Bitche, France
The Citadel
We discovered the French
city of Bitche (pronounced ‘Beech’) as we were on our way to Strasbourg, France
one drizzly day. As we were approaching
the city limits, we saw a large fortress (Citadel) way off in the distance. As we got closer, we found an interesting
spot rich in history.
We had a nice view of the
Citadel on the hilltop as we entered the town of Bitche, just 20 miles inside
the French border from Germany. The size is deceiving – from here, it’s almost
2 miles away.
This nice lady was at the
booth outside the Citadel. It looks
like the sign should translate into “Pay the Lady!”, but “pays” (pronounced
‘pie’) means ‘region’. We are in “The
Region of Bitche”. It’s an information booth.
As we approached the
entrance to the Citadel, its immense size became apparent.
Spencer is checking out one
of the moats and immense walls with Beth and Mrs. Hinesly, a
friend we met on our trip to
Italy in June 2001.
A view of Bitche from the
walls of the Citadel.
The cannons had a pretty
good shot at anyone approaching the Citadel from any direction.
We traveled under the
Citadel to the areas where people lived during the battles.
This underground pump
provided fresh water to the people living underground.
Back above ground, we passed
this water fountain that is now a flower pot.
How would you like this in
front of your house?
I think the neighbors would
talk!
As we left, I turned for one
last look at the entrance.
Hope you enjoyed
Bitche