Under Louis-Philippe the fortifications were entirely restored, and in 1866 preparations were made to rebuild them on a new plan, better adapted to the exigencies of modern armaments and technique. Of the four detached forts of St. Quentin, Plappeville, Queuleu and St. Julien, only the first two were completed in 1870.
The Germans considerably strengthened the fortifications by means of nineteen bastions surrounded by moats, the latter being protected by thirteen out-works. The length of the line of forts was increased to eighteen miles, and eleven new forts were added.
METZ. ST. QUENTIN FORT (seen from the Esplanade)