The Hell of Verdun

The sheer hell which both the French and the Germans went through at Verdun is difficult to understand. Like so many battles in the First World War there seems to be little strategic value to Verdun. it seems that  the Germans t were affraid of losing face within world opinion and so looked for a quick and decisive victory to raise their stautus within the emerging world order. The battle was fought over ten months during which time little was gained by either side. Lines moved forward and then backward according to who was prepared to lose men in the process. The first picture shows some trench remains. Such views are common place in and around the area as the government have preserved the ground as a mass grave.

During the siege of Verdun 9 vilages were completely destroyed. This was what remained of Douville. Today two of the villages have been re-built while the other seven are remembered by a variety of memorials. However, even today each of the nine has a Town Major despite the fact that seven have no population.

Following the Franco/Prussian wars in 1870s the French built a series of fortifications forming the Maginot line to protect the border with Germany. This fort is one of many which can be visited in the area. The forts commanded the high ground and in theory should have stopped the German advance. At the time of the start of the Battle for Verdun these forts were unarmed and manned by a handful of reservist soldiers. Oh la la.....merde. Someone made a blunder.

Verdun

We left Freiburg yesterday morning and after one of the most wonderful journeys through Colmar and across the Vosges we travelled through Alsace up to Verdun. For anyone who loves scenery, beautiful buildings, lakes etc this is a must road. At the highest point of the road, we saw a ski lift  taking walkers and mountain bikers up to the summit,sadly we could not park up so missed out.

Verdun is another fascinating city. We English have a reasonable knowledge of the battle of the Somme but very little of Verdun. The Battle of Verdun was largely a German/French affair. Each country lost over 275000 men and a further 800000 were injured over the 10 months of siege. The stories are similar to the depravity of Ipres and the Somme. Trench warfare, with mud and rats playing major parts.

We visited the fort which formed part of the Maginot line. The 6 euros entrance fee included an automated car ride underground through a series of tunnels depicting the life of a Verdun soldier. This was 6 euros well spent. We even got our own little interpreting machine to hang round our necks.

The town has many memorials and of course cemetaries. Most are free to visit while others are very reasonably priced. The following picture celebrates the five branches of the French army involved in the defense of Verdun.

Of course we could not visit France without paying homage to the true French icon.

Wood Carving Stall.

This one is especially for you Alan. We had one final look around the market and came across this fantastic stall of wood calvings. I asked the owner if he needed any help and he said he would be delighted to give you a job any time. So get those chisels sharpened big Al.....

The Seepark Freiburg

Today,our final day in Freiburg we ventured further on our bikes to the Seepark. A lake with boating and so many things. We loved the layout but were most amazed to see in one corner of this five acre lake an area set aside for terrapins. there were loads of them swimming, sitting on logs and just generally terrapinning about.

Alternatives to Motorhoming

In Germany it seems that every camping site goes to extraordinary lengths to cater for everone's needs. You have the standard facilities such as pitch rental and elctric hook up. In addition they all seem to offer rental tents, caravans and other accommodations. These pictures sho some of the alternatives here at Camping Mosel Park.

Sites even offer rooms where people can cook their food. These contain cookers, utensils, plates and so forth. Little wonder that the sites are constantly full. As well as offering great facilities they are ridiculously inexpensive compared to those in the UK.

Freiburg by Working Day

The square around the old cathedral was empty on Sunday not as I remembered it as a boy. Today it was alive with market stalls selling wonderful fresh produce and various meats and sausages.

The streets of the old city came alive today with street entertainers on every corner. This guy was playing his accordion which activated his dancing dolls. Absolutely fabulous.

Bike Training centre

You could be forgiven for thinking that this picture is of some cycle paths in and around the woods. However, it's much more than that. Every child at the age of 8 or 9 has to complete a cycling proficiency course which culminates in a test. This is the test centre. It comes complete with signs, level crossing, traffic lights and so forth. The idea is logical given the number of people who cycle. This morning on the way back from the old town I, in all my cycle gear, on my 21 speed mountain bike giving all I had, was passed by a very elderly lady in a frock with no shoes on. These fraulines in frocks are a mennace. I bet some of them have not passed their tests.

The Finely Tuned Athlete

Hi Folks.

Having spent a few hours again in the saddle this finely tuned athlete has succomed to a nifty beer in the beer garden. Anyone who tells you that Germany is expensive is a dumkoft a large beer is 2.5 euros and its mighty fine stuff. Will be back on the bike tomorrow so might allow myself an ice cream as well as the odd cheeky beer.

Blogging till the break of dawn.

The trouble with this blogging lark is it becomes addictive. Ann lies in the sun baking while I blog and blog and blog. When we get home I will need some deco time. What a sad person sitting under the sun shade in 33 degrees of heat, clear blue sky, cool beers in the fridge, birds of prey flying overhead, beautiful people all round me, and Im blogging..........living the dream.

Chas.

Freiburg by day.

Sunday morning.

We cycled in to Freiburg.....yes Neil we cycled into Freiburg, along the river bank. It was absolutely fab. I can see why people cycle so much here there are dedicated paths and cycle lanes everywhere. In addition to that the car drivers are so considerate unlike on the Autobahn where there are no actual speed limits. In the city bikes can go pretty much everywhere including the wrong way up one way systems which was perhaps as well for us. Freiburg has changed since I was last there in 1962 but still has many beautiful parts especially in the Old Town area.

Camping Mosel Park

Hi Bloggspotters.

Arrived at Camping Mosel Park Freiburg on Saturday 18th around mid-day. On arrival the site looked pretty full and after a poor nights sleep last night in Sigmaringen we were a little apprehensive. However, we booked in to find a lovely couple running a superb site with excellent facilities. The picture shows the restaurant and bar area. There's a fish pond around which overnight light weight campers can stop.

Crowded Roads

The road fromSigmaringem to Freiburg was the B311. Good old sat nav kept trying to send us on the Autubahn but we resisted thank goodness. The 311 was fabulous. Good surface, little traffic and lots of little towns to top up supplies such as pastries and bread. Ann bought me the worlds biggest custard danish pastry which of course I was forced into eating out of politeness. Every so often along this deserted road would come a group of bikers sometimes as many as forty at a time...great biking country.

Sigmaringem

On our way from Bavaria to freiburg we stopped at a town called Sigmaringem. The campsite was right next to the river on which groups were kayaking. Lots of young teenagers. The site was next to a night club..not much sleep and one to miss for the future. The town however, was as many arevery beautiful. The picture shows the town centre with typical architecture and lots of bars as usual.