Suggested routes all completed
I have created all of our suggested routes for the Wander.
I have circulated them by email, along with everyone's mobile numbers.
Please note:
(1) I have created two options to go to Verdun, possibly on the Saturday.
(i) An indirect way, swinging into Verdun from the north, taking in some quite small roads that criss-cross back and forth. This route goes past the main sites but 'backwards', which might make sense only to those that have not been before, finishing up at the cafes in the middle of Verdun itself. There is then a reasonably direct route back, avoiding the motorway.
(ii) A more direct way, roughly west to east. This brings you to the Verdun Ossuary at the start of the circuit, ending at the cafe between the ossuary and the bayonet trench. This might make more sense to those that haven't been before. The ossuary has quite a good cinema which shows films (in English) explaining the battle and its significance in France even today; it's worth seeing. The route then runs north and west, missing out some of the smaller criss-cross roads.
(2) For the next day, I have created a route to Pont a Mousson, via Nancy. Then back to the hotel.
(3) For the route back to the Chunnel on the last day, there are two routes.
(i) This we did last time, running right up to the coast, then a short motorway hop to the Chunnel
(ii) A slightly shorter version which picks up the motorway at St Pol. Both are reasonably long but picking up the motorway is obviously quicker
Both are routed through Peronne, from where it's possible to pick up the motorway anyway.
(4) There is always the bus and / or train option to go to Verdun.
Here is the train timetable. I can't find an on-line version for the busses, though I know there is a bus. The bus stop is just down the road from the hotel, with the timetable displayed. Failing that, the tourist office is only across the street.
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/trai..._station_to_verdun_train_station_622_643.aspx
Here are some links of things to see:
http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/verdun/verdcent.html
http://www.tourisme-verdun.fr/en_ossuary-of-douaumont.php
http://www.worldwar1.com/heritage/bayonet.htm
http://www.euro-t-guide.com/See_Coun/France/F_NE/F_See_Montfaucon_US_Monument_1-1.htm
See you at the train or at the Ibis, St Omer.... except Paintman, who is going on the boat. See you at the hotel.
Richard