Fort de Côte-Lorette, Military fort in Saint-Genis-Laval, France
Fort de Côte-Lorette is a military structure built in Saint-Genis-Laval, located at 290 meters elevation with granite walls. The fort contains three artillery batteries distributed across eight firing platforms designed for defensive coverage.
The fort was constructed between 1874 and 1894 as part of Lyon's outer defensive system. It was strategically positioned to control important trade routes toward Saint-Étienne and Givors.
The site honors 120 resistance fighters executed here by German forces and French militia during the war. Visitors can reflect on the role this place played in the broader struggle for liberation.
The site features public gardens, walking trails, and viewpoints that offer vistas across the surrounding landscape. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and plan their visit with the elevated location in mind.
The fortress housed a powder magazine designed to store up to 41 tons of explosives beneath its grounds. This underground storage reveals the scale of ammunition needs for 19th-century military operations.
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