Verdun is located in the center of the Meuse, about 50 kilometers north of Bar-le-Duc. The city has a special place in the international collective memory since it remains forever synonymous with one of the greatest battles of the 20th century: from February 21 to December 18, 1916, 700,000 French and German soldiers were killed, wounded or disappeared. If Verdun is a must for military tourism, it is also a dazzling cultural destination, with an artistic and architectural heritage of the highest level. Its charming and lively city center never ceases to amaze and renew itself.The Battle of VerdunOn February 21, 1916, a German shell tore through the courtyard of the bishop's palace in Verdun. It was only a test shot: the Germans had carefully prepared their offensive because the disarmament of the surrounding forts made the position vulnerable. General Falkenhayn's objective was to "bleed the French dry". From there, 2 million shells fell in 2 days. The German infantry was confronted with the unexpected, a resistant and defensive French army. For 10 months, hundreds of thousands of men fought in a very limited area and in apocalyptic conditions (the artillery caused 80% of losses); the French staff rotated 80% of its soldiers through the battle.Verdun, world capital of peaceAs soon as the armistice was signed in 1918, Verdun was named the capital of peace. Since then, it has never stopped investing in the preservation of the memory. History lovers, enter the red zone. In the city, don't miss the underground citadel (visit in guided gondolas and 3D animations), the upper and lower citadels or the World Peace Center. Nearby, discover the moving village of Fleury, which died for France, and the ossuary-necropolis of Douaumont, scene of the Franco-German reconciliation in 1984. Note that the tourist office offers a guided tour by bus (1/2 day).Verdun, city of charm and cultureWith its 30 centuries of history, Verdun has a fascinating history. You will have to visit the cathedral, the episcopal palace, or the Princerie hotel. Spend an unusual night in the former (and only) Protestant church of Verdun, transformed into a guesthouse. One takes great pleasure in strolling through these dynamic and lively streets. A walk along the Meuse, an aperitif in one of its cellars or a gastronomic dinner will be enough to convince you!
