The cloister where 130,000 unknown soldiers of Verdun rest
A long pale stone building shaped like a sword planted in the ground stretches out facing rows of white crosses. Behind its walls, the cloister of the Douaumont Ossuary preserves the remains of 130,000 unknown soldiers, French and German alike, who fell during the Battle of Verdun.
In front of the monument lies the Nécropole nationale de Douaumont, where over 16,000 identified French soldiers are laid to rest.
Why visit the ossuary
The monument was born from a religious initiative: it was Mgr Ginisty, the Bishop of Verdun, who drove the project forward. The foundation stone was laid on August 20, 1920, by Marshal Pétain, honorary president of the Ossuary committee. The building was inaugurated on August 7, 1932, by the President of the Republic.
The site was also the setting for a historic political gesture: the handshake between François Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl on September 22, 1984, which became one of the enduring symbols of Franco-German reconciliation.
The cloister and its 22 alcoves
Measuring 137 metres long, the cloister forms the central section of the building. Visitors walk through it flanked on both sides by 22 alcoves, each representing one of the 46 combat sectors of the Battle of Verdun. Every alcove houses a tomb.
Outside, behind the rear of the alcoves, glass panels reveal the bones of the unknown soldiers, visible directly from the ground level.
The tower, known as the Lantern of the Dead
Gifted by Americans, the tower was among the first parts constructed alongside the chapel. Standing 46 metres tall, it is nicknamed the Lanterne des morts. You can climb a staircase to explore a small museum and, at the very top, take in a sweeping view of the former battlefield.
Friendly tip: the final climb up the tower generally takes place one hour before the monument closes, and the site closes entirely for about a month every January for annual maintenance. It is best to check seasonal hours before planning your visit.
Opening hours
April to June and September: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
July and August: daily until 6:30 PM.
October: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
November to March: reduced hours with a lunch break.
Annual closure in January.
Closed on December 24 and 25.
How long for this activity
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through the cloister, view the alcoves, and climb to the top of the tower.
The Douaumont Ossuary is one of the must-see spots in the region. The visit is interesting and quite impressive. I would not necessarily recommend it for very young children, as the visible bones can be a bit surprising. A place for reflection.