The Caverne du Dragon ‘Dragon’s Cave’) is a former stone quarry between Laon and Reims that saw extensive fighting during World War I. Originally dating from the 17th century, the quarry was occupied by the French in 1914 but it was taken by the Germans in 1915 who further fortified it for barracks, storage and command purposes.
The Germans christened the quarry as ‘The Dragon’s Cave’ as once fortified it spat fire from its many entrances. In 1917 the Freach regained posession of the complex and for most of the rest of the war the front line ran through the quarry itself with internal walls separating the combatants. Both sets of residents created graffiti which can still be seen.
Today the site houses a museum and tours of the former quarry can be taken - occasionally in English.
