Fort de Douaumont

About the museum

Fort de Douaumont is the largest work of the fortified place of Verdun. It occupies a 388 m hill and covers nearly nine hectares. Construction began in 1884 as part of the second fortified ring, based on an idea of General Séré de Rivières. It was soon outpaced by advances in artillery, which led to the barracks being reinforced with a reinforced concrete slab in 1888.

Between 1903 and 1913, several turrets were installed, first for machine guns and then for 155 mm and 75 mm guns. The fort could house more than 800 men; after the modernisations, the garrison was reduced to a little over 500 soldiers.

On 25 February 1916, at the start of the Battle of Verdun, the German army seized the fort. On 8 May 1916, an accidental explosion inside caused between 800 and 1,000 German casualties. A French attempt to retake it took place from 22 to 24 May, and the fort was finally retaken on 24 October 1916. Subjected to heavy bombardment, it still bears the marks of the fighting.

Today, visitors can walk through the interior and over the top of the work, understand the living conditions of French and German soldiers, and see a German military cemetery on the site. The fort is managed by the Mémorial de Verdun, as is Fort de Vaux.

Highlights

• Largest fort of the Verdun fortified place
• Route through the interior of the structure and over its top
• 155 mm turret and barracks
• German military cemetery on the site
• View of the Verdun battlefield
• Multimedia guide with films, photos and testimonies

Operated by

Mémorial de Verdun

Admission & discounts

Free admission: European Heritage Days; 31 December

Combined tickets are valid for 48 hours. Free entry also for journalists and ICOM card holders. The Museums-PASS and the Pass Patrimoine give access to the fort; the Pass 14-18 does not. Payment by card, cash, chèques-vacances and Pass Culture.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the upper level is accessible. Dry toilets are located in the car park. Dogs on a lead are allowed.

Kids & families

Children under 8 enter free; family package for 2 adults and one young person aged 8 to 18. The cold and damp inside call for suitable clothing.

Getting there & parking

From Verdun, about 10 minutes by car following the “Champ de bataille” signs. From Paris or Reims, take A4 exit 30 Voie Sacrée; from Metz or Strasbourg, A4 exit 31 Verdun.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with drinks, books and objects; no dedicated restaurant. The interior stays at around 12 °C all year round, with high humidity and often wet floors: warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended, even in summer.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

The fort itself cannot be hired; it can only be added as a visit to a room hire at the Mémorial de Verdun.

Plan your visit