The best road cycling routes around Chaudefontaine

This ossuary, which has the status of a national necropolis, houses the remains of approximately 10,000 soldiers who fell during the Battle of Argonne. The imposing monument found there was created by the sculptor Raoul Eugène Lamourdedieu.

The Saint-Roch chapel appeared in the 17th century, well before the La Harazée national necropolis next to which it is located. The latter contains the remains of 1,672 soldiers who fell during the Battle of Argonne.

This impressive American WWI memorial was dedicated in 1937 to commemorate the victory of the American First Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (26 September – 11 November 1918). The 54-metre-high Doric granite column, designed by John Russell Pope, is topped by a statue symbolising liberty. The monument stands on the hill of Montfaucon, where a medieval monastery once stood and where the Americans achieved a strategic victory in 1918.

Tips: Climb the 234 steps to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of the former battlefield. Read the inscriptions at the foot of the monument with the names of the participating divisions.

This impressive American WWI memorial was dedicated in 1937 to commemorate the victory of the American First Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (26 September – 11 November 1918). The 54-metre-high Doric granite column, designed by John Russell Pope, is topped by a statue symbolising liberty 1 2. The monument stands on the hill of Montfaucon, where a medieval monastery once stood and where the Americans achieved a strategic victory in 1918.

As a memorial to the many war dead, such places of remembrance are still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." it says in the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the large number of those buried here did not depart in peace, but became senseless victims of war and tyranny. The most important and everlasting function of such monuments (in German-speaking countries mostly referred to as soldiers' cemeteries or war graves) is therefore to remind each generation anew of the need to permanently preserve peace.

The Hermitage of Saint-Rouin is a modern chapel built on the site of an ancient hermitage where Saint-Rouin, founder of the Beaulieu-en-Argonne abbey, lived in the 7th century. The chapel, designed by the architect and Dominican friar L.-B. Rayssiguier, is a striking example of concrete architecture with geometric shapes and colorful stained glass windows. You can admire the minimalist interior and the altar made of sandstone blocks, as well as the 17th century altarpiece of the Assumption located in the enclosure. The Hermitage of Saint-Rouin is a place of pilgrimage and celebration every year on September 17, the feast day of Saint-Rouin. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forest and the panoramic views from the hilltop. The Hermitage of Saint-Rouin is a hidden gem that will inspire you with its history and art.

The Forester Cemetery is dedicated to soldiers who died during the First World War. Located in the heart of the Argonne forest, this cemetery is home to 2,000 tombs, including ten of Garibaldians. The particularity of this place is that each grave is decorated with a hydrangea bush, creating a colorful contrast with the greenery of the forest. You can also explore the nearby sites of Haute Chevauchée, such as the Ossuary Monument, the Génie Ravine and the Kaiser Tunnel, where you can learn more about the battles that took place in the region. A hike in the surrounding area is sure to immerse you in the history and beauty of Argonne.