Discover the secrets of the Dormans Memorial 1914-1918

Come and discover the secrets of the Dormans Memorial, an emblematic monument in the Marne Valley, dedicated to the soldiers who fought for France in the Great War and the 2 Battles of the Marne.

Built between 1921 and 1931 on a 25-hectare wooded site chosen by Maréchal Foch, this imposing monument of Gothic and Romanesque inspiration welcomes over 19,000 visitors every year.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Great War, and discover the architectural and historical heritage of the Marne’s most visited memorial site. Start your visit in the crypt, where the names of the soldiers who died for France are engraved in bloody letters in stone from quarries in the Meuse and Nord regions of France.

Then enter the ossuary, where 130 coffins contain the remains of 1,500 soldiers, most of them unknown, and pass through the cloister, a covered gallery where the effigies of Marshals Joffre and Foch – victors of the battles of the Marne – are engraved on the walls.

Finally, end your visit in the upper chapel, whose monumental stained-glass windows glorify victory.

At the end of your visit, you’ll be free to explore 2 exhibition rooms, as well as climbing the stairs leading up to the tower (105 steps) for a splendid panoramic view of the Marne Valley and its vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s worth noting that it’s possible to complete the visit with a wine-tourism experience on site or at the estate!