On the trail of the Great War

The Meuse has a rich heritage inherited from the First World War. Visit historic sites and immerse yourself in the daily life of a Poilu soldier, before taking a break in the town of Verdun.

Your cycling tour along the Meuse continues from Saint-Mihiel. At Dugny-sur-Meuse, a few kilometres south of Verdun, discover the Falouse fort, a small fort built between 1906 and 1908 and restored in 2010. Visit the trenches, dug in 1916 and now restored, as well as the garrison base, and learn about the daily life of soldiers behind the front. The route takes in a number of busy secondary roads. A cycle path has been laid between Tilly-sur-Meuse and Dugny-sur-Meuse, making this part of the route safer and easier. After Dugny-sur-Meuse and Belleray, follow the voie verte to Verdun. Be careful, if you want to reach the battlefield, the climb is quite steep.

Once in Verdun, take a break and immerse yourself in the daily life of a Poilu during the Great War: the memory will remain engraved in your mind. In the underground citadel, wearing an augmented reality headset, immerse yourself in history and witness several key episodes in the history of the First World War. You'll walk through the citadel's underground passages, which still seem to vibrate with presence and history, in the shoes of a soldier accompanied by three other Poilus. As you leave this unique immersive experience, let yourself be carried away by the gentle, peaceful atmosphere of the town. Stroll along the Quai de Londres, where the terraces open out onto the river.

If you want to continue your historical journey, head 10km from Verdun town centre: its famous battlefield is revealed in the surrounding countryside. The Douaumont ossuary and necropolis and the Verdun memorial are major sites for a more in-depth visit.