France: Verdun
Yet another ancient French town – Verdun – founded by the Gauls in the 3rd century. It was a major center in the Charlemagne empire. In the Middle Ages, it was an Imperial Free City in the Roman Empire. After annexation by France it was fortified over and over as an outpost of the French empire. The city sits on a naturally steep hill with a fortress on top and multiple canals surrounding it concentrically at the bottom. The city was the sight of major battles during Franco-Prussian wars and WWI (the battle of Verdun cost 400k lives). The attractions include the Notre-Dame de Verdun Cathedral, the World Peace Center in the Episcopal Palace, and the Victory Monument with panoramic views.
