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Published: October 2nd 2008
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Thursday 2 October 2008
Plan was to go across country quickly from Compiegne to Reims.
Set off about 1000 ish, the route was due east, but we missed a turn from our planned route, which was really good for me because we ended up driving along the Chemin des Dames, which is an area the French fought heavily.
We found a French Military cemetery at Ambleny, can't tell you much about it as there was no information around. However, it as a big one containing several thousand, I would guess, you will get an idea from the picture.
An expression came to me, “Fields of Graves” and I know it's not a pleasant one, but it is somewhat sadly expressive of the countryside.
Driving along the Chemin des Dames, we had the road mainly to ourselves, there are a number of monuments and memorials, so we either slowed down or stopped to have a look as we drove along.
We came across a Second World War German cemetery containing 11850, at Fort de Malmaison. It will come as no surprise to note that there were no grave markers showing anyone with a certain religion.
This was also was the site also of a lot of action in the Great War. The Fort itself was shut and there is not much left apparently.
We stopped at La Royere, and there was information diplayed around about the location and a picture showing the obliteration of the landscape, with a “vous et ici” (you are here) marker.
At Cerny there was a ceremony going on with wreaths being laid in the military cemetery. Not sure why, but it seemed to involve French school children.
The Caverne du Dragon Museum is Tour Guide only, and the next one was not for some time, so we just had a sneaky look around, this is where the Germans set up one of their really big guns and were shelling Paris, in great secrecy.
The site of the first use of Tanks by the French was also pointed out, along the road.
Finally, we made it to Reims, next door to the home of Champagne. So a very important part of the world for my wife.
Parking in major city town centres, is not a real issue in France as Monsieur Frenchman wants to park
directly outside wherever he is heading. Also we have found it to be good value, in smaller towns, usually nothing and today for 3 hours bang in the centre next to the Cathedral was 2 Euro's.
Both hungry, so we stopped at the first place, Le Cardinal, both had the Plat Du Jour, Sausage covered in pastry, and confit of duck. Good food.
We wandered around the Cathedral for a while, another one the Germans shelled.
Had a look around the town, and then found a cafe, Cafe Du Palais. Pat had a glass of champagne. Wasn't as expensive as we were expecting.
We then headed off for another night in a Premiere Classe, on the outskirts of town.
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