WW I Museum in Meaux France

Tired of Paris shopping and need a day off from art appreciation go see a new museum located east of the city in the village of Meaux.  Meaux is in the Marne Valley and not far from Euro Disnyland.  A regional train frequently leaves from Gare de l'Est train station.  After arriving at the Meaux station, you purchase bus tickets and wait at the designated quai for bus M6.  After a short ride, you arrive at the museum (Le Musee de la Grande Guerre).  The highest adult admission ticket currently is 10 euros (subject to change).

Meaux is in the region where the first Battle of the Marne took place.  The German army was on the move to Paris.  The Germans had made tremendous geographic gains since the start of hostilities.  The pace of advance had been exhausting and they were at the end of a  very long supply line.  The ability of British and French forces to consolidate and stop the German advance led to both sides digging in with the start of trench warfare.  An interesting story was the movement of reinforcing French troops from Paris to the Marne via taxis.  An original taxi is exhibited along with this 1914 version of a French army communication center (see the following image).

The picture is a truck converted to a carrier for messenger pigeons.  The museum has approximately 50000 items and documents.  This is a worthwhile visit for young people and interested adults.  The museum is closed Tuesday and specific holidays (New Year, Christmas, and May 1st).  For those staying at Euro Disneyland, check with the hotel concierge for transportation suggestions.

The next several posts will cover the Battle of the Somme (July 1, 1916).