Things to do in  Lorraine

Built after the Franco-Prussian War, Fort Douaumont was Verdun’s largest and highest fortress. Today, the once mighty fort lies in ruins, but visitors can still tour the bunkers, barracks, and command posts that once accommodated up to 600 soldiers; admire the machine gun turrets; and take in the views from the fort’s hilltop perch.

This World War I memorial commemorates the 21 soldiers thought to have been buried alive when a shell explosion during the Battle of Verdun overwhelmed the trench. Several years later, bayonets were found sticking out of the ground, and the story spread. The present-day Trench of the Bayonets (Tranchée des Baïonnettes) memorial was designed by French architect and veteran André Ventre.

Dubbed the village that died for France, Fleury-devant-Douaumont was wiped out during fierce WWI fighting in the 1916 Battle of Verdun. Along with eight other village détruit (destroyed villages) around Verdun, the site remains in its war state as a memorial and is uninhabited. You can walk along paths that mirror the village’s original layout and pay your respects at a rebuilt chapel.

A must-see for military history enthusiasts, the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery pays tribute to the US troops who died in the last great World War I offensive. Covering 130.5 acres (52.8 hectares), it is the largest US cemetery in Europe and holds the remains of more than 14,000 American soldiers and military personnel, plus a chapel and reflection pool.

Standing as a stark reminder of the horror of war, Fort de Vaux was a key site in the WWI Battle of Verdun. After the drawn-out battle claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, the fort fell to the Germans—only to be returned to the French a few months later. Today, you can walk atop the fort and visit the underground tunnels.

With 32 aquariums filled with exotic fish and marine creatures, an Amazon-inspired rain-forest zone, and an outdoor play area, Amneville Aquarium (Aquarium d'Amneville) is a popular family attraction. Its small size makes it a good option for even young children.

Spread out over 18 hectares (44 acres), the Zoo d’Amnéville is an expansive animal park that's home to around 2,000 animals representing 360 species from five continents. Wander through the park at your leisure or pause to witness one of many demonstrations on offer, from birds-of-prey shows to gorilla feedings.