Fort de Bron

Nestled in the commune of Bron, just a short distance from the bustling city of Lyon, lies the historic Fort de Bron. This formidable military structure stands as a testament to France's rich military history and strategic ingenuity, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The Origins of Fort de Bron

The story of Fort de Bron begins in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Following the Treaty of Frankfurt, which concluded the war, France found itself in a precarious defensive position, having lost the regions of Alsace and parts of Lorraine. In response, the French government embarked on a mission to fortify its borders and protect key cities, including Lyon. It was within this context that the construction of Fort de Bron was initiated.

Between 1875 and 1877, under the orders of General de Cissey, the fort was built by the entrepreneur Jean Claret. The stone used in its construction was sourced from the Monts d'Or and the quarries of Trept, resulting in a robust and imposing structure. The fort was part of a larger defensive network that included other forts like Vancia, Feyzin, and Mont Verdun, all designed to shield Lyon from potential eastern threats.

The Strategic Importance of Fort de Bron

Perched at an altitude of 212 meters on a hill in Bron, the fort was strategically positioned to dominate the surrounding plains and provide a clear line of sight to the Rhône River and beyond. Its location allowed it to cover key areas such as Décines, Chassieu, and Saint-Priest, effectively creating a protective barrier around Lyon.

The fort's design reflects its defensive purpose. It features a polygonal layout surrounded by a deep circular ditch, ranging from 6 to 8 meters in depth and 12 to 14 meters in width. This ditch was defended by caponiers, ensuring that any approaching enemy would face formidable resistance. The fort's various buildings, some of which are buried under masses of earth, occupy a total area of 1,500 square meters and could house up to 841 men during wartime.

Armament and Facilities

Fort de Bron was heavily armed to fend off any potential attackers. Its artillery included 17 cannons on the cavalier, 13 on the lower enclosure, 10 light cannons for ditch defense, and 5 mortars, totaling 45 pieces of artillery. These weapons had an impressive range, capable of hitting targets up to 6 kilometers away, with the range extended to 8 kilometers in 1880 thanks to the introduction of Bange cannons.

The fort was not only a military stronghold but also a self-sufficient community. It housed 841 personnel, including 1 fort commander, 17 officers, 39 non-commissioned officers, and 784 soldiers. The fort also accommodated a dozen horses, essential for transportation and logistics. The officers and non-commissioned officers resided in the parados barracks, while the soldiers were quartered in the cavalier barracks, with 56 soldiers per room.

To support its inhabitants, the fort was equipped with two kitchens, a bakery, a well, a cistern, latrines, a forge, and storage facilities. The bakery alone required a reserve of 69,400 kilograms of flour. Water was sourced from a well that tapped into the groundwater at a depth of 37 meters, providing 50 cubic meters of water per day, which was stored in a 13-cubic-meter cistern for emergencies. Lighting was provided by oil lamps, candles, and light wells, ensuring that the fort remained operational even in the darkest of times.

From Military Stronghold to Cultural Landmark

Despite its formidable design and strategic importance, Fort de Bron's military role was short-lived. Advances in artillery technology soon rendered such forts obsolete. During World War I, the fort served as a barracks and storage facility, and during World War II, it was used by the Germans as a prison. The French army continued to use the fort until 1962, after which it was decommissioned in 1963.

In 1975, the Grand Lyon purchased the fort and repurposed parts of it for civilian use, including the construction of two water reservoirs. Although there were proposals to convert the fort's ditches into a public landfill, these plans were ultimately abandoned. Instead, the fort found a new lease on life as a cultural and recreational space.

Today, the Fort de Bron is managed by the Association du Fort de Bron, established in 1982. The association organizes free guided tours on the first Sunday of each month, participates in Heritage Days, and hosts a major artisan exhibition every October. The fort also houses a museum dedicated to the history of aviation and aeronautical documentation, offering visitors a unique blend of military and aviation history.

Modern-Day Attractions

One of the fort's most popular attractions is the Biennale du Fort de Bron, a theatrical event held every two years. For two months, a theater troupe takes over the fort, transforming it into a stage for captivating performances. In 2009, the event drew nearly 17,000 spectators, and in 2011, it attracted 15,000 visitors. Although the biennale was discontinued in 2015, the fort continues to serve as a venue for various cultural events, film shoots, and more.

In conclusion, Fort de Bron is not just a relic of France's military past but a vibrant cultural landmark that continues to evolve and captivate visitors. Its storied history, impressive architecture, and modern-day attractions make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Lyon area.