The Four à Chaux

One of the largest structures of the Maginot Line

Following its experience during the First World War, the French government took the decision to modernise the country's defences with the building of the Maginot Line. The "Four à Chaux" (lime kiln) in Lembach was created specifically for this purpose. Its construction began in 1929, and ended 10 years later on the eve of the Second World War. Severely bombed by the stukas, the fortress stood up to the assault well, and it was only 6 days after the signature of the Armistice that the garrison surrendered. Since then, the fortress has been restored and is today home to a small museum containing period weapons, uniforms and propaganda posters.

A fortress built like a submarine

The way the structure worked was actually very similar to that of a submarine. The fortress enabled its occupants to live self-sufficiently for up to three months, with ample stocks of foodstuffs and fuel. Electrical generators supplied the necessary energy in the event of a war, and contact with the outside was limited to radio communication. Additionally, just like in a submarine, the units manning the fort were referred to as the "crew". To guarantee its total autonomy, the fortress had all necessary comforts including a multipurpose room which could be used as a cinema or a chapel, an electrical generating station, a well, an operating theatre and even a morgue.