Camp d'Affrique, Ancient fortified settlement in Messein, France

Camp d'Affrique is an ancient fortified settlement on the Haye plateau in eastern France, situated at 417 meters above sea level with views over the Moselle Valley. The site comprises two distinct sections: the main enclosure spanning roughly 7 hectares and a secondary area called 'Vieux marché' covering about 1.5 hectares.

The site was first occupied in the 5th century BC, during the Hallstatt culture, and abandoned around the 4th century BC. Excavations by Jules Beaupré from 1901 to 1912 followed an 18th-century mislabeling of the site as a Roman camp; digs between 1981 and 1988 established the dating. The fortifications were thus in use for a relatively short period.

The name comes from Nicolas de Ludre, lord of the place, who in 1520 took the title of Count of Affrique after Mont Afrique in Burgundy, his family's home region; the castrum he owned was then called the same. The site also gave its name to the Ludres archery club, La Flèche d'Affrique.

Access is via walking trails from Messein, and sturdy footwear is recommended due to the hilly terrain. The best time to visit is during warmer months when paths are dry and the plateau easier to explore.

The ramparts were constructed from stone, clay, and locally produced lime, showcasing a building technique typical of Celtic communities from this era. This combination of materials provided durability and reflected the advanced construction skills of those who inhabited the settlement.