisation allowed the different works to protect each other thanks to their interlocking firing systems.
The Maginot Line was built to defend France's eastern border against a potential invasion from Germany.
The First World War left a deep mark across Europe. The border regions of Eastern France particularly suffered from fighting and destruction.
Faced with the rise in international tensions in the 1920s, French authorities decided to strengthen national defences. The construction of the Maginot Line aimed to achieve several objectives:
- protect the industrial regions of the north-east; ;
- secure the French borders; ;
- slow down a potential invasion; ;
- allow the mobilisation of the French army; ;
- reduce human losses in the event of conflict.
Work officially began in the late 1920s and involved thousands of labourers, engineers, and soldiers over several years.
How did the Maginot Line fortifications function?
The Maginot Line fortifications were conceived as veritable underground cities capable of operating autonomously for several weeks.
Beneath several metres of reinforced concrete, and sometimes more than 30 metres underground, the soldiers had everything they needed to live and fight:
- dormitories ;
- cuisines ;
- power stations ;
- water reserves ;
- infirmaries ;
- Ammunition stores ;
- ventilation systems ;
- Underground rail networks.
The galleries connected the different combat blocks situated on the surface. These housed guns, machine guns, observation posts, and armoured turrets capable of withstanding bombardments.
This organisation made each work a particularly advanced modern fortress for its time.
The greatest works of the Maginot Line
The Maginot Line comprises several dozen large fortifications spread across the Eastern border.
Among the most famous are:
- Fort Fermont ;
- The Hackenberg Fort ;
- The Simserhof Works ;
- The Schoenenbourg Fort ;
- The Bois du Four Work ;
- The Rochonvillers Work.
- The Ferté Fortress
These fortifications are today exceptional testimonies of French military engineering.
Fort de Fermont holds a special place among these fortifications due to its excellent state of preservation, its historic military train, its underground galleries, and its museum dedicated to the Maginot Line and the Second World War.
The Maginot Line during the Second World War
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, the Maginot Line fortifications were immediately occupied by French troops.
For several months, the border remains relatively calm during the period known as the «Phoney War». However, in May and June 1940, fighting intensifies.
Contrary to popular belief, most of the Maginot Line's fortifications effectively resisted direct attacks. Many of them, such as Fort de Fermont, were never militarily defeated and only ceased fighting after the armistice signed by the French government.
Even today, the visible impacts of bombings on certain structures bear witness to the violence of the clashes.
Can we visit the Maginot Line today?
Yes, several works on the Maginot Line are now open to the public.
These sites allow you to discover:
- the underground galleries ;
- combat blocks ;
- original military equipment ;
- The defence systems ;
- the technical installations ;
- the living conditions of the soldiers.
Visiting the Maginot Line is a unique experience for understanding French military history and discovering the scale of the resources deployed to protect national territory.
Many works also offer exhibitions, activities, and guided tours suited to both families and history enthusiasts.
Why visit the Fort de Fermont?
Among all the sites open to the public, the Fort de Fermont is considered one of the most impressive to visit.
The site offers an exceptional immersion thanks to:
Over 2.5 kilometres of underground tunnels
Visitors discover a vast underground network that was once the heart of the fortress.
A historic operational military train
Rare in Europe, this train still allows you to travel through a part of the facilities today, just as the soldiers of the time did.
An exceptional museum
The Fort de Fermont museum houses one of the most important French collections of cannons and military equipment from the Second World War.
Authentic combat blocks
Armoured turrets, observation posts, and original installations provide a concrete understanding of how the Maginot Line functioned.
A site steeped in history
The Fort de Fermont took part in the fighting in 1940 and remains today a symbol of the resistance of French fortress troops.
A must-visit for all the family
Visiting the Maginot Line is an opportunity to discover a unique heritage combining history, memory, and technical prowess.
Whether you're a military history enthusiast, a heritage lover, or simply a visitor seeking an original outing in Lorraine, Fort de Fermont offers an exceptional immersion into the heart of one of the largest fortification systems ever built.
Between underground galleries, a military museum, a historic train, and authentic combat structures, every visit becomes a true journey back in time.
Frequently asked questions
Where to visit the Maginot Line?
Several sites are open to the public in Lorraine and Alsace. Fort de Fermont is among the most comprehensive places to discover.
La Ligne Maginot est célèbre car c'était un système de fortifications frontalières françaises construit entre les deux guerres mondiales pour se défendre contre d'éventuelles invasions allemandes. Elle était considérée comme impénétrable et faisait figure de symbole de la détermination française à se défendre. Cependant, elle n'a pas réussi à empêcher l'invasion allemande de 1940, car les Allemands ont simplement contourné la ligne par la Belgique.
It represents one of the largest fortification systems built in the 20th century to defend France.
Is Fort Fermont suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is accessible to everyone and allows you to discover history in an immersive and educational way.
How long does a visit to the Fort de Fermont last?
You should generally allow between 2 and 3 hours to fully enjoy the site, the museum and the underground galleries.
Can we see authentic equipment?
Yes, the Fort de Fermont retains much of its original equipment as well as an exceptional collection of military materiel from the Second World War.