1939-1945
and the Maginot Line

Defensive structures

Once again, because of its strategic position, Lorraine found itself facing hostilities at the beginning of the Second World War. The deep trauma of the past had influenced the French Army; defence lines were strengthened and the Maginot Line took form, destined to stop the German Army in its tracks. History decided otherwise and many forts along the network were not even touched by the attacks they were built to repel.

Ouvrage Hackenberg

The largest ouvrage on the Maginot line includes 10 km of tunnels over 160 hectares. Visitors discover the site aboard a vintage train that was used to transport men and munitions to the bunkers.

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Ouvrage Simserhof

Visit the fourth largest ouvrage of the Maginot line with a performance tour aboard automatic vehicles and a walking tour. The immersion into the heart of the structure recounts the last 50 days of the fighting at Simserhof.

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American military cemetery of Saint-Avold

The largest American cemetery in Europe of the Second World War contains the graves of 10,489 American soldiers and aviators who perished in the battles of the border regions during the conquest of the Rhine.

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Sites and monuments

Relive the history of Lorraine on visits from remembrance sites to vestiges of heroic moments.

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