Fortifications of Metz-Fort Driant (Feste Kronprinz)

Feste Kronprinz was built after 1899, when Metz was part of the German Empire. It was a crucial component of the Moselle position, which was vital for the Schlieffen Plan. Its purpose was to control the course of the Moselle River towards Nancy, secure the Mance stream valley, and provide the southernmost flank protection of the outer fortification ring on the left bank of the Moselle, together with Feste Haeseler. Planning began with a cabinet order on May 13, 1897, which stipulated the construction of a strong fortification on Hill 364 in the Gorgimont forest. After approval by Kaiser Wilhelm II in April 1899, construction began and was completed in the spring of 1905. The facility was designed for a wartime garrison of approximately 1800 infantry and foot artillerymen. In World War I, it was the only Metz fortress to fire some shells. After the war, it was taken over by the French army and renamed after Émile Auguste Cyprien Driant. There were no combat operations during the Western Campaign of 1940. However, in the autumn of 1944, the fortress became a focal point of the battles for Metz, when German officer cadets under Colonel Joachim von Siegroth offered unexpectedly long resistance to the 3rd US Army. The remaining garrison finally surrendered on December 8, 1944.

Fort Metz-Fort Driant is located in Metz, in the Moselle department of the Lorraine region, France. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 363 meters above sea level.

The fort cannot be visited today, as it is part of a restricted area and was temporarily used by the French army for exercises.

• Fort Metz-Fort Verdun (Feste Graf Haeseler) Fort St. Blaise (Fortress), approx. 3.8 km away
• Fort Metz-Fort Verdun (Feste Graf Haeseler) Fort Sommy (Fortress), approx. 4.4 km away
• Fort Metz-Fort Jeanne d'Arc (Feste Kaiserin) (Fortress), approx. 5.1 km away
• Fort Metz-Fort Saint-Privat (Feste Prinz August von Württemberg) (Fortress), approx. 6.7 km away