Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers)
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) worth booking?
Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) is a 13-hour experience in Paris, France, from $458 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (7)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $458 per person
Travel with your own group (6 travelers maximum) and embark with your Driver and guide "Régis" aboard a comfortable and air-conditioned Minivan. Your Régis guide will tell you about the significant events of the First World War and the battles that took place here in the Argonne forest between 1914 and 1918. At the "Main de Massiges" you will walk in the middle of the trenches surrounded by hundreds of shell holes which evoke a lunar and apocalyptic scenery Discover the huge mine funnels at the top of the Vauquois hill and the remains of the trenches. Climb the 200 steps of the marble column of the American monument of Montfaucon then at the top admire the view of the valley which was the scene of the American offensive in September 1918. Visit the village of Varennes en Argonne where the King of France Louis XVI was arrested Pay homage to the fallen soldiers by walking through the largest American military cemetery (14,246 graves) in France at Romagne.
What you get
About this experience
Travel with your own group (6 travelers maximum) and embark with your Driver and guide "Régis" aboard a comfortable and air-conditioned Minivan. Your Régis guide will tell you about the significant events of the First World War and the battles that took place here in the Argonne forest between 1914 and 1918. At the "Main de Massiges" you will walk in the middle of the trenches surrounded by hundreds of shell holes which evoke a lunar and apocalyptic scenery Discover the huge mine funnels at the top of the Vauquois hill and the remains of the trenches. Climb the 200 steps of the marble column of the American monument of Montfaucon then at the top admire the view of the valley which was the scene of the American offensive in September 1918. Visit the village of Varennes en Argonne where the King of France Louis XVI was arrested Pay homage to the fallen soldiers by walking through the largest American military cemetery (14,246 graves) in France at Romagne.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Admission tickets to the "Romagne 14-18" Museum
- Driver / guide
- Travel aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned Minivan (Maximum 6 travelers)
- Support for customers at their place of residence in Paris and the Paris region
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
La Main de Massiges
The Germans retreated in early September 1914, entrenched on this natural height, each finger of which forms a bastion of this natural fortress. It was on this obstacle that the soldiers of the 4th French Army came up against on September 13, 1914, who participated in the counter-offensive succeeding the first battle of the Marne. A hotbed of fighting, this strategic position was the scene of fierce fighting that took place here in the Massiges sector between 1914 and 1918. The number of French soldiers killed, wounded or missing is estimated at 25,000, and certainly as many German soldiers.
60 minutes here
Montfaucon Monument
The monument faces the front line of the 1st American army on the morning of September 26, 1918, when the attack began, the victory of which commemorates it, the Meuse-Argonne offensive. This lasted until November 11, 1918 and forced the enemy to retreat from its front. It consists of a Doric column in solid granite, surmounted by a statue symbolizing Liberty, which dominates the ruins of the old village by more than 60 meters. On the walls of the foyer is an engraved map of operations, with a story and a special tribute to the American troops who served here. The observation platform of the memorial can be reached at certain times by a staircase of 234 steps, from where visitors enjoy a view of almost all of the land conquered during this offensive.
40 minutes here
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
If there is one essential site in the Land of Argonne, it is this cemetery which allows us to understand what the Americans mean by "Duty to remember". Located in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, the 52-hectare Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery is the largest American necropolis in Europe. Inaugurated in 1937, this necropolis has 14,246 graves of American soldiers who perished during the Meuse Argonne Offensive from September 26 to November 11, 1918. The Romanesque memorial and its chapel overlook the cemetery. A map explaining the Meuse-Argonne offensive is engraved on a wall of the loggia. On another wall are engraved the names of 954 American soldiers who disappeared during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Inside the chapel, the badges of the American divisions and higher army units are represented on the stained glass windows. On the front wall of the chapel are engraved the names of the villages and places where the American army fought.
60 minutes here
Romagne 14-18
Explore thousands of objects from the Great War at Jean Paul's informal museum, which will show you the soldier's daily life. Behind each object on display hides a personal and moving story. Helmets, weapons, combs, coins, cutlery, pocket watches go back even today ... Jean-Paul de Vries has been looking for and finding these objects since 1976. In his museum, he exhibits finds that bear witness to this life in the trenches. Each object was found within a radius of 4 kilometers around Romagne sous Montfaucon. By showing the lives of soldiers, Jean-Paul de Vries hopes to make people understand the atrocity of war.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Varennes-en-Argonne
The village is known to have been the site of the arrest of Louis XVI and the royal family who tried to join troops remained loyal to the monarchy based in Montmédy, Varennes was occupied by German troops at the start of the First World War. The village was on or near the front line during most of the conflict. Varennes-en-Argonne was the first city to be liberated by American troops during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive launched on September 26, 1918. The Pennsylvania Monument in Varennes-en-Argonne: Located on the heights of Varennes-en-Argonne, this impressive monument was erected and funded in 1928 by the State of Pennsylvania (United States), in memory of the soldiers who died during the battles of 1918 to liberate this area. Its terrace offers a magnificent panorama overlooking the Aire valley.
30 minutes here
Butte de Vauquois
Built at the top of a hill that overlooked the surrounding plain at an altitude of 290 m, which made it an observatory and a landmark for the regulation of artillery fire during the First World War. In the autumn of 1914, the Germans transformed the village into a veritable fortress. The French and the Germans buried themselves in trenches at the top of the hill which was transformed by more than 500 explosions, the village of Vauquois was totally destroyed. From February to March 1915, the ruins of the village were hotly contested. Kilometers of galleries (about 23) were dug, spanning several levels, up to 100 meters deep, in order to penetrate under the enemy camp, causing it as much loss as possible by the explosion of mines. In May 1916 a huge funnel was created by the explosion of a 60-ton mine that killed 108 French soldiers. In September 1918 the Americans took possession of the position definitively.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ADRIAN ROADS
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Strongly recommend
Excellent driver guide, with extensive knowledge, safe driving and a comfortable vehicle
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Day Visiting Meuse Argonne Battle Sites
I took the Meuse Argonne VIP trip with Régis. An ancestor fought and died during the offensive and is buried in the Meuse Argonne American Cemetery. Régis is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and tailored the well-planned, full-day itinerary to meet my interests. He continued to provide valuable follow-up information after the trip. There’s no way I could have done this on my own. I highly recommend Adrien Roads for your French battlefield visit.
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding tour guide!!!
We thank Regis our tour guide for the most memorable tour of the Meuse Argonne Region on September 14th. His personal tour provided such detailed information about the battle, the various monuments, and other interesting events that occurred in that area. My husband was elated to visit the town of Dombasle where his grandfather arrived when he served during the war. Walking the cemetery and visiting the church was sobering. Seeing the demolished church and German bunkers on top of the hill really put things into perspective. And then the finale was walking in the forest and seeing the trenches and craters where the shelling occurred. We spent 3 weeks in Europe touring many cities but we both concluded that your tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Thank you again!
via Tripadvisor
A Tour Like No Other
This tour was a hybrid of Verdun, the Argonne and all things AEF. Regis was fabulous and extremely flexible, we corresponded for a couple of months to ensure that I would be walking in the footsteps of my grandfather. The tour took us all over the American and Franco/American Battlefields. I learned early on that if it was recommended by Regis - it was worth seeing and exploring. An accomplished English/French speaker, he was able to open doors that, for most, would remain locked. Regis also ensured that the history of France's Ancien Regime, Napoleonic era, and the Franco-Prussian War were liberally sprinkled throughout the tour to ensure that timelines leading up to the Grand Gurre remained intact. One of the highlights was to be taken to the Haute Chevauchée (High Road) where his uncle had fought and was wounded. For the AEF student, this was a rare treat as it, and its monument, are buried deep in the Argonne Forest. After walking the battlefields, the WWI American Monuments and Cemeteries were not to be missed, they are some or the most beautiful in the ABMC inventory. On a lighter note, the tour became uproarious when we found out that Regis was a bread, pastry, and dessert fan. Every gas stop contained at least two of the three. Last, he is a generous host, tremendously well informed, and fun. When you leave his tour, you are leaving behind a friend.
via Tripadvisor
Viator in France gone wrong, in a bad way
Pictures are stunning, not! Because we didn’t get the opportunity to take any! We booked this tour in Nov 2022, that’s almost an entire year ago. My husband has a relative buried in the WWI American Cemetery and much of our visit to France centered around this one tour. None of his family can afford to visit the grave site, so we are making this pilgrimage to his grave after being there for 105 years. Our guide called at 10:38pm before a 6am pick up to tell us he couldn’t come, because his car broke down. He stated he could not make alternative arrangements, had to take the car to the shop the day of our tour and we could go in a week or so. When you are leaving in two days that is not helpful. We then called the Viator help line in the Philippines, at first hesitant to refund our $848, there was no offer to make right on a less than 8 hour cancellation by the driver/guide. The very least they could have offered would be a reduction on the price of the two tours we had booked with them in Belgium, right? Then after almost an hour on the phone, and repeatedly asking to talk to a supervisor, the call center person hung up on us! Think real hard about using Viator, and if the tour in France goes through Adrian Roads - cancel now!
Response from the operator: We understand the disappointment of customers regarding the cancellation of the tour. Unfortunately a mechanical breakdown with the vehicle’s engine occurred on Thursday evening (just the day before the tour), Having no other vehicle available the vehicle was dropped urgently the next day at the garage but the mechanic had to order parts to carry out repairs which took several days (the garage being closed on weekends). We also tried to contact other tour agencies but none had a vehicle and guides available to operate the tour... We asked customers the possibility to postpone the visit but customers could not because they left 3 days later... We then asked VIATOR to fully refund the customers what was done.. For the safety of our customers we cannot afford to use a vehicle with a confirmed engine failure. We sincerely apologize to customers for having to cancel the tour at the last minute due to a mechanical engine failure of the vehicle and for not having had time to find an alternative solution.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by ADRIAN ROADS, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.2.
See everything ADRIAN ROADS runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) cost?
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Prices start at $458 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers)?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers)?
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Included: Private transportation; Admission tickets to the "Romagne 14-18" Museum; Driver / guide; Travel aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned Minivan (Maximum 6 travelers); and Support for customers at their place of residence in Paris and the Paris region. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2328 listed pickup locations in and around Paris. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Battlefields Tour in Argonne from Paris in Van (2/7 travelers)?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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