56 km | 66 km-effort
During the 1914-1918 war, the citadel of Montmédy served
as a support point for the forces stationed in the region and
was used to monitor railway and road infrastructures in the
Chiers valley. In the event of surrender and if ordered by the commander in chief, it was instructed to destroy the works of art, in order to prevent the enemy from reaching the
mouth of the river and using the railway. It was also
instructed to destroy the cannons, ammunition and supplies.
On 27 August 1914, the garrison received the order to join
the French army at Verdun. It would be wiped out at
Brandeville on 29 August 1914.
This citadel, which stands on the top of a rocky spur, was constructed by Charles V in the 16th century, before being redesigned by Vauban in the 17th century and finally
remodelled by Seré de Rivières in the 19th century. It is one of the rare examples of a fortress that is still lived in, in this case by 80 inhabitants. While at the fortress,
you should visit the church of Saint-Martin, as well as its other characteristic architectural gems and two museums. The first museum focuses on the fortifications, while the second is devoted to local artist Jules Bastien-Lepage. From the top of the stronghold, the panoramic view is indescribable.
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