Abri 320, an underground shelter built in 1870
The Abri 320 (Shelter 320) is one of the many defensive fortifications, such as the forts of Douaumont, Vaux, Froideterre, and Souville, built between 1889 and 1891 following the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
The Abri 320 is currently located at an altitude of 334 meters, below the Douaumont National Cemetery and Ossuary.
However, during the First World War, it was positioned behind the Thiaumont Fort and the TD1 air-raid shelter.
It was partially destroyed in 1915 during the dismantling of the neighbouring forts.
Abri 320, reused during WWI
During the tragic German offensive of February 1916, known as the Battle of Verdun, the French government reversed its decision of disarming the region’s forts and requisitioned the Abri 320.
This underground structure served not only as a shelter for troops but also as a first aid post and command post. Although captured several times by the Germans between June and October 1916, the shelter was consistently recaptured by the French thanks to its design.
Indeed, its depth and strategic layout proved effective in protecting it from enemy artillery. Located 12 metres underground, the Abri 320 has a vast chamber 60 metres long that can accommodate 300 beds.
Accessible via galleries and protected bunkers, the shelter features ventilation shafts visible on the exterior. Today, the shelter is surrounded by woods, and the vegetation conceals the traces of old shell craters s in the old battlefield preserved in its wartime state.
Free access
Other sites of the Battle of Verdun
Citadel of Verdun – Sacred Way – Douaumont Ossuary and National Cemetery – Bayonet Trench – Fort of Douaumont – Fleury-devant–Douaumont “Village Détruit – Maginot Monument in Fleury-devant-Douaumont
Department of Meuse – Lorraine region – Grand Est
Coordinates: Lat 49.206316 – Long 5.426588
