Civil Airfield Verdun Sommedieue (LFGW)

The approach is scenic; the aerodrome is surrounded by plentiful forest and gentle hills. You may need to watch for P681 to the northeast of the field (over the military cemetery and the Douaumont Ossuary). The runway is (still) in decent condition, but that’s where it ends. The rest of the aerodrome really looks rather abandoned, especially—but not only—because of the derelict restaurant building. Only the TOTAL fuel station still makes a good impression. If you don’t have the appropriate card, you must arrange in advance with someone from the club. No ATS, no fees.

The field is 9 km from town, and getting a taxi is—as in most small French towns—difficult, especially for the leg from the aerodrome into town. I had my folding bike with me. However, it’s very hilly with steep climbs and descents; the return from town is tough, albeit scenic. So, in the end, it’s a city that is rather hard to visit by aircraft. Verdun itself is not all that special, but it does have some charm, which is not necessarily the case with all small towns in Lothringen. The recently renovated town center on the River Maas and the cathedral with the World Center for Peace in the episcopal palace are quite nice. There are war memorials here and there in the city. The tourist information office is also open on Sundays in summer. The main war relics and memorials to visit (including the cemetery) are about 5–8 km northeast of the city in the hills. There is a bus route set up specifically for Verdun visitors that serves the main sights in the city and the surrounding area. Those who want to delve even deeper will find, about 10 km northwest of the city, realistic reconstructions of the trenches fought in during WWI (Tranchée de Chattancourt).