Dumont D'Urville station opened on 1956, to serve as center for French scientific research during the Antarctic International Geophysical Year 1957/1958. The station has remained in active use ever since. It is operated by the "Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor", a joint operation of French public and private agencies. The station allows 30-40 people to come ashore at one time. Often, strong katabatic winds prevent landings, either by Zodiac or by helicopter. The station can accommodate from 30 in winter to 120 during the summer.
