Verdun Underground Citadel

Hewn from the rock beneath the upper citadel, Verdun's Underground Citadel had 7 km of tunnels where thousands of soldiers lived safe from the shelling, complete with a bakery, hospital and telephone exchange.

Getting there

On foot from the centre of Verdun (Avenue du 5e RAP); parking nearby.

History

It was here, in 1920, that the Unknown Soldier buried beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris was chosen.

Culture & stories

A ride in an automated pod brings the daily life of the poilus (French First World War soldiers) back to life.

Location