WWI Battlefields, American itinerary (1 day)

After leaving Paris, your private guide will give you a historical introduction to the battles of WW1 that happened there before stopping halfway for
coffee and croissants.

The Great War took place in several parts of Europe and cost the lives of more than 22 millions people among civilians and soldiers. After the first year
of war (1914), the opposing armies changed from a mobile war into static one, the infamous trenches war. The major effort of the B.E.F. (British Empire
Forces) was in France and Belgium, also known as the Western Front. On the other hand the most memorable war event for the U.S. army was
in the Marne Valley who fought the German around the town of Chateau-Thierry.

An important number of memorials, museums, cemeteries and historic sites can be found in these ancient battlefields and difficult task is trying to visit
all of them, especially in one day. Keep in mind that, only for the department of Calais, there are 575 WWI cemeteries.

Everyone knows about the decisive intervention of the Allies forces during World War II. Very few though know their action during WWI. We offer you to
discover this forgotten memorial tour.

Nonetheless, in a way, it is possible to focus on sites where Canadians, Australians, Americans, New Zealanders, South-Africans had fought. Certain
battlefields are undoubtedly dearer to some nationalities than others so you can choose the sites where to go (Ypres, Verdun…).

American Itinerary

Your private guide will pick you up at 7:00 am to take you to the sites of Chateau Thierry where the American Expeditionary Forces made
one of the first actions on July 18 1918. The allied forces had managed to keep their plans a secret, and their attack at 04:45 took the Germans by
surprise when the troops went "Over the Top" without a preparatory artillery bombardment, but instead followed closely behind a rolling barrage that began
with great-synchronized precision. Eventually, the two opposing assaults (lines) inter-penetrated and individual American units exercised initiative and
continued fighting despite being nominally behind enemy lines.

Then, you will aim to the Aisne et Oise Cemetery. On the way you will see the Memorial Statue for the 42nd Rainbow Division that was inaugurated in November 2011.

It is now time for lunch in a nice, typical, local restaurant (your private guide will recommend it to you, not included in the price).

After the lunch, you will see the memorial Cemetery of Belleau and the wood aside of it, where the 2nd Brigade of the Marines
illustrated for its bravery and sense of Honor.

To end the day, you will visit the brand newly opened Memorial Museum in Meaux to get a better overall comprehension of the war.

After this visit, you private guide will drive you back to your hotel in Paris.

(All entrance fees included)

Extra charge for a pickup and/or a drop off outside Paris