Plate-forme et constructions attenantes de la pièce 380

Plate-forme et constructions attenantes de la pièce 380 is a striking First World War relic hidden in the forest above Zillisheim, in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace. Few sites in France offer such a direct physical link to the artillery war fought on the Western Front - this was the firing position of one of the largest guns ever deployed there.

What can you see on site?

Spread across roughly a hectare of forest, the site consists of a concrete firing platform together with its underground galleries and support structures. It marks the spot where, in the autumn of 1915, the German army installed a massive 380mm naval gun built by Krupp and nicknamed "Langer Max". The gun itself is long gone - dismantled after the war - but the concrete platform survives, even though maintenance work carried out in 1924 could only slow its gradual decay from time and forest moisture.

What happened here?

Between February and October 1916, the gun mounted on this platform shelled Belfort, a key logistics hub on the French side of the front, as well as the town of Wesserling, which French forces had already recaptured in August 1914. Each shell weighed some 750 kilograms, yet the weapon was fired sparingly - across the whole campaign only 44 rounds were launched, causing 14 casualties. Despite this limited use, the sheer existence of such a heavy gun on the Alsace front illustrates the scale of industrial ambition both sides brought to the war.

Why does this site matter?

The platform was listed as a monument historique by a decree dated 1 September 1920, making it the first First World War site to receive heritage protection in France - and, as a result, the very first twentieth-century monument ever added to the French historic monuments register. For anyone interested in the Great War, that gives the site a double significance: a physical trace of the Alsace front, and a turning point in how France began to treat the heritage of its recent history.

How do you get there?

The remains of the battery lie along a forest track known as the Chemin rural dit Gereutweg, within the woodland of the Zillisheim municipality, a short distance south of Mulhouse. The setting is quiet and wooded, making it an appealing stop for anyone who wants to combine a walk with a piece of regional history. Zillisheim sits in the heart of Alsace, a region scattered with reminders of both World Wars, so a visit here pairs naturally with other memorial sites nearby.

When should you go?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the forest paths are easiest to walk and temperatures suit a longer outing. Keep in mind this is a wooded, largely unmanaged site with no tourist infrastructure, so sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the "pièce 380" at Zillisheim? It was a German 380mm naval gun, nicknamed "Langer Max", installed in autumn 1915 on a concrete platform in the forest near Zillisheim.

What was the gun used for? Between February and October 1916 it shelled Belfort and the town of Wesserling, firing shells weighing 750 kilograms each.

Is the gun still there today? No, the gun itself has not survived - only the concrete platform and its underground support structures remain.

Why is this site historically significant? The platform was listed as a historic monument as early as 1920, making it the first First World War site and the first twentieth-century monument ever protected in France.