Aisne Marne American Cemetery
Aisne Marne American Cemetery
4.5
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4.5
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Storyteller786003
Boca Raton, FL1 contribution
Jan 2023
A heads up to those who may want to do this as a day trip. There are three cab companies in the city. The day I arrived i called all three. One went to voice mail the other two said they had no cab’s. Uber had no cars available.I would have walked but the weather was not good for walking.
I will be back and try again, but will try to pre arrange a cab or Uber.
I will be back and try again, but will try to pre arrange a cab or Uber.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
unlimitedworldwide
New Braunfels, TX24 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Ok, if you are reading this then you already know the history and the importance to the US Marine Corps. You can read the other reviews about Belleau Wood, I am going to tell you the easiest and probably the cheapest way to get there and visit the battlefield and monuments. Catch the train to Chateaux Thierry from Gare du Est in Paris. Trains run a few times an hour there and back and will cost around 16 Euros. When you get to the station in Chateaux Thierry, call Taxis Castel at 03 23 83 06 02 and ask for Frangoise. She does not speak very much English but the dispatcher does. Tell them you want to tour the Belleau Wood battlefield and monuments. First stop should be the Aisne-Marne Monument. After you have walked around the monument and grounds, go to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery. The cemetery office is open almost every day of the year but check the schedule at the website abmc.gov. David Atkinson is the superintendent there and will be able to help you with information and just about anything else, including a map. The battlefield is located behind the cemetery and there is a road leading directly to the middle of it. After touring the battlefield you next want to head to the bulldog fountain (yes, the water is safe to drink!). If the Jack Pershing museum is closed (probably will be), David will have the key to get into the courtyard where the fountain is located. If you can’t get the key, walk around the building to the right and there you can get into the courtyard very easily. We traveled a long way to get there so we were ready to trespass if necessary but try to get the key first! If you have any questions or concerns, ask David. The taxi can pick you up at the train station, take you to the monument, cemetery, battlefield, the museum and fountain and anywhere else you want to go for a very reasonable price. We did everything, had time to walk the battlefield and it was less than 60 Euros. Of course, pricing depends on what you want to see and do. It is an awesome place to visit. Semper Fi
Written 16 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona L
U.K.115 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
This trip was the highlight of our holiday and the reason why our ex-US Marine son-in-law wanted to visit the area so much. We visited the cemetery, memorial and took a trip around the wood itself with the help of the written guided tour. It was really moving to stand on the hill overlooking the field where more US Marines were slaughtered in one day than had previously died in their entire history - over one thousand casualties in a single day. We stood in the dense, cool woodland overlooking the bright golden cornfield baked by a hot sunny day and it made your skin prickle, we couldn't hear any birdsong or other noise. It is hard to imagine what bravery and courage those men had to overcome their fears and climb that steep hill to defeat their enemy.
Of course we had to visit the famous/infamous Devil Dog fountain and our son-in-law drank from it thus increasing his life expectancy by ten years (if you believe the legend).
The cemetery is kept in immaculate condition and the lady at the Lodge was very helpful and friendly as was the young lady at the museum. It was poignant to read the names of the dead and think that so many of them had no doubt travelled to the US from Europe to find a better life and then returned to Europe to meet their death.
Look out for the marker on the opposite side of the road which marks the extent of the boundary line of the advance on November 1918 and also the little German cemetery just up the road which is in such stark contrast to the impressive glory of the American one. A poignant comment on victory and defeat in war.
An absolute must for every American to stop by and pay their respects to their fellow countrymen buried on foreign soil and a moving experience for all of us.
Of course we had to visit the famous/infamous Devil Dog fountain and our son-in-law drank from it thus increasing his life expectancy by ten years (if you believe the legend).
The cemetery is kept in immaculate condition and the lady at the Lodge was very helpful and friendly as was the young lady at the museum. It was poignant to read the names of the dead and think that so many of them had no doubt travelled to the US from Europe to find a better life and then returned to Europe to meet their death.
Look out for the marker on the opposite side of the road which marks the extent of the boundary line of the advance on November 1918 and also the little German cemetery just up the road which is in such stark contrast to the impressive glory of the American one. A poignant comment on victory and defeat in war.
An absolute must for every American to stop by and pay their respects to their fellow countrymen buried on foreign soil and a moving experience for all of us.
Written 4 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ceri S
Kimbolton, UK165 contributions
July 2020
Lovely place but such a shame that the visitors site is following American guidance of COVID not French guidance and is shut. Even though no one was around. There is no signs and no one around to tell you about the place therefore you have no idea the significance of some of the statues or places, no one was ther apart from the noisy leaf blower.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michaell T
Columbus, Georgia77 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
We left Paris from Gare du Est and took the train to Chateaux Thierry. It's only an hour to visit the battleground of Belleau Wood. It's easy to find the Monuments, Cemetary, Marine memorial with scattered cannon and the hotel (Best Western) where Marine groups stay. The hardest find was the "Devil Dog" memorial fountain. First you must find the small village of Belleau and it's Gen. Pershing Museum. The Devil Dog fountain is just across the street. Folks at the Museum must open the locked gate for you gain access to see the fountain.
Written 4 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sailorsgirl
Springfield, MO5,920 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Directly behind the beautiful WWI Aisne-Marne Cemetery (see my review) in Belleau Wood, France, you will find the Marine Memorial. Just turn left out of the Cemetery and head around until you come to the stone markers that indicate the way to the Memorial. The woods are very green and quiet, as is the cemetery. We were the only visitors. There are WWI weapons on display as well as the Marine Memorial near the flag pole. The peace and solitude offer the visitor a chance to walk the grounds and contemplate what war must have been like in this place. There isn't a great deal to see, but combined with the Aisne-Marne Cemetery and the beautiful little church across from the cemetery which commemorates the battle, all combined, make this a very important stop if you are visiting WWI and WWI Cemeteries and Memorials in France.
Since WWI sites are sometimes difficult to locate and are usually outside of tiny towns in the fields of France, I suggest doing your research in advance at the American Battle Monuments Commission website: www.abmc.gov. There, you will find all the information necessary to locate these and other cemeteries, monuments and memorials scattered throughout Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
The wars fought in these places were horrendous. Our eleven year old grandson Drew asked me why we visit the cemeteries. He feels they are sad and depressing. I explained to him that they are neither sad nor depressing. They are places where people of great courage rest. Places where we can take a moment to remember the thousands lost, with no graves to visit, only a name etched on a wall. They are lovely places that offer the opportunity for quiet contemplation, places of beautiful architecture and fragrant gardens, and most importantly, they remind us of our freedom and it's cost.
Since WWI sites are sometimes difficult to locate and are usually outside of tiny towns in the fields of France, I suggest doing your research in advance at the American Battle Monuments Commission website: www.abmc.gov. There, you will find all the information necessary to locate these and other cemeteries, monuments and memorials scattered throughout Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
The wars fought in these places were horrendous. Our eleven year old grandson Drew asked me why we visit the cemeteries. He feels they are sad and depressing. I explained to him that they are neither sad nor depressing. They are places where people of great courage rest. Places where we can take a moment to remember the thousands lost, with no graves to visit, only a name etched on a wall. They are lovely places that offer the opportunity for quiet contemplation, places of beautiful architecture and fragrant gardens, and most importantly, they remind us of our freedom and it's cost.
Written 13 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zhopa
London76 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
My American partner wanted to see a US military cemetery on our way back through France. I chose Aisne-Marne cemetery at random just because it was close to our route. I'm delighted I did, because I had no idea beforehand what an important site the nearby Belleau Wood is for US military history and the US Marine Corps in particular.
This tiny patch of the Western Front counts as the USMC's modern baptism of fire, with more casualties during this short burst of fighting than in its entire previous history - and as a result this is an iconic site with a huge attendance each year on Memorial Day, the US remembrance day. There is a trail through the wood, where you can visit key points in the fighting - but the best introduction is to talk to the curator at the cemetery at the foot of the wood, just in front of the village of Belleau. He can provide trail maps, information on this and other US sites, and plenty more besides including the wealth of US Marine folklore about the site, some of which is based on fact and some not so much.
There are only a small number of US WWI cemeteries and memorials in France, and for obvious reasons a lot fewer battle sites to visit than if you are interested in the French, British or Canadian history. But after our visit to Aisne-Marne and Belleau Wood, we would recommend this as the one to go to.
This tiny patch of the Western Front counts as the USMC's modern baptism of fire, with more casualties during this short burst of fighting than in its entire previous history - and as a result this is an iconic site with a huge attendance each year on Memorial Day, the US remembrance day. There is a trail through the wood, where you can visit key points in the fighting - but the best introduction is to talk to the curator at the cemetery at the foot of the wood, just in front of the village of Belleau. He can provide trail maps, information on this and other US sites, and plenty more besides including the wealth of US Marine folklore about the site, some of which is based on fact and some not so much.
There are only a small number of US WWI cemeteries and memorials in France, and for obvious reasons a lot fewer battle sites to visit than if you are interested in the French, British or Canadian history. But after our visit to Aisne-Marne and Belleau Wood, we would recommend this as the one to go to.
Written 1 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike M
Poplar Grove, IL317 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Without exception, this tour with Gilles Lagin was the best battlefield tour I have ever taken and probably the best tour overall, I just can’t remember them all.
Gilles, “jeeel”, is so passionate about his research of this specific moment in history that he can’t wait to share it with anyone who will pay attention. He is so through and accurate that I believe he may be the world’s foremost authority on WWI action in this area.
His tours are personalized to what is important to you. If you have family who served in WWI research as much as you can. Provide him with their names and as much information as you can including the unit they were in if possible and he will make sure you walk the same ground they did and he will describe every detail of that engagement. If you are a Marine, correspond with him ahead of time. He will make sure you see the historic, sacred spots of the battle, especially the Bulldog Fountain and the 1775 Pub where you absolutely must drink a toast with the owner to your comrades. You will understand why several Commandants of the Marine Corps, Secretaries of Defense, and every Marine General who can get here books Gilles for their tour. He is, after all, an honorary U. S. Marine!
These are personalized tours with no big bus or loudspeaker commentary. It will be the most moving day you ever spend on a battlefield. Just your small group having a conversation with the most passionate, excited, informative man you have ever met.’
I could gush on and on about our day with Mr. Lagin but I will say only this. If you take a WWI tour with him you will not be disappointed, you will not miss anything important to you, and if you do, contact me. I will take it as a personal embarrassment.
Gilles, “jeeel”, is so passionate about his research of this specific moment in history that he can’t wait to share it with anyone who will pay attention. He is so through and accurate that I believe he may be the world’s foremost authority on WWI action in this area.
His tours are personalized to what is important to you. If you have family who served in WWI research as much as you can. Provide him with their names and as much information as you can including the unit they were in if possible and he will make sure you walk the same ground they did and he will describe every detail of that engagement. If you are a Marine, correspond with him ahead of time. He will make sure you see the historic, sacred spots of the battle, especially the Bulldog Fountain and the 1775 Pub where you absolutely must drink a toast with the owner to your comrades. You will understand why several Commandants of the Marine Corps, Secretaries of Defense, and every Marine General who can get here books Gilles for their tour. He is, after all, an honorary U. S. Marine!
These are personalized tours with no big bus or loudspeaker commentary. It will be the most moving day you ever spend on a battlefield. Just your small group having a conversation with the most passionate, excited, informative man you have ever met.’
I could gush on and on about our day with Mr. Lagin but I will say only this. If you take a WWI tour with him you will not be disappointed, you will not miss anything important to you, and if you do, contact me. I will take it as a personal embarrassment.
Written 6 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikki J
Washington DC, DC281 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
I was surprised at the immaculate condition of this memorial site, especially since admission is free, and I am so happy that my husband (a USMC infantry officer) and I were able to make the trip. We rented a car and drove less than an hour outside of Paris to find it nestled in beautiful French countryside. We arrived over lunch, so the superintendent was not around while we roamed the cemetery and the memorial, but we caught him later after trying (and failing) to find the Devil Dog Fountain in the village. He spent about an hour with us, telling us everything we wanted to know about the history (and folklore) of the area.
He then gave us the key and precise instructions on how to access the fountain (it is nestled in the village behind a little gate, across from the Pershing museum.) The water was delicious and I'm already feeling younger :)
Also, don't miss the trench remnants. It makes for a somber, yet thoughtful experience. Very worthy day trip from Paris.
He then gave us the key and precise instructions on how to access the fountain (it is nestled in the village behind a little gate, across from the Pershing museum.) The water was delicious and I'm already feeling younger :)
Also, don't miss the trench remnants. It makes for a somber, yet thoughtful experience. Very worthy day trip from Paris.
Written 25 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
77027
Roseland, VA127 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
The purpose of our trip was to visit WWI sites with American involvement. You can also see our review of visiting Verdun with Ingrid Ferrand as guide (she's wonderful).
It's important, we believe, to read some history ahead of time to fully appreciate the site. Belleau Wood was another example where young soldiers are tested by charging a line of fire. It's meaningful to see the terrain to more fully understand the battle.
Gille has much expertise on Belleau Wood and we enjoyed our day very much. He was easy to communicate with prior to our travels, and he was very prompt and attentive about sharing his knowledge. He was also kind to research a distant relative and confirmed that he did not serve in northern France.
It would have made it a much better experience for us if he'd told us that there would be no stops for toilet, drinks or lunch all day (9am - 4pm). That was rather grueling.
It's important, we believe, to read some history ahead of time to fully appreciate the site. Belleau Wood was another example where young soldiers are tested by charging a line of fire. It's meaningful to see the terrain to more fully understand the battle.
Gille has much expertise on Belleau Wood and we enjoyed our day very much. He was easy to communicate with prior to our travels, and he was very prompt and attentive about sharing his knowledge. He was also kind to research a distant relative and confirmed that he did not serve in northern France.
It would have made it a much better experience for us if he'd told us that there would be no stops for toilet, drinks or lunch all day (9am - 4pm). That was rather grueling.
Written 29 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What documentation does my Marine hudband need to be able to get the key and drink?
Written 2 November 2023
500 dollars seems like a lot for a tour of this nature. I’ve done tours to chichen itza, and in Greece for a lot less, and seemingly longer duration. What am i missing? Is there some benefit to the tour i don’t see? I like these types of tours for their simplicity in that i don’t have to worry about directions or driving in a foreign country, but even renting a car, damaging it, and paying a deductible is cheaper than 1000 for 2 tickets here.
Written 15 February 2020
Dear Sir,
Right you are. $ 500 for a visit to Belleau Wood and the Aisne Marne Memorial is a lot of money for what is offered. It is nothing less than a ripp off, in particular as these sites, and many more in the vicinity can be visited for free, them being under the care of the American Battle Monuments Committee (ABMC)
Last year I organized a 3-day tour of the Champagne battlefields, including the above mentioned sites and many more (4 to 5 visits per day), hotel, lunches and transportation by bus for the equivalent of $ 460. On a non-profit basis, but still…
My advise would be 1) buy Battle Field Guide to The Western Front-South by Major & Mrs Holt (Pen & Sword Military) which provides excellent explanations of what happened + driving instructions + schematic road maps, 2) use your own car or rent one (these days they all have a navigation system on board), and do it on your own or with a couple of friends. Or, 3) pop into the Tourist Information at Château - Thierry. There they will provide you with excellent advise and information on what is to be seen and to be done around Château - Thierry. Have a look at their website (also available in English) for what they have on offer at prices far below the $ 500 you're being asked to pay.
Kind regards!
Written 16 February 2020
How do I go about contacting they tour guide you mentioned. I am a U.S. Marine heading there with a few buddies in a couple weeks....
Written 24 May 2019
Hi John,
Can you tell me where you rented a car in Chateau Thierry?
Written 13 June 2022
I am a retired US Marine and would like contact info on your guide. We are planning our trip for August 2019.
Thanks, Pete
Written 24 November 2018
And tell us about your trip. We can tell you what we did, comment on your plans and offer some ideas to make it even better.
Written 5 December 2018
Hi Mike,
Would you kindly let me know how you registered for a tour with Gilles? Did you just show up, or did you contact them ahead of time?
Many thanks for your time,
Christen
Written 13 November 2018
We didn't use a guide. Our time was short because there were a few other USMC places in the area that we wanted to visit that day. So we just drove to the the Marine Memorial and walked around the wood.
Written 14 November 2018
Does anybody know if the French government is planning any type of ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood? If so, when is it and where will it be?
Thank you
Written 16 January 2018
I would check with the US government: or with US Marines as so significant in their history.
Written 31 January 2018
We are visiting Paris in March and it appears difficult to find a tour to Belleau Wood. Would it work well to take the train to Chateau-Thierry and then a taxi. Could we get around are area without a car. My son is a Marine and I am sure he would like to visit the fountain. Is this possible by train/taxi? Thank you.
Written 4 January 2017
I would suggest renting a car and driver. You can take the train to Chateau-Thierry and have a car pick you up there. If you are brave enough, you can rent a car there instead but I am not comfortable driving in foreign countries, even Mexico! We rented a car with a driver from Paris but he ended up getting lost. We got an amazing tour of the countryside and he did not charge us extra! I think it is well worth the trouble. It was an amazing experience. There is a small town of Marney which has a little museum which is right next to the property that has the fountain for the Devil Dogs. You can get the key from the museum but only US Marines are allowed to visit the fountain. As a mom, I was allowed but was not to drink from it. The memorial is just outside of Marney and is beautiful. If you can, go early in the morning. There is a staff there that is paid by the American government and they love to host Marines. They can give you directions to the battlefield which is about 2-3 miles away. That is also amazing. You can see the foxholes, the craters from the bombs, the fields the Marines had to cross. It is honestly one of the most beautiful memories I have with my son. I highly suggest it. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. No one is Paris was really aware of this place and it took some digging to get there but so worth it.
Written 5 January 2017
Mr. Rickiaustin
Why did you use the services of a grave robber?
Mr. Lagin's museum is full of artefacts stolen from the battlefield. These same artefacts could have been used, if left where they were, in identifying some of the MIA's listed inside the chapel of the adjacent Aisne-Marne Cemetery.
Please learn to respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom by not supporting a grave robber.
The story of Francis Lupo, honored in the chapel of the Aisne-Marne Cemetery and at Arlington National Cemetery, is an excellent example on how a soldier's remains can be identified more than 85 years after his disappearance, thanks to his personal belongings that had been left untouched by grave robbers.
David Atkinson
Retired Superintendent Aisne-Marne American Cemetery
Written 10 June 2016
Hello:
I would like to know how much time I need to visit Balleau Woods and the American cemetery without rushing. Your help appreciated.
Patrick
Written 25 May 2015
They say plan a cpl hours at battlefield but it can be done in an hour if your physically up for it. Uneven terrain and hills. They have a great map and trail for the battlefield. Cemetary is about an hour depending upon what headstones you may be interested in as well as the memorial chapel. It is small, only cpl hundred yards across. If your lucky you can get a detailed battle description from the cwnetary director which is another 30 minutes or so if your a history buff. If your Marine then add another half hour to get to the fountain and take it in.
Written 26 May 2015
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