Fort de Chelles, Military fortress in Chelles, France.
Fort de Chelles is a military fortress built on a 104-meter-high hill with a pentagonal layout, dry moats, and defensive walls. The structure contains spaces for garrison and artillery, designed to function as a coordinated defensive system.
The fortress was built between 1876 and 1879 as part of Paris' defensive system. It was constructed during a period when France needed to reinforce its borders after the war of 1870.
The fort displays principles of French military architecture from the 1870s. It reflects the strategic thinking that guided Paris' defense planning during that era.
The fort lies about 19 kilometers from central Paris and is now open as a public park. Visitors can use walking paths and explore the grounds without paying any entrance fees.
Historic gypsum quarries lie beneath the fort, which created structural dangers. Extensive reinforcement works were needed between 1904 and 1909 to prevent collapses.
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