Fort Douaumont

Looming far above the notorious Verdun battlefield, the heavily armed 19th-century fortress was designed to be the most strategically important of Verdun’s mighty defenses. Instead, it symbolized the bloody Battle of Verdun in 1916, where 300,000 soldiers were killed, and 400,000 were wounded. Manned by only a small garrison, Fort Douaumont suffered significant damage and quickly fell into German hands; it was a pivotal battle site throughout the 300-day standoff.

Today the fort is one of the highlights of Verdun battlefield tours and day trips, alongside the nearby ossuary (Ossuaire de Douaumont) and museum, Trench of the Bayonets, and Fort Vaux. Visit as part of a guided tour to learn more about World War I and its most notorious battle.

• This important World War I landmark is particularly interesting for military history buffs interested in the Battle of Verdun.
• The fort is primarily located underground, but visitors can access the rooftop to take in views across the French countryside.
• Historic videos, photographs, and archival documents offer insights into the history of this important fort and battlefield.
• The fort is partially accessible to strollers and wheelchairs; the rooftop is not accessible but can be viewed from the paved sidewalk leading to the entrance.

Fort Douaumont is set deep in the hills northeast of Verdun, so you’ll need to reach the site with a car or join a tour that includes transportation. The nearest train station in Verdun is more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) away, and no local buses connect the historic fort with nearby towns.

The interiors of the underground fort are damp and cool all year round, a welcome respite from the heat in summer but bone-chilling cold in winter. The fort is open daily except for Christmas Day; hours change seasonally, so check the website before visiting.

Fort Douaumont belongs to a group of sites related to the WWI Battle of Verdun, all of which are worth a visit for enthusiasts of military history. In addition to the pockmarked fort, visit the nearby ossuary and military cemetery to pay homage to the more than 150,000 unknown soldiers buried there and climb the tower to take in the field of crosses from above. Stop by Fort Vaux, located a short drive away, to visit another key fort in the 1916 battle, and tour the Memorial de Verdun, considered one of the best museums focused on the Battle of Verdun and World War I on the Western Front.