Entrenched Camp of Paris

[SteveMarsdin]

Good evening All,

When recently reading books on the first Battle of the Marne, there are several references to the entrenched camp of Paris and the ring of forts around Paris. Does anything survive of these fortifications ?

[Martin Bennitt]

Indeed

look here for starters

cheers Martin B

[SteveMarsdin]

Many thanks Martin,

Do you know whether what was described as the "entrenched camp" is the ring of forts or something else ?

[Martin Bennitt]

Hi Steve

am at work at the moment so a bit busy. Assuming you have some French, just google 'camp retranché de Paris' and you should find what you're looking for.

cheers Martin B

[SteveMarsdin]

Thanks Martin,

As you say, plenty of resources there; I've downloaded a map (amongst other things) - something to read further about over the summer !

[SiegeGunner]

One of the forts, Mont-Valérien, was used as a place of imprisonment and execution during the German occupation in WW2 and has various memorials to some 1000 people executed there. I believe there is also an American military cemetery within the precincts of the fort.

[SteveMarsdin]

Thanks Mick,

I've never visited any of the forts/sites of forts in the Paris region, Mont Valerien sounds like an interesting start point for a visit.