Ouvrage de Thiaumont Verdun
Discover the scarred landscape of Ouvrage de Thiaumont, a former WWI battlefield site near Verdun, marked by brutal fighting and scattered ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ouvrage de Thiaumont Verdun
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the scarred landscape of Ouvrage de Thiaumont, a former WWI battlefield site near Verdun, marked by brutal fighting and scattered ruins.
"A stark reminder of the intense fighting, this site's shell craters and remnants are deeply impactful."
🚶 Stick to the Path!
Unexploded ordnance is a real danger. Never stray from marked trails.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be overgrown. Good walking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Remnants of Thiaumont
Near Ossuaire de Douaumont
Discover scattered concrete and steel fragments, a stark reminder of brutal WWI fighting. Shell holes dot the landscape.
The "Death Ravine"
Froideterre plateau
Experience the site of incredibly bloody fighting where the ground changed hands dozens of times in a single day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Battlefield
Accessibility & Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where exactly is the location of this area ? I would be honored to visit it someday.
🚶 Stick to the Path!
Unexploded ordnance is a real danger. Never stray from marked trails.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be overgrown. Good walking shoes are a must.
🗺️ Use the Info Board
An information board near the Douaumont Ossuary parking lot provides context.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Stick to the Path!
Unexploded ordnance is a real danger. Never stray from marked trails.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be overgrown. Good walking shoes are a must.
🗺️ Use the Info Board
An information board near the Douaumont Ossuary parking lot provides context.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ouvrage de Thiaumont to be a somber and impactful site, offering a stark reminder of the brutal fighting during the Battle of Verdun. While little remains of the fort itself, the scattered ruins and numerous shell craters powerfully convey the intensity of the conflict. It's a place that evokes deep reflection on the sacrifices made.
"The ruins of a small fort blocking access to the Froideterre plateau and the Souville ridge. The site of incredibly bloody and brutal fighting during the Battle of Verdun, it earned the nickname "Death Ravine." Between June and October 1916, it changed hands dozens of times, sometimes within a single day. Furthermore, it was constantly under fire. Today, barely visible piles of concrete and steel fragments remain scattered around. Shell holes are everywhere. The best approach is from the parking lot at the Ossuaire de Douaumont. There's an information board."
Robert Szumiec
"Virtually nothing remains of it, apart from a few mounds covered in vegetation. Traces of a small fort can be seen. It is surrounded by a few shell craters that have been partially filled over time. It is located near the ossuary; a small path will take us to the site. A must-see for those interested..."
David GOGNIES
"Wild boars dug here during the night; just beneath the turf lay a hand grenade, a rocket-propelled grenade, the remains of a French carbine, a pickaxe, and the remains of a boot. It's horrific what must have happened here. 80,000 soldiers from both sides still lie on the battlefield. Rest in peace...
We have notified those responsible so that the grenades can be cleared away."
Olly K.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Ouvrage de Thiaumont is by car. It's a short walk from the parking lot at the Ossuaire de Douaumont. Public transport options are limited in this area, so a car is highly recommended for exploring the Verdun battlefield sites.
While not a single structure, the site is generally located near the Ossuaire de Douaumont. Look for an information board that marks the area.
Many guided tours of the Verdun battlefield include stops at key sites like Thiaumont. This can be a convenient way to learn about the history and navigate the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ouvrage de Thiaumont is an open-air historical site and generally does not require an entrance fee. Access is free.
As an open-air site, there are no official opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, there is no admission fee to visit the remnants of Ouvrage de Thiaumont. It's part of the wider Verdun battlefield memorial.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find scattered remnants of a small fort, including mounds, concrete fragments, and numerous shell craters. It's a somber site that evokes the intense fighting of WWI.
A visit to Ouvrage de Thiaumont itself might only take 30-60 minutes, but it's often combined with visits to nearby sites like the Ossuaire de Douaumont, so plan accordingly.
While educational, the site's somber history and potentially uneven terrain might be more suited for older children who can grasp the historical context. Adult supervision is essential.
Ouvrage de Thiaumont was a crucial defensive position during the Battle of Verdun, known for its incredibly brutal and frequent changes of hands, earning it the nickname 'Death Ravine.'
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on capturing the vastness of the shell craters and the scattered remnants against the natural landscape. The contrast between nature's regrowth and the scars of war is powerful.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Ouvrage de Thiaumont. Be respectful of the historical significance of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Older Children
Pairing this visit with the Ossuaire de Douaumont can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the battle's human cost. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain is uneven. Discuss the history beforehand to prepare them for the somber nature of the site and foster a respectful atmosphere.
🤔 History Enthusiasts
To maximize your visit, consider researching the specific battles that took place at Thiaumont before you go. Many visitors find that combining this site with other key Verdun locations, such as the Fort de Douaumont and the Fleury-devant-Douaumont village, provides a more complete picture of the battle's scale and impact. Remember to heed the safety warnings about staying on marked trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brutality of Thiaumont
Today, visitors will find a landscape deeply scarred by artillery. Piles of concrete and steel fragments are scattered across the terrain, interspersed with numerous shell craters, some partially filled over time. The area was heavily reforested, which has helped to soften the visual impact but cannot erase the historical significance of the immense suffering that occurred here. It's a place that truly embodies the nickname "Death Ravine."
When visiting, it's crucial to remember that this is a former battlefield. The Reddit community strongly advises visitors to stay on marked paths due to the potential presence of unexploded ordnance. The natural beauty of the area now belies the horrific events that transpired, making it a powerful and somber place for reflection.
Navigating the Verdun Battlefield
Getting around the battlefield is best achieved by car, as public transport is limited. Consider renting a vehicle or joining a guided tour. Several excellent information boards are strategically placed throughout the area, providing historical context and maps. These boards are invaluable for understanding the significance of each location.
When exploring, always prioritize safety. The advice from Reddit users is clear: do not venture off marked trails. The landscape, while beautiful, still holds dangers from the past. Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit