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Chemin De Dames – One of our most popular tours, we return to the often over looked Chemin de Dames, this evocative battlefield contains miles of untouched trenches, hidden bunkers and caves and remote cemeteries and memorials. Scene of bitter fighting in 1914, 1917 & 1918 each of our tour days will deal with a different aspect of the fighting, based in the pleasant town of Laon this is a tour not to be missed if you seeking out a new area of the western front.
Day 1 - Travel from UK to our tour base in Laon, welcome lecture on arrival.
Day 2 - The BEF 1914, we travel south to Walk 1 - Soupir – we follow in the footsteps of the Guards & Connaught Rangers as they advance from the Aisne up to the high ground above Soupir, this walk takes in a village, ruined Chateau, woods and bunkers before reaching the important farm of Cour de Soupir to learn the story of the battle. Lunch is available at a local creperie on the battlefield.
Walk two We end the day in the vicinity of Cerny where we study the BEF action of September 1914 including the Loyal North Lancs and a Victoria Cross awarded to Pte Ross Tollerton of the Cameron Highlanders before returning to Laon.
Day 3 The Nivelle offensive 1917 & The BEF 1918, in the morning we drive along the Chemin des Dames stopping at a number of spots associated with the infamous Nivelle offensive of 1917. We find trenchlines, memorials and vast cemeteries and follow a woodland walk along the French front line.
Lunch is available at a local auberge near Pontavert
Walk three – This walk from La Ville aux Bois Les Pontavert to the village of Pontavert follows the retreat of the Devonshire’s who as part of the 8th Division were attacked alongside the 50th Northumbrian Division by the Germans after a hurricane mortar bombardment on the 27 May 1918. The full days walk follows abandoned trench lines isolated cemeteries and memorials as we follow the historic events of the day.
Day 4 - Walk four - Chateau Thierry – In the morning we visit the American battle sites at Chateau Thierry where in July 1918 the US forces led by General Pershing took part in their first major and ultimately successful battle of the war.
Lunch taken at a local cafe on the battlefield
walk five - the afternoon walk studies the US Marine Corps fighting at Belleau Wood in June 1918, the wood is littered with preserved trenches, field guns and memorials in addition to its impressive cemetery making for a fascinating and moving day.
Day 5 - Travel back to the UK via a special visit to a local farm to explore and incredible system of caves used by the French throughout the war.
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Existing flying tours are organized in conjunction with Travel Counsellors Ltd, they are bonded company and the tours provided will meet the requirements of ATOL (6751) and IATA guidelines and rulings