3-day trip to Sedan, the "Gate to France"
Seldom did a city put ist stamp on two nations like Sedan in the Departement Champagne-Ardenne. Two major decisive battles, 1870 and 1940, as well as many other skirmishes, smaller battles and events made Sedan to a “Gate to France”. In the next three days you will learn from Brigadier General (retired) Joachim Behne the strateig and tactical secrets of Sedan.
Day 1
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Depart from Cologne with the Coach of Excellence to Sedan. Upon arrival in Greater Sedan we will investigate at first the operations of the German 1. Panzer Division. The afternoon begins with the check-in at our hotel, the Hotel La Porte de France. We will then do an excursion to the fabulous Bouillon Castle. It is Belgiums oldest relic of the medieval feudal system is rich on underground passages and huge vaults. The history of the castle goes back to the 8. Century. We will then return to the hotel for dinner. After that we will do another excursion at the castle, but this time with help of torches.
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Day 2
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Today we will look at the operations of the 1. Panzer Division between Bouillon and Chemery. In between we will learn of the encirclement of the French army of General MacMahon during the Battle of Sedan in 1870. A visit to Calvaire d`Illy is not going to be missed. We continue west to the small city of Stonne. This town was the scene of fierce fightinas it was the last chance fro France to stop the German juggernaut. The Battle of Stonne has been called by the Germans the "Verdun of 1940". The town itself switched side 17 times in 3 days (15-17th May). We the drive on to Novion-Porcien, where we will pay a visit to the Musée Guerre et Paix en Ardennes. This incredible museum deals with the battles of 1870, 1914 and 1940 on more than 4.000 square metres. After the visit to the German and French war cemetery we will return to Bouillon.
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Day 3
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The day begins with a visit to the Sedan Castle with ist impressive battle panorama. We then drive the short distance to Bazeilles where the heaviest fighting of the battle of 1870 occurred. We visit the museum “To the last round” and the Ferme Turenne, as well as the o Bazeilles ossouary and the monument of the Bavarian soldiers. Then we will return to Cologne.
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