Verdun and WWI Tour from Paris
WWI History in the Champagne region of France
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Exclusive Full-Day Tour: Verdun’s WWI Landmarks and Historic Battlegrounds
It’s not widely understood how close the main battlefields of World War I were to Paris, and even more surprising to many that a large part of the war was fought in and around Champagne. Explore the significant WWI sites in Verdun and its surrounding region with a private guide. This full-day tour immerses you in the history and sacrifice of this key battle of the Great War, taking you to important battlefields, memorials, and historical landmarks.
Verdun and WWI Tour from Paris
Price: $1,835 for two people. Add $185 per person up to 6 (for larger groups please contact us).
Departure Time: Before 8:00 a.m. from Paris. 9:00 a.m. for locals in Reims
Duration: 13 hours
Meeting Point: Reims Tourist kiosk outside the Reims TGV station or at your hotel in the Reims area.
Group Size: 2 people minimum.
Availability: Tour runs every day of the week. Available from March through November. Off season available by request.
Tour includes
- Private, English-speaking driver-guide.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned minivan transportation.
- Round trip 1st class train tickets to Reims from Paris.
- Entrance fees to Fort de Douaumont.
- Pick-up/drop-off from the Reims region (within a 20 km radius).
- Alternate itinerary focusing on American sites only is available by request.
Not included
- Lunch is not included, but recommendations will be provided.
- Gratuity for the guide (not mandatory)
Private WWI Tour Itinerary
Your journey begins with a visit to La Ferme de Navarin Ossuary, a solemn memorial erected in 1932, which honors the 150,000 unknown French, German and British soldiers who gave their lives over the ten months of the engagement. At one point, 75% of the French Army was engaged in the battle of Verdun. As well, British allied forces were sent in support. On day one of the Allied first full counter-attack in July (after the battle had slogged on since February) the British alone lost 20,000 men and endured 60,000 casualties. Ultimately, nine villages in the area were destroyed, never to be inhabited again. This powerful monument serves as a poignant start to your exploration of the Verdun region.
Next, you’ll explore the hillock of Vauquois, a sad testament to sacrifice. This newly created site, filled with tunnels and galleries, vividly illustrates the misery of trench warfare and the compelling stories of the soldiers who fought there. You will directly experience an exactingly re-built trench, in all its gloom and tension.
As the tour continues, you’ll be back aboveground and will drive through the historic city of Verdun. Take in the sights and atmosphere of this city that has come to symbolize endurance and remembrance.
Time for lunch is set aside. We will make recommendations based on your tastes.
After lunch, your next stop is the Pennsylvania American War Memorial, where you’ll learn about the contributions of American forces during WWI. Adjacent to the memorial is the renowned American Cemetery, a beautifully maintained resting place honoring those who served.
Finally, your day concludes with a visit to the iconic Fort de Douaumont, a massive fortress that was the entire reason for the Battle of Verdun. The Germans had concluded that this vital link to Axis communication lines must be secured. Its loss would surely destroy French morale. Almost by chance, French airmen noted the buildup of German forces 20 miles or so from the fort. The German upper brass had a plan: to draw the French units toward them, to be massacred in waves in open, undefended land by German artillery. Hasty defenses were amassed on the French side.
Ultimately the battle was fought from February 21, 1916 to December 18, 1916, when the Germans finally withdrew. With a divided army (the Germans were forced to open a second, eastern front thanks to Russian advances toward Germany), the Axis powers eventually, and perhaps thankfully, ran out of troops. Deaths on both sides amounted to 300,000, with 750,000 casualties. The horrific battle was a proving ground for new means of war such as machine guns, mustard and chlorine gas (ultimately banned) and showed the terrible waste of life and treasure in a war of attrition. War colleges study World War I still, as an object lesson that grim, foot by foot fighting over a no man’s land ringed by enemy trenches was too costly, even if one side inevitably wins. You will walk through its imposing halls and learn about its strategic importance and the bravery of those who defended it.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Due to the small group aspect of all of our tours, our cancellation policy is as follows. More than 7 days before tour date – 100% refundable; from 7 to 3 days before tour date – 50% refundable; less than 3 days – non-refundable. If cancelling please contact us as soon as possible to insure we can credit you properly.
More Information
Occasionally, last minute or high season rail prices will be higher than the prices listed above. We will always contact you before booking if this is the case. If you are not booking your rail through LinkParis.com, please do not book your train tickets until the correct rail times are confirmed by us. Rail tickets are emailed as a .pdf document for home printing or downloading into your phone/mobile device.
Link Paris Reviews – What Others Say About Our Tours
| History in The Champagne Region – World War I history is among the most fascinating of the 20th century and is often overlooked in favor of, for obvious reasons, World War II. Most of WWI was fought in the Champagne region. The blend of culture and history there leads to a stunning visit. John |