A Guide to the Best Things to do in Verdun
Last Updated on 24th January 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.
Verdun is situated at the midway point between Metz and Reims, meaning that it’s a great stopping point for those wishing to learn more about the history of the Lorraine region. The historic city is also not far from Luxembourg, Germany, and Belgium. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Verdun, as well as things to know before you go!
Contents
What is Verdun known for?
Verdun can be found in the region of Meuse (historically in the region of Lorraine) and is perhaps most famous for its sweet factory producing dragées, a kind of sugared almond sweet.
The French town is also known for being close to where the Battle of Verdun took place, one of the longest, most tragic, and bloodiest battles of WWII, with one of the highest number of casualties. Today, the region is home to lots of museums which teach future generations about WWI, as well as many memorials and cemeteries.
Best things to do in Verdun
Learn about WWI history
One of the most important things to know prior to visiting North Eastern France is that this region is steeped in WWI history. One of the nearest forts to Verdun is Fort Vaux.
Located in Vaux-Devant-Damloup in the Meuse, the fort was first constructed between 1881-1884. During WWI, the fort was occupied by both German and French troops, both sides battling it out to gain control of this strategic point of the battlefield.
Visit the Verdun Memorial Museum
The Verdun memorial museum is located around 10 km from the centre of Verdun town and is around a twenty-minute drive away from door to door. The very modern looking museum of Verdun is interactive and an important learning opportunity for young and old alike.
From the very moment you enter into its dark depths, you are plunged into the heart of the beginnings of WWI. From there, the museum is set over various levels, each detailing numerous aspects of the war.
The museum is incredibly moving, and by the time you reach the top, you can see views over much of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Monument and Ossuary of Douaumont. Visitors should dedicate at least a few hours to learning all that this museum has to teach.
Aquadrome Verdun Swimming Pool
The impressive architecture of the building that houses the Aquadrome Swimming pool is equally as impressive as the size of the pool itself and was constructed in 2008. Head here to swim in a heated and indoor pool in the heart of the city.
Monument de la Victoire
You can’t talk about Verdun and not mention the First World War. After all, one of the most tragic and violent battles of WWI, that of Verdun, was fought in and around the city of Verdun. The monument de la Victoire commemorates and is a memorial to Verdun soldiers.
Dragées Braquier Factory
The sweet factory of Braquier makes the sweet treat that put Verdun on the French foodie cultural map. The factory itself is a short drive out of town and can be visited for free. Find more details here.
The Dragée is typically an almond coated in a hard candy shell and it was invented in an apothecary in Verdun at some point in the middle ages. Today, the sweet is often gifted at weddings, christenings, and communions.
Châtel Gate
The ancient gate of Château lies on the fringes of the Meuse, just across from the hotel of Les Jardins du Mess (which is one of the most beautiful places to stay in town). This 13th-century gate is the only remaining piece of a set of medieval walls which once surrounded the city. The Gate leads onto La Roche Square.
Verdun train station
Designed by young designer Gustave Eiffel (you know, that guy who bought the rights to the Eiffel Tower?), the station was built in 1868. Though not much to see in the way of architecture, it’s interesting to see a little bit of history from this famous architect and designer.
Verdun Cathedral
A Roman Catholic building which is the most ecclesiastical building in the city, Verdun Cathedral dates all the way back to the 4th-century when Sainctinus founded the church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul in the spot where the modern cathedral now stands. As such, the site is one of the oldest churches in Europe.
The current church was constructed between the 10th and 18th-centuries and has been a listed historic monument in France since the beginning of the 20th-century. Particular highlights of Verdun cathedral include architecture from the Rhenish Romanesque to Baroque.
Sample local cuisine
What many people don’t realise about the historical region of Lorraine is that the area is a foodie place. From the sweet to the savoury, there’s a selection of the very best of must try foods in Lorraine.
In terms of sweet treats, some of the top dishes to have originated in the area are the baba au rhum (a pastry topped with cream and rum) and the madeleine a small traditional cake from Commercy, a tiny town in the North of Lorraine.
Some of the top recommended restaurants in Verdun include L’étal restaurant (7 Av. Garibaldi), a restaurant and grill which specialises in dishes that incorporate locally produced ingredients and Chez Mamie (52 Av. de la 42ÈME Division), a French restaurant with reasonable prices and a cosy ambiance.
Things to know before visiting Verdun
At just around 18,000 residents, Verdun is pretty small and many of the French town’s main attractions can easily be explored on foot. Just be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes as there are several cobbled lanes. You should also pack a good rain jacket as Eastern France is known for being pretty rainy throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions about Verdun
What is the population of Verdun?
As of 2015, the population of Verdun is 18,139.
What are the best free things to do in Verdun?
Those visiting Verdun on a budget will be pleased to know that there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer. Some of the best free things to do in Verdun include enjoying a demonstration at the Dragées Braquier factory, visiting Verdun cathedral, and wandering around the historic streets of the old town.
Is Verdun safe to visit?
Verdun is generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe With this being said, visitors should be wary of pickpockets (which are present all over Europe). Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.
Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Verdun? Pin this article now, read it again later:
