🏰 The Maginot Line in Moselle
Visit the fortified structures from our cottage in Bening
📍 65 km (1h) • Veckring, Moselle
The largest fortification of the Maginot Line. 10 km of underground galleries, visit by small electric train. Period equipment, underground barracks for 1000 men.
📍 62 km (54 min) • Siersthal, Moselle
The most visited in Moselle. Spectacular guided tour with sound and light effects, immersive historical staging. Museum and permanent exhibition.
📍 98 km (1h32) • Lembach, Alsace
Underground fortification with authentic military equipment. Artillery turrets, combat stations, period material.
📍 131 km (1h35) • Hunspach, Alsace
One of the largest forts in Alsace. 3 km of galleries to explore, kitchen, infirmary, period power plant.
📍 90 km (1h) • Hettange-Grande, Moselle
Near the Luxembourg border. Well-preserved infantry fort, testament to 1930s military architecture.
Little known to the general public, the Water Maginot Line was an innovative defense system based on controlled flooding of valleys.
Along the Sarre and Blies rivers, locks, dams and bunkers allowed the creation of floodable areas to block enemy advance.
💡 Unique info: This water system complemented the fortified structures and demonstrates the ingenuity of French engineers in the 1930s.
📍 Bening-lès-Saint-Avold is ideally located in the center of this historic area
📍 Sites marked on the interactive map
⚠️ Important: Total circuit ~190 km round trip, plan a full day.
Day 1 - Moselle Forts:
Fort Hackenberg (65 km, 1h) + Fort Simserhof (62 km, 54 min)
Day 2 - Alsace Forts:
Four à Chaux (98 km, 1h32) + Schoenenbourg (131 km, 1h35)
💡 Tip: Alsace forts are further away. For a complete stay, plan 2 days of visits.
Combine military history and industrial heritage of the region!
The Maginot Line is named after André Maginot, French Minister of War. Built between 1930 and 1940, it extends over 750 km from Switzerland to Belgium.
Protect France from German invasion after World War I.
True underground cities with barracks, kitchens, infirmaries, power plants, railways. Some fortifications could house up to 1000 men in complete autonomy.
The Maginot Line was not bypassed through Belgium as often said, but the German offensive broke through further north through the Ardennes (considered impassable by the French general staff).
Major historical heritage, several sites classified as Historical Monuments. The fortifications open to the public bear witness to French military genius.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Maginot Line fortifications
Up to 10 km of underground tunnels
Innovative retractable system
Dormitories, kitchen, infirmary
💡 Tip: Start with Simserhof (more spectacular) then Hackenberg (larger) for an optimal experience!
Our cottage is the ideal base to explore the Maginot Line and Moselle heritage
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