Maginot Line Fort Fermont France

Day 89 , France 57

Travelled: 60km  via Longwy, Lexy, Messancy(Belgium) to Fort De Fermont France (€12pp tour) stayed in carpark (49.4501, 5.6646)

It wasn’t a great start to the day with the Bombers losing to GWS . We had breakfast and then walked into the historic centre and walked through some Vauban fortifications.

We travelled to Messancy, Belgium (15km ) to buy a carryon suitcase. 

We  then went to Fort de Fermont, built as part of the Maginot line . We have previously visited other  sites but still find it fascinating to see part of this amazing underground structure built from 1929 along the French border comprising of dozens of forts, underground bunkers, minefields and gun batteries. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful against the new threat of fast moving armoured vehicles that managed to drive through Belgium's wilderness area. Fort Fermont was equipped with artillery. While we waited for the 2 hour tour to start we looked at the very good exhibits in the museum. 

We waited outside for the tour to start.

We were then taken down 30m by elevator. 

After a short walk we took the train that used to be used to move the ammunition to the 7 combat Blocks.

The key stone was the last stone to be laid.

The only casualty was buried here until the war was over.

We only visited Block 4 which was a Casemate of three 75mm guns. They could fire up to 12km away.

We took another lift up to the surface to have a look from the outside. 

The train then took us back to the living quarters including infirmary, kitchen and generators.

30 men would sleep in each room on rotation as there were 600 soldiers.

The outside air was filtered before being sent through the installation. 

We enjoyed a peaceful night in the carpark.