Fort Douaumont

One of the largest works, armed with the fortified belt, the centerpiece of defense around Verdun.
Built from 1885, it becomes by volume the first fort in the Verdun region in 1914.
Decommissioned in August 1915, he was partially disarmed and emptied of his garrison when, on February 21st, 1916, the Battle of Verdun began ...
The fort was bombed and fell to the Germans on February 25th, 1916, occupying it and using it as a logistics base and rest. Up to 3000 men will live there in promiscuity.
Dramatic events will take place there, especially on the night of May 8th, 1916. Fort Douaumont is then overcrowded, an accidental explosion of an ammunition depot ravaged the lower level of the fort, resulting in the death of 679 young Germans.
As a protective fortress, Fort Douaumont became their tomb.
Further attempts to recover the Fort in May and October will result in considerable losses in the French and German armies. On October 24th, 1916, the fort will be taken over by the Germans by the RICM and the African troops.

Periods and Opening Hours
Reopened on February 2nd, 2026

•  From February 2nd to end of March : 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
•  From end of March  to mid-September : 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
• From mid-September to 31 December 2026: 9.30am - 5.30 pm - 
  Closed on December 24th and 25th 2026
  From December 26th to 31st  2026: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (on December 31st, admission is free)
  Closed on January 1st 2027

• 2.50 € per pupil
• 1 free guide for 10 paying pupils
• 5.00 € per additional companion

• 6 € per person
• Free for 20 paying people
• Guided tour package (on reservation): 50 € in French - 60 € in English or German