Hidden amongst the bustling streets of Livry-Gargan lies Chemin de Vaujours. A seemingly ordinary path it holds a secret history. It connects to the infamous Fort de Vaujours. This formidable structure played a crucial role in defending Paris.
The Fort de Vaujours was built between 1874 and 1880. It was part of the Séré de Rivières system of fortifications. This system comprised eighteen forts five redoubts and thirty-four batteries encircling Paris. The fort housed a garrison of 691 soldiers and boasted 48 artillery pieces. Its unique design featured two annexes connected to a central fort by a covered pathway. Chemin de Vaujours was likely part of this strategic network.
After its military service the fort became a research center for the French Atomic Energy Commission CEA. From 1955 onwards the CEA conducted experiments there. They developed the detonator for France’s first atomic bomb Gerboise Bleue. The researchers also conducted pyrotechnic tests studying high-pressure shock waves in uranium. This involved the use of shock tubes and various devices. A significant amount of uranium was used in these tests. Some of this uranium was dispersed around the fort.
The CEA’s presence ended in 1997. The site has since been a subject of environmental concern due to residual radioactive contamination. The cleanup of the area has been complex and ongoing. The presence of uranium has raised concerns amongst local residents.
Today the fort itself is largely gone. Its demolition started in 2014. The area is now used for industrial purposes. Chemin de Vaujours remains a silent witness to this multifaceted past. As you walk along this quiet street imagine the soldiers the scientists and the environmentalists who have all played a part in its story. Chemin de Vaujours stands as a reminder of the layers of history hidden beneath the surface of modern Paris. The road is a quiet yet powerful testament to the fort’s enduring legacy. It is a journey through time a walk into the heart of a forgotten story. Chemin de Vaujours stands as a reminder of this complex and significant place.