Fort Girancourt, Military fortress in Girancourt, France
Fort Girancourt is a military fortress in Girancourt constructed at approximately 422 meters elevation and built with yellowish sandstone as its primary material. The structure includes defensive elements such as two simple caponnières and one double caponnière designed to strengthen its defensive capacity.
The fortress was built between 1879 and 1880 as part of the Eastern France fortifications designed by Séré de Rivières. Upon completion, it housed a garrison of approximately 472 soldiers.
The fortress was briefly renamed Fort Reynier in 1887 to honor General Jean-Louis-Ébénézer Reynier before returning to its original name months later. This fleeting tribute reflects how military figures shaped local identity during that era.
The site is currently used by a hunting association under the management of Girancourt municipality and access to the general public is restricted. Visitors should check in advance whether access is possible, as the grounds are not freely open.
Upon its opening in 1880, the fortress was armed with seven 155mm cannons, eight 120mm cannons, six 50mm cannons, and four 220mm mortars. This impressive original armament demonstrates how critical the structure was as a defensive position against potential invasion.
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