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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The fort of Champigny, located at Chennevières-sur-Marne in Val-de-Marne, was built between 1878 and 1880 as part of the second fortified belt of Paris. Integrated into the defensive system designed by General Séré de Rivières, it aimed to strengthen the protection of the capital after the defeat of 1870. Its typical architecture, with central massif, ditches and caponières, reflects the military innovations of the late 19th century, designed to withstand modern artillery fire.

By 1914, the fort lost part of its original weaponry, retaining only 20 cannons divided between ramparts and caponières. During the Second World War, it was reused as an anti-aircraft base in 1939-1940, and was burned in July 1944. After the war, its decline accelerated: declassified in 1965, it was entrusted to the Domains in 1974 before being included in the inventory of historical monuments on May 16, 1979, marking the beginning of its preservation.

The restoration of the fort began in 1984, but its history took a cultural turn in 1990 with the organization of the first French rave party in its walls. In the 21st century, it alternates between public uses (municipal police offices until 2018) and associations (accommodation of the Apac from 2018 to 2022). Since 2023, a consultation is underway to transform the site into Zone d'Aménagement Concerté (ZAC), marking a new stage in its evolution.

With an area of 50,554 m2, the fort consists of a barracks that can accommodate 388 soldiers, shelter ties, and a powder box integrated with the ramparts. His star plane, with face, flank and throat, illustrates the defensive principles of the time. Although generally closed to the public, it opens exceptionally at Heritage Days, offering a rare glimpse of this military heritage.

The fort of Champigny embodies both the legacy of the Séré de Rivières fortifications and the successive adaptations of a monument to the turbulent history. Its inscription in the title of historical monuments underscores its architectural and memorial importance, while posing the question of its preservation in the face of contemporary urban redevelopment projects.

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