Lion of Belfort, France

The city of Belfort sits at a the southern end of the French province of Alsace, near the common border between France, Germany and Switzerland. Belfort occupies an important strategic position, at a pass through the Jura mountains. Belfort was ceded to France in the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. The French fortification architect Vauban designed modern fortifications for the city.

Remnants of Vauban's 17th century fortifications.

Map highlights Vauban's distinctive star shaped fortress designs.

This map of Belfort highlights the city's strategic importance. The city lies in a valley, through which any invading force from Germany must pass. At the end of the valley lies the mountain and fortress of Belfort

At the head of the valley is a high limestone ridge. Vauban added fortifications to protect its base. A barracks was placed at the top of the ridge. In 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War, the Prussian army assaulted the Belfort fortress but were unable to capture it. The garrison held out for 103 days, frustrating Prussian plans. However, following the French defeat in 1871 and the eventual armistice, the garrison was ordered to evacuate the city on 18th February 1871. While the rest of Alsace was ceded to Germany, Belfort remained a French possession.

Belfort town is filled with belle-epoch architecture.

The city was undergoing a substantial restoration when we visited in 2013.

The concert hall

Statues commemorating the defense of Belfort in 1870-71.

The gateway into the Vauban fortress

In honour of the garrison's resistance, a monumental sculpture "The Lion of Belfort" was constructed on the face of the limestone ridge. The sculpture is composed of red limestone blocks.

A model of the Lion of Belfort in Frederick Batholdi's studio. Bartholdi is famous as the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, but he has done many other interesting works.

Within the Belfort fortress is a small museum. It contains a fine display of Napoleonic era armour and uniforms.

Curassior helmets. Unfortunately the museum's displays have nothing in English, which made it a little problematic for us non-French speakers.

French hussar's busby

Prussian picklehelms and other early Great War German hats and helmets.

German trench armour from the Great War.

View away from the town towards the extensive Vauban fortifications.

View towards the town from the fortress.

Although not a part of the true Maginot Line, Belfort can be seen as the southern anchor of the Maginot line.