Fort de Tavannes was part of the ring of forts surrounding Verdun. The fort is located northeast of Verdun and was built between 1874 and 1877 as one of six "redoutes de la panique" (panic redoubts), hastily constructed forts established when relations between Germany and France deteriorated.

Fort de Tavannes has a polygonal shape and was designed for a garrison of 761 men and 39 artillery pieces. By the outbreak of World War I, the fort was outdated. The masonry walls and buildings were no match for modern artillery. During the Battle of Verdun in 1916, the fort was heavily bombarded, but remained in French hands.

Today, Fort de Tavannes is still owned by the French army. Access to the fort is dangerous and prohibited.