Fort Frère

Fort Frère is a fortification near Strasbourg with a polygonal layout and dry moats surrounding its walls to hinder attackers. The structure includes gun emplacements and reinforced arches built from quarried stone to withstand prolonged combat.

The fort was built between 1872 and 1874 after Strasbourg came under German control, as part of a defensive ring around the city. It was one of fourteen fortifications created to protect the region from invasion.

The fort shows how military builders of the 19th century thought about defense and design, and similar fortifications followed this approach across the region. Walking through today, you can see the logic behind the layout and construction choices they made.

Access to the fort is arranged through guided tours that take several hours to complete and show the interior spaces and structures. Parking is available within walking distance of the entrance, making a visit straightforward to organize.

Concrete reinforcements were added in the 1880s to protect the fort against more advanced weapons, along with specialized blast-resistant doors. These upgrades show how military planners adapted to emerging threats of the time.