Mont Royal (built between 1687 and 1698) is a ruined fortress north of the town of Traben-Trarbach in the Bernkastel-Wittlich district, Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Mont Royal fortress was built between 1687 and 1698 as part of the Reunion policy, i.e. the annexation policy of Louis XIV, according to plans by the fortress builder Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, as a base for further expansion to the east. The complex was built by up to 8,000 forced laborers at considerable expense and covered an area of 50 hectares, with a length of 1,600 meters and a width of up to 750 meters. The length of the wall was 2,920 meters and a height of up to 20 meters. The citadel of the fortress was protected by five bastions. A garrison of 8,450 soldiers and 3,000 cavalry horses was planned. The very large fortress on non-French territory placed a considerable burden on the French state budget.
In accordance with the provisions of the Peace of Rijswijk of October 30, 1697, demolition began before construction was fully completed.
The remains of the fortress were partially excavated between 1929 and 1937 with the help of the Reich Labor Service. The political leadership at the time hoped that this action would have a propaganda effect on France. After the Second World War, with increasing tourism, the remains were reopened to visitors.