Camp de La Courtine, Military training facility in Creuse, France
Camp de La Courtine is a military training facility on the Millevaches plateau that spans across a large area and provides different zones for combat and shooting exercises. The grounds include specialized areas designed for various types of military preparation and operational training.
The facility was established in 1904 and served as a major training center for French forces during World War I. Throughout the war years it went through phases of expansion and use for military operations.
The place carries the memory of encounters between soldiers and local residents, particularly through Russian troops who were stationed there and formed connections with the community. This presence left marks on how the military relates to the surrounding area.
The grounds are very spread out and offer several different training areas to explore during a visit. You'll find it helpful to learn beforehand about the activities and zones available when planning your time there.
A notable feature is a replica combat village with around 110 buildings used for realistic training scenarios. Additionally, the grounds include specialized areas such as water crossing sites and drop zones for special operations training.
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