Underground Citadel Verdun
Step back into WWI! Experience soldier life in Verdun's historic underground citadel via an immersive AR tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Underground Citadel Verdun
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into WWI! Experience soldier life in Verdun's historic underground citadel via an immersive AR tour.
"A sobering experience of WW1 sitting on an electric vehicle for 4, for 35 mins with 3D goggles."
🧥 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive AR Soldier Experience
Underground Citadel Tunnels
Ride an autonomous vehicle with AR goggles, reliving a WWI soldier's life in the tunnels.
WWI Soldier Quarters
Underground Citadel Tunnels
Explore recreated living quarters, kitchens, and dining rooms of WWI soldiers.
Historic Military Fortifications
Underground Citadel
Discover the impressive and dry tunnels of this late 1800s logistical base.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for the Citadel Experience
Dress for the Cold Underground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 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.
🎧 Audio Options Available
The audio guide is available in English, French, and German for a comprehensive experience.
📸 Photo Ops Outside
Photography is restricted during the AR tour, but there are opportunities as you exit.
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.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
The AR experience can fill up fast. Secure your spot by booking in advance.
🎧 Audio Options Available
The audio guide is available in English, French, and German for a comprehensive experience.
📸 Photo Ops Outside
Photography is restricted during the AR tour, but there are opportunities as you exit.
💡 Informative & Sobering
Prepare for an impactful journey into WWI history and soldier life.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the tours can fill up quickly.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
The immersive tour within the Underground Citadel typically lasts around 35 minutes.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
The entrance area of the Underground Citadel often features statues and a well-maintained building, offering good opportunities for exterior shots.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏛️ History Buffs & WWI Enthusiasts
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.
🚶 Solo Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive AR Experience
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.
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.
Historical Significance of the Citadel
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.
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.
Preparing for Your Visit
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.
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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit