Its poor.We needed to book tickets for this 'ride' and return later in the day. We should have saved our money and time and done something.... anything else instead.Sorry Citadelle Souterraine.
The citadelle in verdun was definitely worth a visit especially in the centenary year of the first world war. There has obviously been a lot of work gone in to the exhibition where you are taken, by little car, through the story of those who went through those years in the fort. I did feel that the story was told in a rather sanitized way and did not do justice to the horrors of that time. The tour was available in English and other languages through headphones although the sound was very difficult to hear through the poor design and the volume of the French narration over the loud speakers. Considering the importance of the attraction and the amount of visitors the toilets were woefully inadequate with only two cubicles in a fairly rough state.I would still recommend this attraction as somewhere everyone should visit but it could still do better
A fair interpretation of Verduns WWI History, however at times a little simplified without a chance to really explore and reflect in depth. The whole trip is in a moving cart which you have no control over, which means you go at the pace of the cart rather than your own pace. Some very moving aspects, particularly the piece about the Tomb of the Unknown soldier.
This place truly is historic, serving as command center during battle of Verdun. But for itself it isn't that interesting, mostly large empty halls.... So they decided to make a ride out of it. Holograms are cool even if they're not that impressive, english narration is hard to understand and the story it's trying to sell is over dramatic but dull. It doesn't really tell you anything about real life and problems, or any facts. In other words, you get absolutely nothing from it.If you want to see something impressive and learn something in the process go to Fort Douamont and Memorial of Verdun. Avoid this at all costs... btw, it's REALLY cold in there.
Certainly brilliant if you have children, though a great place to visit even if you don't. The ride-through brings to life as many aspects of WWI life as is possible. While it only takes about 30 minutes, it gives a feel for what the soldiers at the time must have experienced (without the terrible smells). Very sobering and the last walk-through area allows a small viewing of what the underground tunnels were really like. Would recommend
From outside Citadel is huge.Pay at office & board automated train inside complex past mannequins & voice over by guide.Unique must see experience.For all agesshows WW1 life.
One of the most fascinating tours we've taken! Call by phone to get reservations in advance! Each tour only accommodates 9 people on a small, remotely operated tram car (like a Disneyland ride, but somber!) Also be sure to ask for a headset with translation, as the entire tour is in French. Unfortunately, the young woman who checked us in did not mention this or ask if we would like a headset, so we could only get the gist of what was being explained during the tour. Never-the-less, just going way back into the tunnels and seeing how people lived underground, both military and townspeople, was incredible. Warning: it stays a consistent 50-55'F and a bit damp inside, so by the end of the tour we were quite chilly, as were dressed for the 85-90'F outside. Would go back to show this amazing place and its history to family!
La Citadelle, I am still "dreaming" about my visit, it is an absolute must to go and take the tour, you will see how the "poilus" were dealing, living, you just came out a different person
Eight Euros for a thirty minute "amusement" ride. The automatic vehicle even shook when there was the sound of artillery which reminded me of being at Disneyland. Tacky and disrespectful. Don't waste your money. The contrast with the Battlefield sites could not have been more stark. Just go there and leave this site off of your list of places to visit.
When we visited the Citadelle it wasn't very busy and I had seen some poor reviews but I thought this was quite good, you are taken around in an automatic car and subjected to some dramatised scenes projected onto screens and translated into your language through headphones. It is a different experience to the other forts etc in the near vicinity but we found it quite enjoyable.It is nice and cool inside which is a welcome break if its too hot outside, parking is available, otherwise its a 10 minute walk from the town centre.