Fort Vaux
Symbol of the heroism of the Hairy Verdun.
The construction of the fort began around 1881 and lasted until 1884. It was then constantly renovated and improved until the beginning of the Great War.
It has two casemates of Bourges armed with two guns of 75 mm and shelters a garrison of 290 men. From August 9th, 1915, the fort is disarmed, the garrison is reduced, the cannons of the casemates are removed and the fort suffers very little damage. But on February 21st, 1916 everything changes: the Germans attack.
To avoid the loss of the Fort de Vaux after Fort Douaumont, the staff sends a garrison of 279 men reinforcement.
The Germans want to take the fort and the bombings are violent, shells of 420 mm fall on the concrete shelters severely damaging a turret of 75. During 4 months, the German advance will be slow, at the cost of many lives.
On June 1st, 1916, the Germans launch an attack. Quickly, units defending the outside of the fort are decimated and forced to retreat. The agony of Fort Vaux begins.
Under the command of Commander Raynal, the garrison will oppose a fierce and heroic resistance. Attacked from all sides, it fights for every inch of corridor, for every meter of sheath where infiltrate the troops of German assaults. They attack flamethrowers, pomegranate, gas ... The fighting in hand-to-hand combat inside the fort is an incredible violence.
Without external support, lacking food, water and soon ammunition, the morning of June 7th, 1916, the fort succumbs. Thirst will have got the better of those brave fighters who surrender to the honors of the German soldiers.
On November 2nd, 1916, the French troops take back the fort to the Germans.
Periods and Opening Hours
Reopened on February 5th, 2024
- From February 5th to March 29th 2024 : 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- From March 30th to September 22nd 2024 : 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
- From September 23rd to January 4th 2025: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- 1 € per pupil
- 1 free guide for 10 paying pupils
- 3 € per additional accompanying person
Adult group rates
- 3 € per person
- Free for 20 paying people
- Guided tour package (on reservation): 50 € in French - 60 € in English or German
