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La Ferté-sur-Chiers
Guided tour of the La Ferté works
Immerse yourself in history by diving into the depths of the ouvrage de La Ferté. This fortified structure, built between 1935 and 1937, was the scene of a tragic battle in May 1940, as brave French soldiers defended their homeland. Sadly, all succumbed in the underground gallery, making this a poignant memorial.
The ouvrage de La Ferté is more than a memorial. It is a silent witness to history, offering visitors the chance to relive the decisive moments of these valiant soldiers during a 2-hour guided tour. This visit into the past will allow you to explore the mysterious recesses of the structure and feel the very special atmosphere of this place, which has become a tomb of concrete and steel.
Today, the Villy-La Ferté site is animated by passionate volunteers who have transformed it into a memorial sanctuary, commemorating the heroic battles of May-June 1940. Visitors can explore the exterior of the ouvrage all year round, admiring the natural beauty of the Ardennes that surround this historic monument.
L’ouvrage de la Ferté has provided access for people with reduced mobility, to welcome all history buffs.
So go ahead and book a guided tour of the ouvrage de La Ferté. You’ll discover for yourself the impact of this structure on the history of France, and plunge into the corridors where the combatants lived and died, for a thrilling and memorable passage.
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Average duration 2 hours
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Languages spoken French
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Difficulty Intermediate
Prices & opening times
Offer valid
From 15.03.2024 to 11.11.2024
Prices
Individuals:
– full price: €10
– 15-26 years, two adults with two or more children: €8
– 7-14 years: €3
– 0-6 years: free
Groups: €7 per visitor for groups of 15 or more, on request before booking (special rates for school groups).
What’s included
- The guided tour
- Screening of a 12-minute short film (either to introduce or conclude the visit)
Opening times
Guided tours on reservation every day from March 15 to November 11, 2024.
Tours depart
– Tuesday to Saturday: 10am, 2pm and 4pm;
– Sunday: 2pm and 4pm;
– Monday (July and August): 2pm and 4pm.
Tours can be booked off-season (on request).
Highlights
- Discovery of an early Second World War fortification
- Access for people with reduced mobility (for the museum)
- A chilling and memorable passage through the corridors where fighters lived and died
Ardenne
RD52, 08370 La Ferté-sur-Chiers
08370 La Ferté-sur-Chiers I'm going by train!
08370 La Ferté-sur-Chiers I'm going by train!
ligne Maginot - ouvrage de La Ferté find out more
About
ligne Maginot - ouvrage de La Ferté
Built between 1935 and 1937, the La Ferté fortification is part of the Maginot Line, a series of fortifications built along the borders of northern and eastern France. Located 25 km from Sedan, it was the first structure to be attacked by the Germans in May 1940. After four days of fierce fighting, the entire garrison - some one hundred French soldiers - perished.
The 10-hectare site comprises two combat blocks linked by a 25-metre underground gallery. Two artillery casemates, a network of barbed wire and anti-tank obstacles several hundred meters long and a monument to the garrison complete the site. Next door, the Villy national necropolis contains the bodies of soldiers from mainland France and the colonies who fell in the region in May-June 1940.
The La Ferté site is open to the public daily from March 15 to November 15. Guided tours depart daily at 2pm and 4pm; Tuesday to Saturday at 10am. Reservations possible all year round for groups. Outdoor areas open all year round.
Length of guided tour: 2h. Bring good shoes and warm clothing (12°C in the underground gallery). Reservations recommended. Health pass and mask required. Prices: 8 euros for ages 14 and over; 3 euros for ages 7-13. Free for children aged 6 and under. For group rates, please contact us.
RD52 route de Villy
ligne Maginot - site de Villy-La Ferté
08370 La Ferté-sur-Chiers
ligne Maginot - site de Villy-La Ferté
08370 La Ferté-sur-Chiers
I'm going by train!
03 24 52 97 47
https://www.ouvragelaferte.fr/
