Ouvrage du Michelsberg
Large Maginot Line fortress in Ébersviller, visited with a guide through its underground galleries by the association’s volunteers.
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Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Michelsberg fortress was completed in 1937 as part of the Maginot Line in Moselle. In September 1939 its crew of 515 men was complete, under Commander Duvauchelle and then Commander Jules Pelletier.
During the “drôle de guerre” (phoney war), the garrison remained largely inactive. After the German breakthrough through the Ardennes in May 1940, the fortress was attacked in June: German troops concentrated their artillery on the Michelsberg on June 20, and the fortress fired more than 6,000 shells in a few days. On June 22, Lieutenant Deschamps, in command of the 135 mm turret, destroyed the enemy artillery command post and an 88 mm battery. The garrison left the fortress on July 4, 1940, undefeated, and went on to spend more than four years in captivity.
Since 1993, volunteers have restored and promoted the fort. The guided visit lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and takes you about 30 meters underground: the entrance under the hill, the power plant where a period generator is set in motion, barracks, kitchens, command post and block 5 with its 265-tonne turret.
Highlights
- Guided visit of 2 hours 30 minutes in galleries about 30 meters underground
- Power plant with a period generator set in motion
- Barracks, kitchens and command post
- Block 5 with a 265-tonne turret armed with two 75 mm guns
- Night visits by oil lamp (by reservation)
Permanent exhibition
- Visite guidée du gros ouvrage du Michelsberg – Guided visit of 2 hours 30 minutes through the galleries about 30 meters underground, with power plant, barracks, kitchens, command post and the turret of block 5.
- Founded
- 1930
- Operated by
- Association Ouvrage du Michelsberg
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6 |
| Children & teens | €4€4 for children aged 8 to 14. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €6 per personGroups of more than 10 people by reservation: €6 per person; groups of fewer than 10 people: flat rate of €60. School groups: €4. |
| Night visit by oil lamp, adult (by reservation) | €12 |
| Night visit by oil lamp, child (by reservation) | €6 |
Free for French military personnel, accompanying persons, interpreters and coach drivers. Payment in cash, by card or by check.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Child rate of €4 for ages 8 to 14.
Getting there & parking
Association address: allée du Commandant Pelletier, 57320 Ébersviller.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
According to the site, there is no bar or restaurant on site; the association lists a selection of restaurants nearby (3 to 25 km away).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided and commentated visit of 2 hours 30 minutes, in French; in English and German depending on guide availability. Inside temperature about 13 °C: bring warm clothing. Online booking; groups of 10 or more (online form); night visits by reservation only. |
