This is probably a strange request, but here goes.

Has anyone here done a tour of the Maginot Line? Doing a Rhine River Cruise in September and trying to choose excursions. I am a huge WWII buff. But, I am very claustrophobic. The description of the excursion mentions that tunnels are involved.

Surprisingly, I was able to go through Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem. But, it was probably the most miserable experience of my life. I did it. I was certain I was going to die at any moment.

Last fall in Rome, I attempted a tour of the catacombs but just couldn't get myself to go in.

So, can anyone with experience of the Maginot line give me a heads up on:
How many tunnels?
Approximate width and length?
Any other personal experiences

TYIA

My wife and I did a tour of a Maginot Line fort on an Avalon Rhine Cruise about three years ago. It was fantastic, but not for the mobility challenged. Amazingly informative and was state of the art in its day. It was very special for me as my dad was in the Ardannes in WWII. Our tour guide was a French man who's dad was forced to work with the Germans or be executed along with his family. Sad, sad story. It was amazing to watch a petite 90 lb. woman turn a wheel gear effortlessly and you could see the giant French 75 rise up from the ground. The highlight of the entire cruise for me.

the whole fort is underground. the tunnels are big enough for a tour group. i don't think it would pose a problem unless you are extremely claustrophobic

Sounds like we're on the same cruise that y'all did.

My wife and I are both class of '79 so we're close in age to you.

Fitness and mobility is not a problem for us. It's just this darn claustrophobia

I am very claustrophobic in extremely tight places since childhood and never felt any nervousness. Honestly, if you have ever been to the Churchill War Rooms, they are MUCH more claustrophobic feeling than the Maginot Fort tour. It is a fantastic piece of history and they mix in some great French humor. I would highly encourage you to go. Otherwise you probably just sit on the boat.

The fort housed a fair number of soldiers. Nothing is small and cramped.

Just to add in, i think you will love Avalon. Their food is fantastic and every staff member was super friendly and helpful. We took my MIL who was 88 at the time and she says it was her favorite trip ever.

Thanks for all the info Wahoo. Just booked the excursion.

We also loved our Avalon cruise!

Hope y'all have a great trip and the excursion works well for you.