Central courtyard outside the Mont-Vaudois Fort - Fortified belt - near Héricourt - Vosges du Sud — ©Fort du Mont Vaudois|Both Better

Fort du Mont-Vaudois A sentinel keeping watch over Héricourt

Perched at an altitude of 525 metres, the Mont-Vaudois Fort – also known as Fort Broussier – proudly dominates the town ofHéricourt. Built between 1874 and 1877 under the direction of General Séré de Rivières, this monument covers more than 5 hectares. Its architecture, inspired by the principles of Vauban, makes it a remarkable example of 19th-century fortifications.

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A journey through time: Life in a 19th-century garrison

From April to October, the Fort opens its doors to visitors, offering a unique immersion in French military history. Crossing the drawbridge, you enter a fascinating world where every stone tells a story. The courtyards of honour, the artillery platforms, the gun cellars, the gunpowder shops and the casemates plunge you into the daily lives of the soldiers who watched over these ramparts.

Exploring the cave-shelter and the double caponier is a must. The cave-shelter, dug in response to advances in artillery, offers a glimpse of the military adaptations of the 19th century. As for the double caponier, the fort’s last line of defence, it illustrates the ingenuity of the strategists of the time in protecting the fort against enemy assaults. These two elements demonstrate the military expertise and ingenuity deployed to protect this strategic fortress.

Visit the Fort

A lively place

One of the highlights of the visit is undoubtedly the Fort’s bakery. On certain days, you can smell the aroma of bread freshly baked in the period ovens, instantly transporting you back in time for an authentic tasting experience that will delight your taste buds.

Events Something for everyone

During visits, the Mont-Vaudois Fort becomes the setting for an interactive experience in which visitors find themselves in the shoes of a 19th-century soldier. Imagine yourself sending signals to the Citadel of Belfort from the optical casemate, reliving crucial moments in the history of the region.

The Mont-Vaudois Fort is not stuck in the past. Every May, Bread Day brings the site to life with a variety of activities, including bread-making in the Fort’s historic oven. This popular event combines history and culinary tradition, attracting local visitors and tourists alike.