Visit of The Four à Chaux fortress a fortified structure on the Maginot line

Guarding the Sauer valley, the Four à Chaux fortress is located on a hill overlooking the village of Lembach. The 3 km of galleries go down to 30 m below ground. 24 officers and 600 men lived there. They belonged to a fortress infantry regiment. They were mobilised several times before returning to their post at the end of August 1939. As there was no action between September 1939 and May 1940, they organised themselves, seizing cattle that were roaming the streets of Lembach, whose population had been evacuated... The visitor will get acquainted with their living conditions by visiting the dormitories, the sanitary facilities, the kitchens or the infirmary. The structure was targeted by Stukas from June 1940. Although it had no effective anti-aircraft defence, it held out for another five days after the armistice, which took effect on 26 June. After special negotiations in Wiesbaden, the troops were forced to surrender but emerged with the honours of war on 2 July. The Germans then occupied the fort, stripping it of everything they could use on the Atlantic Wall. Overpressure gas tests caused considerable damage. The layout is similar to that of other forts, except that the men's entrance is 24m higher than the ammunition entrance, so the fort has an inclined plane to bring equipment and ammunition from the ammunition entrance to the upper gallery. Enjoy your visit, walking shoes and warm clothing (13°).