World War I

World War I and Other War Memorials

War memorials, World War I and later, of all shapes and sizes scan be found everywhere you look in France.

From the small memorials in villages, to the memorials found in the countryside at the intersection of two roads to the Arc du Triomphe in Paris which bears the names of all French victories from the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution, and shelters the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI , the message is the same:

We must not forget the sacrifice made in war.

World War I Memorial in St-Mihel France, near Verdun

Village road side memorial near Le Puley, France

“To the memory of all those who died in the Resistance saving Paris.” – near Chablis France

If you are planning a vacation to the northeast area of France, I strongly encourage you to visit the memorial at Dormans which commemorates the two battles of WWI that took place in the Marne. This two story Gothic style monument rises above the valley and overlooks the Chateau de Dormans. The Dormans monument is located on the D980 west of Reims.

Dormans Battle of the Marne WW I  Memorial

East of Reims there are a multitude of memorials in and around Verdun. Besides the museum at Verdun and numerous roadside monuments, the Memorial and Ossuary at Douaumont was definitely worth the visit. While you are there, be sure to tour Fort Douaumont.

Although the monuments you see in France were begun as a means to remember those who died in the war to end all wars, WWI, you will now find names have been added to include those who died in subsequent wars.