France, along with many other countries in Europe and throughout the world, has been affected by wars throughout history. France has been at the forefront of many battles throughout its history, so it is a haven for war and history buffs to visit, both due to the many monuments located throughout the country and the many battlefields and historic locations throughout the country. Many places remain that can be seen, from mansions in France used by the Nazis to palaces lived in by Napoleon. There is history for everyone.
Although war and its aftermath will always be controversial, the fact remains they happened—these events’ locations intrigue academics and amateurs who have connections or have read about history. A few countries will always be important to these aspects of history, and the franchise is one of them. Here we have looked at several locations associated with a few different wars in Frances’s history. We will examine why they are important and how it might be possible to visit these locations.
Schoenenbourg Maginot Line Fort:
This fort was one of France’s series after world war I to stop any future German invasions. These forts and other underground tunnels were built along the German and French border and were designed to last continued assaults.
This fort especially contained food, weapons stocks, water, and electricity supply. When it fell into disrepair, local councils took it upon themselves to restore the fortifications’ remains and later open it up to the public. Following WWII, it remained in use until the mid-1980s due to the cold war and several other political reasons.
Somme battlefields:
The sight of huge death and destruction during the first world war is now quite a beautiful location in which it is hard to believe that over a million soldiers lost their lives during the enormous battle. Many tours will take you to some of the most important locations on the battlefield or stroll around the area yourself. As not much remains of the fortifications or the battle itself, it Is hard to comprehend the events which took place here, though it is still hugely important to events that took place in Europe in the years after the war.
The region of Piccadilly where the battles occurred can be easily reached by car from Paris as it is located just North of the city. There are several towns where you can glean some history of the site and the battles, and there would also be some of the starting points for the tours.
Oradour-Sur-Glane
The site of one of the many atrocities carried out by the Nazis in world war two. The town of Oradour-Sur-Glane was almost destroyed in 1944, and over 600 residents were killed. The ruins remain a reminder of the war events, which are now protected by French law, although tours are permitted in the area. A museum has been built far away from the ruins so as not to disturb the area.
Survivors of the town rebuilt the town a few miles away as they could not return to the site of this incident. The ruins can be reached from the larger city of Limoges, serviced by several airlines.
Normandy beaches:
Arguably the most important battlefield in recent French history, the Normandy beaches, was the D-day landings science on the six h of June 1944. They marked a turning point in the western side of the war in ww2 as allied forces began to push from the west. The beaches now contain many memorials to the events of that day, and there are a few remnants of the battlefield which can be explored.
The surrounding areas contain many museums, exhibits, and tours which you can take. The cemeteries of the fallen soldiers on both sides of the war can also be seen on a trip to the areas, with tours organized among these as well.
You can reach Normandy up to two hours from Paris y car, and ferry and train services are also available. Organizing a tour from Paris through your accommodation or a travel agency may be possible.
Arc de triumph:
Located along the famous Champs, Elysee is probably the largest and most renowned war artifact situated in France. SituNapoleon ordered its construction to commemorate the soldiers lost in the Napoleonic wars. ated in Paris’s capital, this monument was probably on your to-see list even without its connections to Napoleon and the first world war.
It contains many engravings of battles and events throughout the wars. Its construction took over 30 years, and later, the tomb of the unknown soldier has added to comfort the lives lost in both world wars. Even for those without an interest in history, this will surely be a location you visit on a trip to Paris.
Although a sad subject, these places are hugely important to world history and France. Take your time to appreciate the significance and impact of each location in history. Some areas will interest you, while others may not, but they are worth visiting.
