Follow in the footsteps of Heroes
on an In The Footsteps®
Battle of Verdun Tour
Join one of our expert guides on a tour to the battlefields of the Battle of Verdun, follow the
battle and see how it developed.
Follow in the footsteps of the French Forces as they battle to hold back the German Army onslaught
at Verdun in February 1916. Begin with exploring the frontline defences as Lieutenant Colonel
Émile Driant's 56th and 59th Chasseurs Chasseurs à Pied Battalions strive to hold the
advancing German infantrymen as they roll forwards. Then explore the network of defensive forts
including Fort Douamont, the impregnible Fortress. Pay your respects at the many memorials, the
Douamont Ossuary and French Cemetery.
On 21st February 1916 the German Army launched a massive attack on French forces in the Verdun
sector. During the German assault Colonel Émile Driant's Chasseurs held the line valiantly
for two-days buying time for their countrymen further back towards Verdun. They bought time for the
Frenchmen in the Verdun Forts to prepare an effective defence, but at what a price.
Our 3-day / 2-night Flexi Tour
Day 1
Our tour starts when we collect you from your agreed pick-up point in the Verdun area at 09:00 hrs.
Lunch will be local purchase, is not included and will be eaten at a convenient location during the
day.
The first stop of our tour is the Bois des Caures in which Lieutenant Colonel Émile
Driant's 2,200 French Chasseurs à Pied faced the onslaught by elements of the German 81st
and 87th Infantrie Regiments on 21st February 1916. Here we spend time walking the battlefield and
visiting: The German Frontline; The French Frontline; Lieutenant Colonel Driant's Command Post;
The French Memorial; and Lieutenant Colonel Driant's original grave.
Our second stop of the day is the Flabis Reprisals Camp and nearby Flabis Reprisals Memorial where
we discuss the brutal regime under which 500 French prisoners of war were kept in a barbed wire
fenced compound that was just 50 metres long by 30 metres wide, just 1500 square metres.
Our third stop of the day is Douaumont, Village Detruit, one of the nine "lost villages" of
Verdun.
We then visit Fort Douaumont, which is located on the highest piece of ground in the area at just
over 1,200 feet above sea level. With its commanding views over the surrounding countryside, Fort
Douaumont was considered to be impregnable and the strongest fort in Europe. Here we take time to
explore following the fort's excellent audio guide and and discussing what occurred at each
location.
This brings to an end the first day of our tour and we head to book into our tour hotel.
Day 2
We begin the second day of our tour when we depart from our tour hotel reception at 09:00 hrs. Lunch
will be local purchase, is not included and will be eaten at a convenient location during the
day.
Our first stop of day-two is Fort Vaux, which was the second fort to fall in the Battle of Verdun.
Here we take time to explore the fort and discuss its defence that was marked by the heroism and
endurance of many, including Major Sylvain-Eugene Raynal the fort's commander.
We then move to the excellent Memorial de Verdun Champ de Bataille where you are given time to
wander around its displays and excellent exhibits.
Our third stop of the day is the Bayonet Trench where Colonel Collet's 137th French Infantry
Regiment had been overwhelmed whilst preparing for an attack.
This is followed by a visit to the Douaumont Ossuary and French Cemetery to pay our respects to the
fallen.
This brings to an end the second day of our tour and we return to our tour hotel.
Day 3
We depart to begin the third and final day of our tour after checking out from our tour hotel. We
depart from the hotel's reception at 09:00 hrs. Lunch will be local purchase, is not included
and will be eaten at a convenient location during the day.
We begin the day at Mort Homme (Dead Man's Hill) where a huge monument of a huge skeleton draped
in a flag stands upon the summit to commemorate the men of the 40th and 69th French Divisions who
bore the brunt of so much of the fighting in the vicinity. Here we explore the surrounding forest,
with its trenches and bunker remains, while we discuss the events that unfolded as the Battle of
Verdun intensified.
We then head into the city itself where we visit the Citadelle de Verdun that was a sophisticated
logistic basis, a dreaded point of departure and a place of comfort very much appreciated by the
French soldiers during the battle.
Our next stop is the Voie Sacrée (Sacred Way) Memorial where we discuss this vital lifeline,
that connected Bar-le-Duc to Verdun, and enabled the French to resupply and reinforce the fortress
city and its defences.
Our final stop of the tour is the Marie de Souilly which was the French Army Headquarters of
Generals Philippe Pétain and Robert Nivelle during the Battle of Verdun in 1916.
Your tour concludes when we drop you off at your agreed drop-off point in the Verdun area at
approximately 17:00 hrs.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. Any changes will be
advised closer to the time of departure.
The cost of your tour
The typical cost for a 3-days / 2-nights French at Verdun Flexi Tour is £680.00 GBP * per
person.
This price per person are based upon:
- Two people sharing a twin/double room.
- A minimum of 4 people touring. If less than 4 people travelling we will produce a specific proposal for your consideration.
- Travel in a dedicate tour vehicle driven by our expert Battlefield Historian / Guide.
A supplement of £100.00 GBP * applies where single occupancy is required.
A deposit of 30% or £200.00 GBP per person, whichever is the greater, is payable on
booking.
A supplement may apply for anniversary dates to cover any increase in the associated costs.
Booking indicates your acceptance of our Tour Terms and Conditions.
* The costs may vary from those shown above due to the availability and selection of hotels and
other associated costs, and variations in the exchange rate.
What your tour includes
- In-tour land travel only.
- 3-days escorted tour of the battlefields with one of our expert Battlefield Guides.
- Comprehensive touring of all the major battlefield sites, including many of the less frequently visited out-of-the-way sites.
- All museum admission fees.
- 2-nights accommodation at one of our 3-star partner hotels.
- The opportunity to visit specific cemeteries and graves within tour area (as agreed prior to your tour).
- The opportunity to discuss your battlefield travel plans with our expert team.
What your tour does not include
- Meals.
- Drinks.
- Personal expenses.
Customising your Flexi-date tour
All of our Flexi-date tours are fully customisable to allow you to see the sites that are most important to you. Where changes to the standard itinerary are made there may be an additional charge to cover the associated additional costs.
Financial Protection
Your money is safe. We are members ot the TTA and all monies paid to us are held in a trust account and cannot be drawn down by us until the tour is over.
Why travel with In The Footsteps?
- We have over 16 years experience in designing and operating Private Battlefield Tours, Battlefield Studies and Staff Rides.
- Our team of battlefield historians and guides are selected for their experience, depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to tell the story in an entertaining and engaging way. The majority are accredited members of the prestigious Guild of Battlefield Guides. This means they endeavour to maintain high levels of good practice commensurate with the Guild's ethos.
- We operate a full booking, planning and design service.
- Office is open 24-hours a day whilst the tour is operating.
- Combined Employers and Public Liability Insurance (a copy can be supplied upon request).
Enquire About Your Battle of Verdun Tour Today
If you are interested in this tour please contact us on enquiries@inthefootsteps.com or click on the button below which will take you to our Enquiry Form. Either way, please tell us which tour you are interested in, when you would like to go and how many people there are in your party. You will receive a reply within 24 hours.
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Page last updated: 25 October 2020.