Memorial sites of the 1916 battle, drinks by the Meuse, bike rides and wide-open spaces: everything we recommend to our guests, with travel times from the apartment in the Upper Town.
On the right bank of the Meuse, the Verdun battlefield can be explored as a loop: villages that “died for France” such as Fleury-devant-Douaumont (where only markers show where the houses once stood), the Trench of Bayonets, shelters and monuments scattered through a forest still scarred by shells. Bring good shoes: the paths can be muddy.
💡 Our tipCombine the Memorial, the Ossuary and the forts in a single day: they are only minutes apart.
Built on the battlefield itself, the Memorial tells the story of the Battle of Verdun through the eyes of both French and German soldiers: objects, uniforms, testimonies, archive films and reconstructions over three floors. Allow at least two hours.
💡 Our tipStart here: it’s the best introduction before exploring the battlefield.
Built from 1920 onwards, the Ossuary holds the remains of some 130,000 unidentified French and German soldiers. Its 46-metre lantern tower offers a striking view over the battlefield, and the national cemetery stretches out below. A powerful place to see at least once.
💡 Our tipThe site is very exposed to the wind: bring a jacket, even in summer.
Captured by the Germans in February 1916 and retaken by French troops in October of the same year, Douaumont is the largest work of the fortified town. You walk through long galleries, casemates, the chapel and an impressive 155 mm gun turret.
💡 Our tipIt’s around 12 °C inside all year round: bring a sweater and closed shoes.
From 2 to 7 June 1916, Commander Raynal’s garrison held out here in extreme conditions. After several years of works, the fort reopened in July 2026, for the 110th anniversary of the battle, with a brand-new exhibition: audio testimonies, projections and collection objects.
💡 Our tipPairs perfectly with a visit to Fort Douaumont on the same day.
Beneath the town, kilometres of tunnels sheltered thousands of soldiers during the battle. The visit takes place aboard automated cars, with an immersive staging that brings the daily life of the “poilus” back to life… up to the choice of the Unknown Soldier, which took place here in 1920.
💡 Our tipIt’s 7–9 °C underground all year round. In high season, book your time slot in advance.
Verdun’s liveliest pedestrian quay is lined with around twenty bars and restaurants, their terraces right by the water. Destroyed during the war, it was rebuilt with help from the City of London — hence its name. It also hosts the town’s big festive events (summer concerts, festivals, Venetian carnival…).
💡 Our tipIn summer, book your table at weekends: the terraces fill up fast.
You’re staying in the heart of the historic quarter: Notre-Dame Cathedral and its cloister, the Princerie Museum (just behind the courtyard!), the World Peace Centre, then, heading down towards the Meuse, the Victory Monument and the Porte Chaussée, a 14th-century fortified gate. The tourist office offers a 25-stop heritage trail.
💡 Our tipTake a stroll at dusk: the light on the old stones is beautiful.
Verdun and dragées (sugared almonds) go back a long way: the Maison Braquier has been making them in town since 1783. The factory can be visited freely with an audio guide, and the shop sells every variety — from the classic almond to dragées covered in gold leaf.
💡 Our tipThe perfect souvenir to bring home… if there are any left by then.
Around Verdun, the forests of the battlefield area are criss-crossed with waymarked trails for walking or mountain biking. A little further south-east, the Côtes de Meuse hills unfold their viewpoints, mirabelle plum orchards and vineyards: perfect for a walk, a picnic or a sunset.
💡 Our tipLate August is mirabelle plum season: try them at the markets!
In the heart of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, Lac de Madine covers around 11 km². Sandy beaches, sailing (motorboats are banned), campsites, restaurants and a lovely cycle loop around the lake: the ideal nature escape for a family day out.
💡 Our tipOn sunny days, pack swimsuits and bikes: the loop around the lake is easy for the whole family.
The EuroVelo 19 follows the Meuse for more than 1,000 km, from its source near Langres to the North Sea in the Netherlands. It passes through Verdun: towpaths along the canal and quiet country roads towards Saint-Mihiel to the south, or Dun-sur-Meuse and the Ardennes to the north. An ideal stop for a quiet night (or two).
💡 Our tipOur apartments have secure storage for your bikes.
Three apartments in the heart of the Upper Town, 5 minutes from the Quai de Londres and 15 minutes from the battlefield.
