Fort Douaumont

Fort Douaumont is a military installation in Douaumont-Vaux, France, now serving as a museum and memorial site. The structure features multiple underground levels with long passageways, casemates, sleeping quarters, and a central tower that once held artillery.

The fort was built between 1885 and 1913 as part of the defensive system around Verdun. It changed hands several times during the Battle of Verdun in 1916 between German and French control, until French forces recaptured it in November of that year.

The name comes from the nearby village of Douaumont, which was destroyed during combat and now stands as an uninhabited memorial settlement. Visitors walk through corridors where soldiers lived for months underground and can see memorial rooms displaying personal belongings of those who died here.

The temperature remains around 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) year-round inside the underground spaces, so warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. Access involves stairs and uneven surfaces, which can make the visit challenging for people with limited mobility.

A chapel inside the fort was consecrated in 1929 and still serves as a place of reflection for visitors. The walls still carry inscriptions left by soldiers who sought shelter here during combat.

Location: Douaumont-Vaux

Inception: January 1, 1800

Part of: Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front)

GPS coordinates: 49.21667,5.43889

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42