Verdun

With its strategic importance, Verdun’s place in history is based on suffering through war. It was one of the strongest fortresses in the first World War when more than a million French and German soldiers lost their lives. An incredible monument was erected at the Champs de Bataille at the Ossuaire de Douaumont, north of the town.

Verdun's history covers the Carolingian Dynasty of Charlemagne and archaeologists have found treasures from the Middle Ages. The 12^th Century Romanesque Cathedral has been restored including its 16^th Century cloisters and the famous ‘Lion Door’.

The citadel was used during the First World War as sleeping quarters and many of its 7 km of tunnels and galleries can be visited today.

The Museum de Princerie housed in a 16^th Century building which contains Roman and Gothic sculptures, old ceramics, pottery of the D’Argonne and souvenirs of the Middle Ages.

Verdun is also noted for its sweet factory where the famous ‘Dragées de Verdun’ are made. The honey coated almonds were given at marriages and baptisms, a practice still carried out the length and breadth of France.

For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of interest)