First World War sites and the Maginot Line in the Grand Est

💡 January: A quiet month: the Verdun Memorial and Fort Douaumont generally close until early February (from 5 January to 1 February in 2026). Open-air sites such as the Trench of Bayonets remain accessible, as does Fort Hackenberg, which offers winter tours on certain afternoons.

💡 February: The Verdun Memorial and Fort Douaumont reopen in early February (on 2 February in 2026). During the winter school holidays, Fort Hackenberg runs tours every day. Few visitors: ideal for a reflective visit.

💡 March: Fort Schoenenbourg resumes weekend tours in March (check the 2027 calendar). At Verdun, the days are still short: set off early to take in several sites.

💡 April: Spring makes the battlefield paths easier going. The Hartmannswillerkopf Historial reopens in spring (date to be confirmed); at Verdun, opening hours lengthen from April.

💡 May: On 1 and 8 May, the galleries of the Butte de Vauquois are usually open from 10:00 to 18:00. 8 May is also a day of ceremonies at many memorial sites.

💡 June: The month of the June 1916 fighting around Fort Vaux and the Trench of Bayonets: a good time to explore the battlefield on foot, before the summer crowds.

💡 July: High season: extended opening hours everywhere. Fort Vaux reopened in July 2026 after works. At the Hartmannswillerkopf, set off early to enjoy the cool of the morning on the trails.

💡 August: The coolness of the galleries is welcome in August: Fort Schoenenbourg, Fort Hackenberg and the Verdun Underground Citadel. Schoenenbourg is generally open every day in July and August.

💡 September: European Heritage Days on the third weekend: special tours, sometimes after dark, at several Maginot forts and memorial sites. Book early.

💡 October: Autumn colours on the Vieil Armand: the last comfortable weekends for exploring the battlefield. The Hartmannswillerkopf holds a Day of Remembrance on 31 October 2026.

💡 November: The month of Armistice Day (11 November), with ceremonies at many sites. The Hartmannswillerkopf Historial closes after 13 November and the Maginot forts switch to reduced winter hours.

💡 December: At Verdun, the Memorial and Fort Douaumont stay open until 31 December, except around Christmas (24 and 25 December, depending on the year). The Underground Citadel is open from 1 to 23 and from 26 to 30 December in 2026.