Visiting Verdun on WW1 Battlefield Tours

As the centenary of World War I approaches, educators naturally begin planning student visits to some of the most important sites. Specialized World War I battlefield tours are ideal for providing a comprehensive view of history.

As one of the most discussed and analyzed wars, it is no wonder that World War I holds such a fascination among students. Initially dubbed “The European War”, this gigantic conflict eventually involved a large portion of the world powers and was one of the most devastating wars in human history: around nine million combatants were killed in the period of a few years. One of the best ways for young students to become familiar with the major battles of this epic war is to visit the sites to really understand what those who fought there may have experienced. As such, one of the most impressive places to take World War I battlefield tours is Verdun.

Verdun, the site

Located in northeastern France, this relatively small city is an inconspicuous site for one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the war. Founded by the Gauls, the city has been the seat of the bishop since the 4th century AD, but its history goes back much further. The town is pretty, set as it is, between hills and valleys with a river running through it. Without embarking on World War I battlefield tours, students would hardly have an idea that this city was the site of various conflicts over the centuries, including the Battle of Verdun in 1792 and again in 1819. When students visit Verdun, they should explore the last remains of the medieval walls, the Chatal Gate, which leads to La Roche square. They should pay special attention to the Citadel, which seems to watch over the city and also played a role in the great war.

a place of battle

In World War I, Verdun became a bloody place where the two main powers of the war fought from February 1916 to December 1916. Tours of the World War I battlefield in Verdun will take students to the locations where German and French forces waged a war of attrition in the area, leading to massive loss of life and equipment. As the young students walk through the now tranquil landscape, they can reflect on the fact that in the span of 11 months of fighting there were more than 710,000 casualties, on both sides. Consequently, with so much fighting concentrated in such a small area, the land itself was devastated as well. Interestingly, most of the soldiers who fought at Verdun never saw an enemy soldier, as the battle was often one of mortars and bombs being hurled at each other, with massive loss of life as a result.