Abris called Prince Ruprecht of Bavaria dans la Meuse

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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The so-called shelters of the Prince Ruprecht of Bavaria are a series of concrete structures erected in the forest of Argonne, near Varennes-en-Argonne. Built probably in early 1915 by German troops, they testify to the intense fighting in the area between October 1914 and September 1915. These clashes were followed by a mine war until the American troops regained the territory in October 1918.

The site was classified as Historical Monument by decree of 29 June 1922, recognizing its importance in the history of the First World War. These shelters illustrate German defensive strategies and the extreme conditions of soldiers during the conflict. Their location in the forest of Argonne, theatre of violent fighting, makes it an emblematic vestige of the war of position.

The accuracy of their current location is considered poor (note of 5/10), and their administrative address is associated with the commune of Varennes-en-Argonne, in the department of Meuse. Although their access and current use (visit, rental) are not specified, their protected status makes them a major place of memory of the Great East.

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