Underground Citadel of Verdun - Image 1
1 / 10

Underground Citadel Verdun

4.1
·6k reviews·Verdun, France

Step back into WWI! Experience soldier life in Verdun's historic underground citadel via an immersive AR tour.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better experience

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Underground Citadel of Verdun - Image 1

Underground Citadel Verdun

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back into WWI! Experience soldier life in Verdun's historic underground citadel via an immersive AR tour.

4.1
(6k reviews)

"A sobering experience of WW1 sitting on an electric vehicle for 4, for 35 mins with 3D goggles."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Bring a Jacket!

It's consistently cold in the tunnels. A sweater or fleece is a must for comfort.

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

The AR experience can fill up fast. Secure your spot by booking in advance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Immersive AR Soldier Experience

Immersive AR Soldier Experience

Underground Citadel Tunnels

Ride an autonomous vehicle with AR goggles, reliving a WWI soldier's life in the tunnels.

Reddit
WWI Soldier Quarters

WWI Soldier Quarters

Underground Citadel Tunnels

Explore recreated living quarters, kitchens, and dining rooms of WWI soldiers.

Reddit
Historic Military Fortifications

Historic Military Fortifications

Underground Citadel

Discover the impressive and dry tunnels of this late 1800s logistical base.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for the Citadel Experience

Tickets for the Underground Citadel's immersive AR tour can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Dress for the Cold Underground

The tunnels of the Underground Citadel maintain a consistently cool temperature year-round. Bringing a jacket or fleece is essential for comfort during your visit, even on a warm day outside. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #viral #foryou #trending #milsim #ww1 #verdun
@chirpertv
34.1K likes • 614.9K views

🧥 Bring a Jacket!

It's consistently cold in the tunnels. A sweater or fleece is a must for comfort. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

The AR experience can fill up fast. Secure your spot by booking in advance. Reddit

Acontecimentos Bizarros nas Gu3rr4s 💀 Fantasmas do cemitério de Verdun (WW1) Na 1 Gu3rr4 Mundial, na França, soldados relataram ver figuras espectrais no cemitério próximo à Batalha de Verdun, alimentando crenças de que almas dos mortos ainda vagavam pelo campo de batalha. Anjos de Mons (WW1) Em 1914, durante a Batalha de Mons, soldados britânicos afirmaram ver figuras angelicais nos céus, interpr...
@penseicomigo
13.9K likes • 223.9K views
🦅 Sie starben für die Heimat 🦅 @Angel♥️ #adventure #History #germany #ww2 #weltkrieg #lost #lostplace #lostplaces #urbex #urbexgermany #urbexworld #urbanexplorer #bergwerk #rottenplaces #abandonedplaces #abandoned #abandonedworld #war #mine #ww #bunker #shelter #stollen #ww1 #grube #maginot #verdun #worldwar #krieg #soldier
@beelitz_1898
9.5K likes • 82.4K views

🎧 Audio Options Available

The audio guide is available in English, French, and German for a comprehensive experience. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Outside

Photography is restricted during the AR tour, but there are opportunities as you exit. Reddit

Revisiting Verdun #verdun #ww1 #life #wasted #fyp #war
@trxpin._.wrld
6.5K likes • 47.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Bring a Jacket!

It's consistently cold in the tunnels. A sweater or fleece is a must for comfort. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

The AR experience can fill up fast. Secure your spot by booking in advance. Reddit

🎧 Audio Options Available

The audio guide is available in English, French, and German for a comprehensive experience. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Outside

Photography is restricted during the AR tour, but there are opportunities as you exit. Reddit

💡 Informative & Sobering

Prepare for an impactful journey into WWI history and soldier life. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Underground Citadel's innovative AR tour for its immersive and informative portrayal of WWI soldier life within the historic tunnels. The experience is described as a unique and impactful way to connect with history, though some found the AR goggles challenging. The consistent cool temperature underground necessitates bringing warm clothing.

"This is an augmented reality experience. You will be on a small cart with AR glasses and follow french soldiers through their short stay at the citadel. You get to visit the living quarters, the kitchens, dining room, etc... Very informative! It does get cold, so I could recommend having a small sweater for comfort. Try to buy tickets in advance because it can get full pretty quickly."

Elliot Denis

"Take a jacket. It's very cold in the tunnels. A sobering experience of WW1 sitting on an electric vehicle for 4, for 35 mins with 3D goggles. I had difficulty with my goggles but otherwise this and the musemm over the road made for a great insight of history. Audio was in English French German."

Joanne Johnson

"You are greeted with a fantastic entrance, statues and a very clean entrance building, inside you are going to emerse yourself back into WW1, seated on an autonomous vehicle with a hologram headset on. You will be guided through the tunnels while enjoying the history the city of verdun hold during WW1"

Ryan Bevan

What People Like

Innovative AR experience
Immersive historical portrayal
Informative soldier life simulation

What People Dislike

AR goggles can be tricky
Cold temperature requires layers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Underground Citadel is located in Verdun, France. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi from Verdun's town center is advisable. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available near the entrance of the Underground Citadel. It's recommended to check for specific parking regulations or fees upon arrival. Reddit

Depending on your starting point in Verdun, walking to the Citadel might be feasible, but it could be a significant distance. It's best to check a map for estimated walking times. Reddit

While the Underground Citadel offers its own immersive tour, many visitors also explore the wider Verdun battlefield. Local tour operators and museums often provide guided tours of the surrounding forts and memorials. Reddit

For exploring the Verdun area, having a car offers the most flexibility to visit various forts, memorials, and cemeteries. However, organized tours are also a great option if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing for the immersive AR experience. Booking in advance is advised. Reddit

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the tours can fill up quickly. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official website of the Underground Citadel of Verdun for the most accurate and current operating times. Reddit

While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day, it's not guaranteed, and you risk missing out if the tour is fully booked. Advance booking is strongly advised. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official website. It's worth checking for any available concessions when booking. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The experience involves riding an autonomous vehicle through the historic tunnels while wearing AR goggles. This immersive tour simulates the life of a French soldier during WWI, showcasing living quarters, kitchens, and more. TikTokReddit

The tour is generally suitable for older children who can sit through the experience and understand the historical context. However, the AR aspect and historical themes might be more engaging for teenagers and adults. Reddit

The immersive tour within the Underground Citadel typically lasts around 35 minutes. Reddit

Photography is generally not permitted during the AR tour on the vehicle for safety and to maintain the immersive experience. However, there are usually photo opportunities available as you exit the tour. Reddit

The tour involves sitting in a cart, which should be manageable for most. However, the tunnels themselves are historic, so it's advisable to contact the venue directly to confirm specific accessibility details. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is restricted during the main AR tour on the vehicle. However, you'll find designated areas for photos as you exit the tour, allowing you to capture the impressive entrance and surrounding historical elements. Reddit

The entrance area of the Underground Citadel often features statues and a well-maintained building, offering good opportunities for exterior shots. Reddit

While you can't use your phone camera during the AR tour itself, you can typically use it in the areas outside the tour for exterior shots. Reddit

Expect to capture images of the imposing entrance, historical displays, and potentially the surrounding landscape. The focus is more on the historical context than on candid shots within the tour. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and military installations. It's best to assume it's not allowed and check with the venue if you have specific questions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Underground Citadel offers a unique and engaging way for families to learn about WWI history. The AR experience, with its moving vehicle and visual overlays, can be particularly captivating for older children and teenagers who might find traditional museums less stimulating. Reddit

It's advisable to consider the age and maturity of your children, as the historical context of war can be intense. Ensure they are comfortable with the idea of wearing AR goggles for the duration of the 35-minute tour. Remember to bring layers of clothing for everyone, as the underground temperature is consistently cool. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & WWI Enthusiasts

For those deeply interested in World War I, the Underground Citadel provides an invaluable perspective on the logistical and defensive strategies employed during the Battle of Verdun. The AR tour offers a visceral understanding of soldier life within these historic fortifications. TikTok+1

Complement your visit by exploring other WWI sites in the Verdun area, such as the Verdun Memorial Museum and the ossuary. The Citadel's preserved tunnels and recreated environments offer a tangible connection to the past that resonates with the broader historical narrative of the region. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers

The Underground Citadel is an excellent destination for solo travelers seeking an immersive historical experience. The guided AR tour ensures you're part of a group, making it easy to navigate and learn without needing companions. Reddit

It's a great opportunity for personal reflection on the events of WWI. Remember to book your ticket in advance and wear warm clothing to maximize your comfort and enjoyment of this unique historical site. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Immersive AR Experience

The highlight of the Underground Citadel is its unique augmented reality (AR) tour. Visitors are seated on an autonomous vehicle and equipped with AR goggles. This technology overlays historical scenes and figures onto the actual tunnels, allowing you to witness the daily life of French soldiers during World War I. TikTokReddit

The tour guides you through recreated sections of the citadel, including living quarters, kitchens, and dining areas, offering a vivid and educational glimpse into the past. The audio-visual experience is designed to be informative and emotionally resonant, providing a powerful connection to the history of Verdun. Reddit

While photography is restricted during the AR portion to maintain immersion, the experience itself is highly visual and memorable. The AR technology aims to bring history to life in a way that traditional exhibits cannot, making it a standout attraction for understanding the WWI context of Verdun. Reddit

Historical Significance of the Citadel

The Underground Citadel of Verdun was originally constructed in the late 1800s as a logistical base and protected military post. Its strategic location and robust design made it a crucial stronghold, particularly during the devastating Battle of Verdun in World War I. TikTok+1

During WWI, the citadel served as a vital underground shelter and command center, offering refuge and operational capabilities amidst the brutal trench warfare. It was designed to withstand heavy bombardment, a testament to the engineering of the era. The sheer scale of the fortifications underscores the importance of Verdun as a strategic objective. TikTok

Today, the citadel stands as a preserved monument to this critical period in history. By visiting, you gain a tangible connection to the past, understanding the immense efforts and sacrifices made by soldiers who utilized these very tunnels. It's a stark reminder of the realities of warfare and the resilience of those who endured it. TikTok+1

Preparing for Your Visit

A key piece of advice from visitors is to dress warmly, as the underground environment maintains a cool temperature year-round. Bringing a jacket or fleece is essential for comfort during the 35-minute tour. Reddit

Booking tickets in advance is also highly recommended. The immersive AR experience is popular, and tours can sell out, especially during peak seasons. Securing your tickets online will ensure you don't miss out on this unique historical journey. Reddit

Finally, be prepared for a sobering yet informative experience. The tour aims to provide a realistic portrayal of WWI soldier life, so approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn about this significant historical event. Reddit

You may also like