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La Ferté-sur-Chiers
Immerse yourself in history by exploring the depths of the La Ferté fortification. Built between 1935 and 1937, this fortified structure was the site of a tragic battle in May 1940. The entire French garrison perished in the underground gallery, turning this place into a poignant memorial.
The La Ferté fortification is more than just a commemorative monument. It is a silent witness to history, offering visitors the chance to relive pivotal moments of these brave soldiers during a 2-hour guided tour. This journey through time allows you to explore the mysterious corners of the fortification and feel the unique atmosphere of these places, now a tomb of concrete and steel.
The Villy-La Ferté site is now animated by passionate volunteers who have turned this place into a memorial sanctuary, commemorating the heroic battles of May-June 1940. Visitors can discover the exterior of the fortification all year round to admire the natural beauty of the Ardennes surrounding this historic monument.
The museum of the La Ferté fortification offers accessibility for people with reduced mobility, welcoming all history enthusiasts.
So do not hesitate any longer and book your enriching guided tour of the La Ferté fortification. You will discover the role of this fortification during World War II and explore the corridors where the combatants lived and perished.
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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 15.03.2026 to 30.12.2026
Prices
For individuals:
– full price: 10 €
– ages 7-17: 5 €
– ages 0-6: free
For groups, 7 € per visitor from 15 people onwards upon 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 available by reservation every day from March 15th to November 11th.
Tour departure times
From April to October:
– Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
– Sunday: 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
In March and November:
– Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM
– Sunday: 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
In December:
– From Saturday, December 26th to Wednesday, December 30th: at 2:30 PM.
Possibility to book a tour outside the season (upon 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/
