Séré de Rivières system, Military fortification system in eastern France
The Séré de Rivières system is a military defense line in eastern France made up of a chain of forts stretching along the border. The installations link massive concrete buildings with underground galleries and gun emplacements designed as a connected network.
After the defeat in the 1870/1871 war, General Raymond Adolphe Séré de Rivières developed a new concept from 1874 onwards to protect national borders. Most forts were built during the following two decades as a response to changing military conditions in Europe.
The fortifications often carry names of military figures or local townships, with each site showing its own construction signature. Visitors notice different building techniques that evolved over the years of the program.
Many preserved forts offer guided tours, especially in the regions around Verdun, Toul, Épinal, and Belfort. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight, as underground passages are often poorly lit.
The installations were built so that neighboring forts could cover each other with artillery fire, which was a new idea at the time. Some forts today lie hidden under forests and can only be found by those in the know.
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