DOUAUMONT FORT

Part of the defense line set up by General Séré de Rivières, Douaumont Fort, the northernmost fort in the Verdun perimeter, rises to 395 meters. Built from 1884 to 1886, it offers its artillerymen an ideal 360-degree position. Built on a hexagonal plan, bordered by dry ditches 14 m wide and 6 m deep, it houses various strategic installations. In the center of the fort: a barracks composed of vaulted casemates and an underground gallery. There were kitchens, rooms, bakeries, infirmary, forge and ammunition stores, with a capacity of nearly 900 soldiers. In the basement were stored powder magazines and water reserves. Around this central island, firing platforms were laid out in an arc, interspersed with sheltering crossbars, which made it possible to protect the men and the ammunition in case of an attack. In terms of armament, the infrastructure included 6 x 155 mm, 6 x 120 mm and 4 x 95 mm guns.

It was the most powerful structure in the stronghold of Verdun, and was modernized in 1901. Occupied by the Germans only 4 days after the beginning of the battle, it will be retaken only 8 months later, in October 1916. Your visit is enhanced by period documents and comments if you have chosen the multimedia guide. Among the key stages of your tour, you will discover a barracks room, the 155 turret, and the German necropolis where more than 600 soldiers are buried. Don't miss the panorama offered from the fort: a 360° view of the entire monument and the Verdun national forest. A poignant visit, witnessing a historical past that seems so close to us through this immersion. A work of memory that we must continue, to enlighten the younger generations.

For 8-12 year olds, a booklet-game Gaspard at the Fort of Douaumont is available free of charge: 15 pages in the company of Gaspard, a little rat dressed as a poilu living in the fort. This booklet allows young visitors to learn more about the history of Douaumont Fort and the First World War through questions and games. Don't forget to wrap up warm as the temperature inside the fort does not exceed 12°C. Groups are welcome upon reservation. An educational guide is also available for teachers and their students by simply downloading it from www.verdun-meuse.fr. Family package and foreign language tour package available. Ticket office closes 40 minutes before the site closes.