b'MONS AND LE CATEAUTHE BATTLES OF THE OPENING SHOTS AND LEADERSHIP CRISIS Scan hereMARNE AND AISNE Scan here for the fullfor the full itinerary itinerary31 AugustHistorical Background GERMANYS MISSED OPPORTUNITY3 September 2025 This tour focuses on both the first fights and high-command issues 4 days involving the British in August 1914: Mons, the subsequent retreat, the611 September 2025 Historical BackgroundExpert Historian: stands at Le Cateau and Landrecies and the contradictory strategic options. Based out of Mons and Cambrai you will appreciate how the6 days The German Schlieffen Plan advance was halted in September 1914 just Simon Jones professionalism of the BEF in terms of tactics, training and leadership wasExpert Historian: north of Paris by a vast battle at the River Marne (the Miracle on the Activity Level: 2 able to stem the tide of the German advance and draw them away fromSimon Jones Marne). Forced to retire, the Germans dug in on the Chemin des Dames their intended objectives. Under the guidance of our expert historian youridge, overlooking the River Aisne. Trench lines spread north and south, will gain an insight into the politics and rationale of high-level militaryActivity Level: 2 with stalemate ensuing. In spring 1917 a new French commander, Nivelle, The well-trained army regulars andthinking that prevailed at the beginning of the war with particular emphasisclaimed he could break the deadlock but his attack collapsed in mutiny.reservists of the British Expeditionary Forceon those surrounding British General Horace Smith-Dorrien. On this fantastic tour we visit keyIn May 1918, the Germans unleashed a massive offensive on the now quiet (BEF) saw their first action of the Great Warbattlefields of the First World War onChemin des Dames, overwhelming resting British divisions. Chteaux-on the outskirts of Mons in Belgium onwhich French, American and British troopsThierry fell, but American forces stopped the attackers at Belleau Wood. August 22nd 1914. The Kaiser disparaginglyfought, and stunning memorials, dramaticWhen the Germans attacked again, the French were pre-warned and referred to them as a contemptible littlescenery and a remarkable legacy of battle.Marshal Fochs counteroffensive in July inaugurated a series of German army and by late November they had beenThe farms and villages where the bluedefeats which ended in Allied victory.virtually destroyed. But in so doing theyand scarlet-clad French defeated the had succeeded in helping foil the GermanGerman advance in the Battle of the Marne Schlieffen Plan keeping the enemy both outsurvive today as they were in September of both Ypres and Paris. During the retreat1914. In the Chemin des Dames and from Mons, the commander of II Corps,Champagne sectors, bunkers, caves and General Smith-Dorrien, disobeyed the directghost villages are testament of fiercely orders of his superior, Sir John French, todestructive battles of 1915-1918 while a make his famous stand at Le Cateau. recently rediscovered trench network at Massiges is an astonishing insight into life in the front line. The preserved Belleau Wood battlefield near Chteaux-Thierry commemorates the epic fight by US Marines in 1918 during the 2nd Battle of the Marne. The vast cemeteries bear witness to terrible sacrifice while the memorialsDay 1 The British at the Marne 1914: Eurostar train to Paris or make your ownare among the most dramatic on thearrangements to join the tour at the hotel. Drive to La Fert-sous- Western Front. The American memorialsJouarre - British Memorial to the Missing of 1914. Mondemont - National honour their fallen on a breath-takingMonument to the Victory on the Marne. Continue to Chteaux-Thierry.scale, while few can match the emotionHotel in Chteaux-Thierry5 nights. (D)of the French Phantoms of the MarneDay 2 The 1914 Marne battlefield: Grande Tombe de Villeroy, Charles Pguy depicting warriors risen from the deadmemorial, Chambry Cemetery, Ferme de Champfleury, Muse de la Grande above the 1918 battlefield. Guerre at Meaux. (B,D)Day 3 The Aisne 1914, the Chemin des Dames 1917 and 1918: Laffaux Mill; Fort de La Malmaison; Caverne du Dragon; Cerny-en-Laonnois and Vendresse Cemeteries; Marie-Louise Monument, Hurtebise Farm; Craonne Observatory Tower; La Ville aux Bois; Monument National des chars dassaut. (B,D)Day 4 The Champagne Offensives: Fort de la Pompelle Museum; Russian Day 1 Depart London St Pancras for Lille Europe with Eurostar or make yourCemetery, St Hilaire-le-Grand; Navarin Farm Monument; Sommepy American own arrangements to join the tour at Lille Europe. Coach to First ShotMonument; Main de Massiges trenches. Dinner at your own expense this Memorial at Casteau. Welcome drinks and an introductory talk by ourevening. (B)guide. Hotel in Mons1 night. (D) Day 5 The Marne 1918: US 3rd Division Memorial; Battles of the Marne Memorial, Day 2 Opening action around Mons: incl. Casteau, Obourg Station and NimyDormans; Marfaux British Cemetery; Italian War Cemetery, Chambrecy; Bridge; St Symphorien Cemetery; Elouges. Hotel in Cambrai - 2 nights.42nd Rainbow Division American Memorial Croix Rouge Farm; Oise-Aisne (B,D) American Cemetery, Seringes-et-Nesles; Les Fantmes Memorial; and Buzancy Military Cemetery. (B,D)ESSENTIALS Day 3 Guards Brigade rear-guard action at Landrecies, stopping blow at ESSENTIALS Day 6 . The Marne Memorials: Chteau-Thierry - US 3rd Division Memorial; Maison 4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Le Cateau, Munsters stand at Etreux. Lunch in a restaurant. (B,L,D) 4-star hotels, meals as indicated,de lAmiti France-Amrique; American Monument. Belleau Wood- Memorial; drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 4 Cerizy, Nery, Villers Cotterets, Guards Grave Cemetery. Continue to Parisdrinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Aisne-Marne American Cemetery; Muse de la Mmoire. Return to Paris and tour manager and expert historianGare de Nord - evening Eurostar back to London St Pancras or perhapstour manager and expert historianreturn Eurostar train to London or perhaps extend your stay in France. (B)throughout, all internal travel, extend your stay in France. (B) throughout, all internal travel,optional travel from UK. optional travel from UK.42 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 43'