I was traveling with my two college-aged children, and my son, the WWII history buff specifically…read morerequested to see something related to the Maginot Line. To be honest, I had no idea really what the Maginot Line consisted of, but a Trip Advisor search later, I knew this was the place to stop, and we were not disappointed!
This is easy to find, and there is plenty of free parking right near the entrance. Be sure to check the open hours - during the summer they are open 7 days a week, but except for Sundays they are only open from 2p-6p so plan accordingly! From the outside it doesn't look like much - a big stone-like entrance carved into the landscape. The ticket desk clerk was very friendly and spoke English very well. The day we were there it was close to 90 degrees outside, so once inside the coolness felt good. The clerk looked at us with our short sleeves and asked if we didn't want jackets since it was cooler once you got in, but we said we were fine. As it turns out, it wasn't unbearable, but had I known how long we would be down in the bunker I probably would suggest going back to get the jackets - when we came out our fingers were going numb and our noses were running! I would also consider what shoes you wear too - this bunker has damp areas where footing can be slippery. Be prepared to be dripped on occasionally as you walk! Anyway, the fort is divided into 4 parts, the first two cover the kitchen, bunk areas and infirmary, and you are lead through it following a certain route designated by signs. Everything has signage in German, French and English, and unlike other museums, the English is a full translation of the German (some places there is a long German explanation and 1 sentence in English). The rooms weren't fully furnished, but there was enough in each to give you a good feeling about its use, etc. You can end the tour there if you want. To see parts 3 and 4, (gun battlements, munitions, etc) you must walk to the opposite end of the bunker, which is about 1 km away. It is a long, well lit tunnel that was used by a small train to carry supplies from one end to the other so it isn't hard to walk, just takes some time. Note - halfway down the tunnel there is a bathroom (not the most modern of facilities but if you have to go, it was a blessing!) Once down at the other end, again you are lead through the areas following signs. As a whole it was interesting, but the best part was when we got to the main gun turret. There was a guide there that did an excellent job explaining how the gun worked, how it was loaded, aimed, fired, how they communicated with each other inside the turret and with their commanders out on the field, etc. Super informative, took questions, totally made the whole trip extra special. But once you see everything at this end, you have the 1km walk back to the beginning. All told, the trip through all four parts is 3.5km according to the ticket clerk, and it takes at least 2 hours or more. Undoubtedly the most amazing experience ever, and to be totally immersed in it was way better than any standard museum. Do not miss your chance to visit!
