On the crest of the hills, on the left, are the forts of Belleville, Saint-Michel and the Marceau barracks which were utterly destroyed. Here started the rear of the battlefield. Behind this crest the field kitchens of the units in the line were concealed. Every night, the fatigue parties, known as "cuistots", facing a thousand dangers started from here to take up food to the men in the line.
Follow the Route Nationale for about 6 km.; beyond the Cabaret Rouge Inn on the right, and the Valteline ravine on the left, the road ascends. Go past the cross-road at Bellevue farm and then turn left by the road leading to Tavannes fort.
The road runs downhill and then rises across the shattered Hospices Wood.
Take the metalled road on the right leading to Tavannes fort.
Looking towards Verdun from Saint-Michel Hill.
The Route du Fort Tavannes in June 1916.