After the loss of the war in 1870 war it was decided to strengthen the eastern border by surrounding the main strongholds with a belt of forts.
This is the case in Toul with the enclosure losing its offensive role to become a defensive place. The Gate of France was rebuilt in 1882-83 and was wider than it was before. Today the Gate of France welcomes visitors through the garden of Hamm which has luxuriant vegetation composed of bamboos and other perennials which are supplemented with spring and summer flowers and are like the plantations elsewhere in the city.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the twinning between Toul and Hamm-Mitte (Germany) the elephant symbol of Hamm was offered to the City of Toul. The pachyderm which was decorated by high school student’s has the coats of arms of the two cities displayed on its flanks as well as the vineyards of Toul and the glass and steel elephant of Maximilian Park in Hamm.
