The best walks and hikes around Boust

🏰 **Maison Forte – Fortified House on the Border of Past and Defense** The **Maison Forte** near **Kemplich** is a rare example of a **fortified farmhouse** that served both as a home and as a **military outpost**. Originally built in the **17th or 18th century** and later adapted as part of the **Maginot Line**, it combines rustic architecture with defensive features such as loopholes and massive walls. 🔰 The building is empty today, but its exterior is well preserved. Its dual role – home and fortress – makes it a special historical monument on the border between everyday life and war strategy. **Tip:** Anyone interested in military history or Lorraine architecture should plan a short detour to the Maison Forte – ideal in conjunction with the nearby Abri des Chênes Brûlés.

🛡️ **Ouvrage du Bois-Karré – Small Infantry Fortification with Tactical Significance** The **Ouvrage du Bois-Karré** is a small fortification of the Maginot Line west of Hettange-Grande, near the three-district border of France, Luxembourg, and Germany. It was built between 1931 and 1935 and served to secure a strategic valley access to the Moselle. 🔰 A so-called "petit ouvrage," Bois-Karré consisted of two combat blocks (infantry, machine gun), connected by a short underground passage. Despite its small size, it was heavily armed and cleverly camouflaged in the 1930s to blend into the landscape. 🕳️ Today, the fort is **not open to the public**, but individual elements such as concrete emplacements, trenches, and ventilation towers can still be seen in the forest – especially in winter or spring. **Tip:** Those interested in the smaller fortifications of the Maginot Line will find a quiet, almost forgotten relic here. It's an ideal detour on a hike around Hettange-Grande.

🛡️ **Ouvrage de Kobenbusch – Mighty Fortification of the Maginot Line** The **Ouvrage de Kobenbusch**, located south of Cattenom near the Luxembourg border, is one of the large underground fortifications of the **Maginot Line**. It was built between 1930 and 1935 and consisted of several combat blocks, underground connecting tunnels, a barracks, ammunition depots, and machine rooms – on several levels, anchored deep in the limestone. ⚙️ Particularly noteworthy: The technical systems were designed to be self-sufficient for months – including power generation, ventilation, a kitchen, and a hospital. The fort was occupied without a fight during World War II, continued to be used in part after the war, and is now privately owned. 🚷 It's **not open to the public**, but some ventilation towers and blockhouses are still visible in the forest near the D64 road (between Cattenom and Berg-sur-Moselle). **Tip:** For Maginot fans, a walk through the forest is worthwhile – with a little research, you'll find several bunker remains. Respect barriers, as some entrances are unstable or secured.

🗺️ **Bois de Cattenom – Section of the Maginot Line near Thionville** The **Bois de Cattenom** (also **Bois de Gattemont**) was part of the fortified section of the **Maginot Line**, strategically located between Thionville and the Moselle Valley. Several military installations were located here: including infantry bunkers, trenches, tank traps, and supply lines – embedded in the forest. 📍 The region included the **Ouvrage de Galgenberg**, smaller fortifications such as the **Abri du Bois de Cattenom**, and connecting roads to larger forts such as Rochonvillers or Immerhof. Some of the bunkers are still preserved and overgrown – silent witnesses to military preparations. **Tip:** This section is often not fully marked on hiking maps. Those interested in historical defense lines should take a detailed Maginot map with them and look specifically for entrances, ventilation towers, and observation posts. Particularly exciting in autumn when the leaves reveal the structures.

🛡️ **Ouvrage du Galgenberg – A Deep Look into the Maginot Line** The **Ouvrage de Galgenberg** is a large underground fortification of the **Maginot Line**, located south of Cattenom. It was built between 1930 and 1935 and served to defend the French border against Germany. The complex consists of several **combat bunkers**, **barracks**, **tunnels**, and **supply facilities** located deep underground. During the Cold War, the fort was modernized and remained in active use until the 1980s. 🔦 Today, it is accessible for guided tours (registration only), including a view of the original equipment: rails, power supply, ventilation systems, and gun emplacements. **Tip:** Ideal for military and history buffs – bring warm clothing, as it's chilly inside! Guided tours with former soldiers or experts are particularly impressive.

🚧 **Barrage du Lac du Mirgenbach – The Technical Heart of the Lake** At the southern end of **Lac du Mirgenbach** is the **dam (barrage)**, which serves to regulate the water and cool the nearby **Cattenom Nuclear Power Plant**. The facility is not open to the public, but is easily visible from the paths around the lake. 🌊 The dam marks the transition between technology and nature: Here, the water flows in controlled channels, creating an exciting interplay of industrial function and scenic tranquility. **Tip:** Those who walk the circular path around the lake have a good view of the dam from the eastern shore – particularly interesting for technology enthusiasts and landscape photographers.

🌅 **Lac du Mirgenbach – Quiet Lake near Cattenom** The **Lac du Mirgenbach** is an artificially created cooling water lake near the Cattenom nuclear power plant, south of Thionville. Despite its technical function, it is now a popular local recreation area – with hiking trails, fishing spots, and quiet shorelines. 🐦 The lake is surrounded by forest and reed beds and is considered a refuge for many bird species. It is also popular with photographers and nature lovers – especially at sunrise or sunset. **Tip:** Ideal for a quiet walk or bike ride. Note: Swimming is not permitted here – but the atmosphere by the water is still worth it!

Information board with all important information and hiking map.