La Mothe-en-Bassigny

La Mothe stood on a high hill overlooking the Mouzon valley, guarding an approach to Lorraine through the Bassigny. The fortified town became a symbol of Lorraine's resistance to French invasion. Its elevated position and strong defences made it a difficult objective, but also drew the attention of armies determined to control the frontier.

French forces captured La Mothe after a siege in 1634, and the town faced further attacks in 1642 and 1644–45. The last siege lasted for months; the remaining Lorraine defenders finally surrendered in July 1645 under terms allowing the inhabitants to keep their property. Cardinal Mazarin nevertheless ordered the town demolished. Its people were dispersed, and by the end of September the fortress and town had been reduced to ruins.