Batterie de Peyras

The battery was constructed in 1879 during a period of political tension between the young Third French Republic, the United Kingdom, and Italy in the Mediterranean. Originally designed as a large-caliber coastal battery, its purpose was to defend the area between the Isthmus of Les Sablettes and the open sea. Its strategic location at an altitude of 196 meters allowed it to subject enemy ships to plunging fire and cross its fire with that of the Batterie de Saint-Elme. The original armament included guns of various calibers, which were modified several times over the years. In 1899, an auxiliary battery was added, and the right wing received concrete armor. During World War I, material was transferred to the northeastern front. In 1933, it was converted into an anti-aircraft battery, and from 1943, German occupation forces installed anti-aircraft guns. After the liberation, the French Navy used the site as an anti-aircraft school and installed the German 105mm guns that are still there today. Operations ceased in 1957, and until 1967, it served as an operational base for Commando Trépel. From 1997, the French Navy began its restoration and entrusted its preservation to the GMC association.

The Batterie de Peyras is located in La Seyne-sur-Mer, in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 185 m above sea level.

The fortress can be visited today. Visitors will find a unique museum that vividly presents the history of the facility and its military significance. The fortress is in perfect condition and still houses operational cannons.

• Fort Saint Elme (fortress), approx. 3.7 km away
• Fort Napoléon (fortress), approx. 4.4 km away
• Fort de Six-Fours (fortress), approx. 4.8 km away
• Fort Balaguier (fortress), approx. 5.4 km away