The Citadel during the War
During the late War, the Citadelle was often a target for the German heavy guns, but its deep underground vaults provided secure shelter for the population before the general evacuation, as also for the public services and reinforcements. Most of the regiments which took part in the battles of 1916 passed through the Citadelle.
It was in one of the casemates that the President of France, M. Poincaré, handed to the Municipal Authorities of Verdun, on September 13th, 1916, the decorations conferred on that City by the Chiefs of State of the Allied countries (see [p. 30]).
CO-OPERATIVE CANTEEN IN THE CITADEL.
On leaving the Citadelle, turn to the right immediately after the entrance and follow the glacis which passes underneath the terraces of the Bishop’s Palace. After a sharp turning near the Manutention, the tourist arrives at the Rue de Rû.
Take the latter as far as the Rue des Gros-Degrés, one of the most picturesque streets of Old Verdun, which also suffered greatly from the German bombardment. It is composed of eighty steps, divided into seven unequal flights, with a hand-rail erected in 1595. The photograph below was taken from the bottom of the stairs.
THE RUE DES GROS-DEGRÉS.
Take on the right the Rue du Pont des Augustins and cross the curious canal of the same name (photo below) to visit the Lower Town, which is crowded with picturesque old streets and narrow bridges over the winding canals.
THE CANAL DES AUGUSTINS.
Return to the Place Mazel.
If the tourist has time, he may go from here to the St. Victor Gate, situated at the exit of Verdun, in the direction of Metz, Nancy, Toul, and Commercy (see [p. 56], and [plan between] pp. 30 and 31).
ST. VICTOR’S GATE