The “Gros Cerveau” Fort

In 1873, it was decided to set up a simple entrenched post on the Gros Cerveau massif, armed with long-range artillery pieces.
In 1890, two fortified structures were built: the Pointe de la Pointe and the Gros Cerveau. These buildings have a similar architectural organization, with the following artillery positions: 4 155 mm long guns, 4 120 mm guns, 4 95 mm guns and 2 mortars.

Equipped with a light enclosure preceded by a ditch, the gun emplacements are cut directly into the rock and connected by underground galleries. The barracks are equipped with rainwater tanks that can hold 160 m3.

The Big Brain structure received a garrison of 250 men from the 2nd Battalion of
the 115th Territorial Infantry Regiment and 260 men of the 7th Battery and the 13th Battery on foot artillery. The two barracks of the Pointe de la Pointe structure were capable of accommodating one officer and 108 men each.