We pause today in the midst of the WW1 battlefields around Verdun. For 10 months in 1916 German forces tried to break the French lines around the city of Verdun. By the end of this battle of about three quarters of a million casualties over 300,000 were dead. Many others had horrific wounds that changed their lives forever. The Ossuary at Douaumont contains the bones of around 130,000 soldiers (from both nations) who could not be identified. Outside a further 16,000+ graves honour fallen soldiers of France who were identified. We continued to the Fort of Douaumont (one of twelve which surrounded Verdun) and gazed out over the forests which now cover the battlefields. The forests were planted after the war and shelter the remains of tens of thousands who died here and have no other grave.
Our second overnight stop was in the city of Nancy. At the heart of the city is the Place Stanislaus, a magnificent 18th century creation and now World Heritage Site. Named for exiled Polish King Stanislaus the square is surrounded by gloriously elegant buildings, fountains and decorative grills. As the deposed Stanislaus was the father in law to the French King, Louis 15th , he was given the Duchy of Lorraine by his son in law. Stanislaus, who had no real independence, concentrated on beautifying is capital in a light baroque style. Nancy became part of France on the death of Stanislaus in 1766.
A meal here as the daylight faded was a lovely way to end the day.
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Негізгі бет Douaumont Ossuary World War 1 Memorial - Fort de Douaument - ending the day in the city of Nancy🇫🇷
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