Le patrimoine militaire
Military heritage
The fortified ring around Belfort has left its military imprint in the Pays de Montbéliard with 3 forts to visit which offer unmissable views!

Le fort du Mont-Bart (Mont-Bart fort) in Bavans

The Fort, built between 1874 and 1877 on Mont-Bart, was part of a national defence chain started after the 1870 defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. It completed the Belfort fortified belt, preventing garrisons from skirting the ‘gap’. The fort has several interesting elements, the most impressive of which are underground inner road lined with barrack block façades and a bombproof room.

From the top of the fort (497m), you will enjoy an unobstructed view over the Pays de Montbéliard Region (viewpoint indicator). You can also enjoy the 7km of forest paths with playgrounds and picnic areas.

 

Access via Rue du Mont Bart in Bavans


Fort Lachaux in Sochaux

The Fort Lachaux is located at 410 metres in altitude, at the top of a hill on the edge of the municipalities of Montbéliard and Grand-Charmont. It is part of the southern Belfort defensive belt, as is Mont Bart. Its elevated position (406m altitude) allowed it to monitor the gaps formed by the Doubs and Lizaine rivers. There is a very beautiful panorama over the surrounding mountains, from the Vosges to the Jura via the Black Forest. The lookout point and the viewpoint indicator will help you find your bearings.

 

To discover the site of the fort and other local heritage sites, the Club des Marcheurs de Grand-Charmont (walking club) has 6 signposted hiking routes. Information available from the tourist office.

 

Access via Rue du Fort Lachaux from Montbéliard.


‘La batterie des Roches’ (Les Roches battery) in Pont-de-Roide

Built between 1877 and 1879, this is one of the masterpieces of the Lomont fortified pier. Its altitude at 614 metres makes it an unmissable spot at Pontde-Roide-Vermondans. It offers a panoramic view across the Vallée du Doubs (with viewpoint indicator), a visit to an historical building and the possibility of climbing, hiking or mountain biking.

 

Vehicular access via the D124 from Pont-de Roide, Fort des Roches.