Fort de Charenton, Military fort in Maisons-Alfort, France
Fort de Charenton is a military fortification in Maisons-Alfort, southeast of Paris, built according to the polygonal defense principles of the 19th century. It consists of barracks, ramparts, and a surrounding ditch that together form a largely intact ensemble.
The fort was built between 1841 and 1845 as part of a ring of sixteen fortifications designed to protect Paris after the campaigns of the Napoleonic era. This defensive ring was named after the engineer Adolphe Thiers, who led the project.
The fort is used today by the gendarmerie nationale and the Republican Guard for training and command activities. Visitors who gain access during open days can observe a working military site where old stone structures serve an active institution.
The site is generally closed to the public due to its active military use. The best opportunity to visit is during the Journées du Patrimoine in September, when the fort opens its gates to outside visitors.
In August 1944, German troops planted explosive charges inside the fort, but specialist Henri-Marcel François defused them before they could be detonated. Thanks to this action, one of the few remaining intact fortifications from the Paris defensive ring survived.
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