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About the city
Verdun is a town in the Lorraine region, northeast France, in the Meuse department, of which it is a sub-prefecture. Verdun is the most populous urban settlement in Meuse, although it is not the prefecture, which resides in the slightly smaller Bar-le-Duc. The town is inhabited by 25,000 people.
City areas
Verdun is organized into three cantons, which form the administration areas of the town. Beside these cantons the town also has two large green spaces, which the locals use for relaxation, sports and a break from the agitated rhythm of city life.
Attractions
Verdun was the site of the bloodiest World War I battle, where almost a million soldiers died, either French or German. As such the town of Verdun is not only home to a peace center but also to a museum about the war as well as a monument.
Transportation
The city is easily reachable by plain, train or car. Most traffic into Verdun comes from the airport near Metz, but there is also a lot of traffic by train. Not many people choose to get in by car, as the town is rather small and parking spaces are scarce.
Events
Although Verdun doesn’t invest much time in events, but more in leisure activities both locals and tourist enjoy, the town is host to a couple of annual events which bright up its dark and gloomy past.
Restaurants & Nightlife
The dining scene of Verdun revolves mainly around traditional French cuisine. The town isn’t much of a gastronomic town, therefore good places to eat are rare and often pricey.
History & Civilisation
The history of Verdun has its roots in the Stone Age (Paleolithic). Human presence in the region dates back between 300,000 and 400,000 years. In the Carolingian period, the town becomes a slave market where Western merchants, Jews and Muslims come to stock up.
The battle of Verdun
Verdun was the site for one of the most horrifying battles the world has ever seen. After the ten months of struggle between the French and German armies, the battle ended with a total casualty count of more then a million dead or wounded.