We can imagine the surprise of people encountering this armored half-track on the road, arriving from another era and a completely different context. Last week, a half-track anti-aircraft of the US Army, recalling the images of the Landing of Provence, engaged on the first slopes of Faron. Direction the Grand Saint-Antoine fort, where he crossed the old drawbridge.
“Two or three vehicles arrived on siteconfirms Denis Le Priol, who bought the fortified enclosure last spring, in order to store his collection of military equipment there. But we’ll stop there for now, until the place is set up to accommodate them. The idea is above all to take them out and show them off for the Rallye du Var next weekend.”
An old Italian helmet found in the cistern
A great fan of strategy, Denis Le Priol does not want to skip the steps to achieve his goals. “Next month, we have a visit from the Drac (1). We also need to meet the representatives of the Toulon town hall and structure our association to launch the project which will bring the place back to life, with its history and its scars of the war. But things are progressing well. And our objective remains more than ever to open the fort of Grand Saint-Antoine to the people of Toulon and to make it a museum!”
This native of Saint-Malo, known in particular for having been at the head of a large Jeep restoration company for a long time, owns around 160 army vehicles from the last century. And it is in the fort built in 1845 at the foot of Faron, purchased in the spring for more than a million euros, that he intends to store them. A museum of the helmet worn by former firefighter Albert Meuvret – who also found a rusty Italian “headdress” dating from 1943 in the fort’s cistern – is also planned.
1. Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs.
How does Mr. Le Priol envision the museum engaging the local community beyond its role as a tourist attraction, and what opportunities does it present for educational outreach and historical understanding?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: The Fort, The Vehicles, and the Vision
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today we’re talking about a fascinating story merging history, passion, and community spirit. This past week, a
World War II era US Army half-track was spotted making its way up the slopes of Mount Faron, headed for the impressive
Grand Saint-Antoine Fort. This unusual scene has sparked curiosity and excitement in Toulon. Joining us today are two guests who we believe
can shed light on this intriguing development.
First, we have **Denis Le Priol**, the visionary behind this project,
a passionate collector of military vehicles and the new owner of the Grand Saint-Antoine Fort.
And joining him is **Albert Meuvret**, a local historian and former firefighter
who played a key role in uncovering some of the fort’s hidden treasures.
**Section 1: Restoring a Historical Gem**
*(Addressing Mr. Le Priol)*
**Interviewer:** Mr. Le Priol, the Grand Saint-Antoine Fort is a landmark steeped in history. What drew you to this particular site,
and what do you envision for its future?
**Interviewer:** You mentioned significant renovations are underway.
Can you elaborate on the challenges you foresee and the steps you’re taking
to ensure the historical integrity of the Fort is preserved?
**Section 2: The Vehicles: Rolling Back in Time**
*(Addressing both guests)*
**Interviewer:** Mr. Le Priol, we understand you have an impressive collection
of military vehicles. What inspired your passion for these historical artifacts?
Can you share any particularly interesting stories associated with some of the vehicles
in your collection that will be housed in the Fort?
**Interviewer:** Mr. Meuvret, given your historical knowledge of Toulon,
do you see a connection between the vehicles in Mr. Le Priol’s collection
and the Fort’s rich past?
**Section 3: Unveiling History: The Museum Vision**
*(Addressing both guests)*
**Interviewer:** Mr. Le Priol, you’ve spoken of creating a museum focused on the Fort’s history
and the vehicles housed within it. What kind of experience do you hope to offer visitors?
**Interviewer:** Mr. Le Priol, you’ve mentioned seeking support
from local authorities and cultural organizations.
What role do you see the local community playing in bringing this vision to life?
**Interviewer:** Mr. Meuvret, as a historian, what
impact do you believe this museum could have on our understanding
of Toulon’s past and the role of the Grand Saint-Antoine Fort within it?
**Section 4:
Looking Ahead**
**Interviewer:** *”Rallye du Var”* is mentioned in the article. Can
you tell us more about this event and its connection to the Fort project?
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your insights with us
today. We look forward to seeing the vision for the Grand Saint-Antoine Fort
come to life. And to our viewers, stay tuned for updates on the progress
of this exciting historical preservation and community development project.
