Fort of Villey-le-Sec
Nestled between the Côtes de Toul and the Woëvre plain, Villey-le-Sec is the only fortified village from the end of the 19th centurye century. The cornerstone of the fortified town of Toul, it has the unique distinction of having completely enclosed the dwellings within a wall.
Its fort, built in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, is a legacy of the Séré de Rivières system. Covering 23 hectares, the Fort de Villey-le-Sec housed up to 1 garrison troops, making it one of the largest in France. During a guided tour led by volunteers, visitors experience an immersion in a historic site with a surprising temperature—300 to 16°C, year-round.
Exploring the North Battery allows visitors to discover stone and concrete barracks, as well as turrets. This is an opportunity to witness one of them—a 75mm turret—being operated and a cannon being fired. A museum also presents the history of these ingenious fortifications, as well as artillery pieces.
This route is partly aboard a small electric train similar to those used at the fort when it was in operation. During a circuit of over 1 meters on old tracks, it offers breathtaking views of the plain.
