Fort de Saint-Cyr

Standing tall and imposing, Fort de Saint-Cyr is a testament to France’s military history. This imposing structure, built in the late 19th century, is a true symbol of Paris’s defense system. Despite its formidable appearance, Fort de Saint-Cyr has a rather peaceful past. Its primary mission has been to protect the city from its enemies, but today it serves a different purpose – it stands as a guardian of French cinema. Originally, the fort was designed to house a large garrison of 26 officers, 56 non-commissioned officers, and 1,406 soldiers. The fort’s stores could provide food for three months and water for six months. After the First World War, Fort de Saint-Cyr was used as an army weather station and later as an arms depot. The fort was even home to a school of meteorology after the Second World War. However, its most interesting chapter began in 1982. Thanks to Henri Langlois, the fort became a depository for the French Cinematheque’s filmic treasures. Thousands of films are now carefully preserved within Fort de Saint-Cyr’s walls. Today, you can step inside this historical landmark and explore a unique world of cinema and defense. Fort de Saint-Cyr is a reminder that even the most imposing structures can transform with time.