Fort Guentrange was built by the Germans between 1899 and 1905 as part of the defences around Thionville. The French gained control of it in 1918 at the end of World War I and it was integrated into the Maginot Line. On its recapture in World War II, the Germans used it as workshops and a supply depot. It changed hands twice more - once to the USA in 1944 and finally back to France.
The fort is spread out over a wide area (47 hectares) and three barrack blocks would accommodate up to 2,000 men. Thes barracks are built into a hillside so that the rear aspects are shielded by earth, while the top and front are protected by three of four metres of concrete. Between the barrack blocks are tunnels which connect to two batteries, each housing four 10mm guns. As well as the gun turrets, there is an observation cupola in each battery.
The perimeter is protected by concrete trenches and barbed wire empalcements with small blockhouses providing firepower. The fort was used post-war as a munitions store and on its release from the military in 1971 it was handed over to the local community and is open in summer months at weekends by the local group Fort de Guentrange