German Art Deco On The Pas De Calais

One sees quite a bit of 1940s German Art Deco driving along the D940, the Opal Coast road, in the Pas de Calais. They were all built in 1942-1944, mainly by local conscript laborers, but to German specifications and standards. Due to the relatively short architectural epoch, they are all of remarkably similar design and construction materials. The thick walls and slit windows are reminiscent of Romanesque architecture, but the rounded upper walls and roofs are distinctive of the modern era of bombardment. Most of these sites are in poor condition nowadays, although one, the Batterie Todt, near Cape Gris Nez, has been converted into a fine museum of the period. The structures are all rather drab, of course, over-grown with vegetation, most of their furnishings have disappeared, but they are indeed standing the test of time.

Well, leaning the test of time, but 5 stories nigh

Guarded by sheep at Cap Gris Nez

Another good example at Gris Nez...a high cliff, with an impressive
view of the Channel, the possible landing beaches, etc..

Batterie Todt, one of the 7 largest on the Atlantic Wall, as this neighborhood was
once called

Thus; none of the lavish ornamentation of Art Nouveau

But with this prized possession, "Leopold," one of those Guns of Navarone type
monsters that could hurl a 2,000 pound projectile 40 miles; this one is still aimed
at England, the White Cliffs of which you can plainly see from the Cape

And yet another big one, just a few miles down the road; the whole area here
has a commanding, I mean, beautiful view of Boulogne sur Mer and the great
natural harbor there...