Tag Archives: Varennes-en-Argonne

News and Events–Over There: Update on Local Centennial Events in France

June 11, 2018 by Randy
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As anticipated, numerous individuals, associations and communities in France are planning special events and exhibits for the 2018 Centennial.  The list below provides an update.  Travelers should consider working these events into their 2018 travel plans. The events below have been added to the 2018 Centennial Events page on the website.   Harry Rupert’s Photo Exposition of Americans in Chatel-Chehery and the Argonne:     Sjoerd van der Ven’s 89th Division Tours and Living History Event in Early November:     An On-going Exhibit at Continue reading →

Travel Tips: Finding a Quick, Good Lunch

May 12, 2018 by Randy
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    For battlefield visitors, it can be difficult to find quick and tasty lunch options without spending more than an hour in a restaurant. One option is to stock up on bread, meat, cheese, etc. at a Supermarket BEFORE the 12h00 – 14h00 lunch shutdown.  In the Meuse-Argonne region, there is a Coccinelle brand store in Doulcon (by Dun-sur-Meuse) and there are Carrefour Express brand stores in Grandpre and in Varennes-en-Argonne.  The Webmaster is less familiar with other regions of France. A second and Continue reading →

La Vie en France #20: A Look at Rural French Towns Along the Battlefield

October 3, 2017 by Randy
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Part 1:  What’s in a Town? This look at towns began with one of the Webmaster’s first tour clients; who as a town planner was interested in their water sources, including the historical lavoir or wash house.  Starting from there, the Webmaster began to see other common features too.  Regardless of size, almost every French town in the sector has the following items: Mairie (Town Hall)–If the town is large enough it is usually a combined Mairie/École.) War Memorial Church Salle de Fête  (Party Hall)–Regardless Continue reading →

Then and Now: Varennes-en-Argonne (?)

April 14, 2016 by Randy
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    Caption:  The above U.S. Army Signal Corps photo serves as the dust jacket cover for Mitchell Yockelson’s recent book:  “Forty-Seven Days:  How Pershing’s Warriors came of age to Defeat the German Army in World War 1.”  The picture is captioned Varennes.  However, the street-scape in the “now” photo does not line up at all with the “then” photo.  Nevertheless, the webmaster is quite certain that the Google earth “now” photo is the right location for three reasons:  1) The angle of the hill and curve Continue reading →

Then and Now: German Narrow Gauge Railroad Station at Varennes–Part of the Argonnenbahn

May 31, 2015 by Randy
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  Caption:  The German narrow gauge railroad station at Varennes-en-Argonne; part of the “Argonnenbahn.”  That is, the narrow gauge network that the Germans operated throughout the Argonne Forest and vicinity.   Location:  On the D38a northwest of Varennes-en-Argonne.  Note:  The reason for the numerous now pictures is to show that the remains are well hidden by brush.  It is the remains of Varennes in the circle that identifies the building.  The station is NOT the similar looking building in good condition several meters to the Continue reading →