Logis Hotel du Chemin des Dames

On this stage, the relief becomes a little flatter. You will pass through Juvincourt-et-Damary, to end up in Berry-au-Bac. This is where the national necropolis of Berry-au-Bac is located, which contains 3,972 bodies, including 2,014 in individual graves and 1,958 in ossuaries. The tank monument (World War I) is impressive, as you can get close to these old machines of war without risk. This trail is part of the 2000 km long route of the Via Francigena which goes from Canterbury to Rome. To...

It is estimated that several billion letters were exchanged for more than 4 years between frontline soldiers and their families. Very early on, the military high command understood that the exchange of mail allowed the men to hold out longer. In a company, the vaguemaster is undoubtedly the most awaited man every day. At the bend of the trenches, braving the danger, he must go and carry the news to the front lines.

This short trail takes us on a search for the remains of the old village of Craonne, made famous by the mutineers' song, which was completely razed to the ground during the war and rebuilt below a few years later. This moving itinerary is punctuated by a few information panels which allow us to find the traces of the old village and its inhabitants, but also to learn about botany.

In the heart of one of the most tragic battlefields of the First World War, discover a path steeped in history which, through mountains and valleys, will offer you superb panoramas.

On April 16, 1917, at 6 a.m., the troops of the 1st French Army Corps launched an assault on what is undoubtedly the most formidable position on the Chemin des Dames. Since the beginning of the war, the German lines have been perched here on a plateau which dominates the village of Craonne. According to General Nivelle's plans, this position should have been taken over in a few hours. In fact, it will not be partially reconquered until the attack of May 5, 1917.