Fortress Mont Royal, Fortress ruin in Traben-Trarbach, Germany

Fortress Mont Royal is a ruined fortification on a ridge above the Moselle, built from 1687 to 1698 to plans by Vauban. Its 50-hectare site held walls up to 20 metres high and a citadel with five bastions. Visitors see a stone archway over a dirt path and excavated wells, vaulted cellars and flank batteries.

Louvois had engineer Thomas de Choisy choose the site in 1681, and Vauban presented the fortress plan to Louis XIV in May 1687; the foundation stone was laid that 25 July. Up to 8,000 conscripts built a 50-hectare stronghold with a 2,920-metre wall and five bastions. Under the Treaty of Rijswijk of 30 October 1697, demolition began before construction was finished, and the civilian residents were moved to Saarlouis.

The name Mont Royal reflects its royal French origins and the power it once represented in this valley. Visitors can observe this heritage through the fortress layout and the way its ruins still dominate the surrounding landscape.

You can walk the marked circular trail around the fortress or join guided tours available during the season. The terrain is uneven in places, so wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore the different areas properly.

Vauban presented his plan to Louis XIV on 23 May 1687 and received a gratuity of 12,000 silver thalers for it. The king named the fortress Mont-Royal that June. The citadel was protected by five bastions, and the site was laid out on a ridge between 240 and 305 metres above sea level.