The best road cycling routes around Besmé

The sight of military cemeteries is always very sad, but we must not forget history.

The National Military Cemetery of Vic-sur-Aisne, created in 1921, is an impressive necropolis containing the remains of 3,046 French soldiers, mainly killed during the Battles of the Aisne in World War I. Of these, 932 are buried in two ossuaries, and seven others died during World War II. Among the thousands of French soldiers is Ma Yi Pao, a young Chinese legionnaire who died of wounds on September 2, 1918, at the age of 24. He was one of the few Chinese to actually serve as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, while most of his compatriots were employed as laborers. His grave (plot F, grave 59) is unique: he is the only officially recognized Chinese soldier to have died for France in this war.

Rethondes is associated with the armistice of 1918. On Sunday 10 November, Foch and Weygand attended mass in the small church. Outside hangs a commemorative plaque. Inside, the portraits of the two commanders are included in the stained glass window of the apse.

The church is believed to have been built in the 12th century under the authority of the Knights Templar[2]. The church was almost completely destroyed during the First World War and was rebuilt identically in its original Romanesque style. It received its new blessing on March 6, 1932. It is characterized by its two-story bell tower, one square and the other octagonal, the capitals in the shape of heads perched on small columns, numerous sculptures along the gutters, and the modillions carved with fantastical figures. Source: Wikipedia

Anecdote: Among the thousands of French soldiers lies Ma Yi Pao, a young Chinese legionnaire who died of his wounds on September 2, 1918 at the age of 24. He was one of the few Chinese who actually served as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, while most of his compatriots were deployed as laborers. His grave (plot F, grave 59) is unique: he is the only officially recognized Chinese soldier who died for France in this war.

The National Military Cemetery of Vic-sur-Aisne, created in 1921, is an impressive necropolis containing the remains of 3,046 French soldiers, mainly killed during the Battles of the Aisne in World War I. Of these, 932 are buried in two ossuaries, and seven others died during World War II.

We used the abbey park for our breakfast. A wonderful place for a break. 🫖🥖

Ourscamp Abbey is located a few kilometers from Noyon, in the upper Oise Valley. Founded in 1129, it is the second-oldest Cistercian abbey in Picardy. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Its longevity and conflicts have contributed to the abbey's transformations: from religious building to hospital and manufactory; over the centuries, it has served various purposes. Admire the ruins of the abbey church's Gothic choir, a magnificent stone structure. The nave, of which nothing remains, had nine sides, now symbolized by pine trees. Finally, the 13th-century sickbay, also known as the mortuary, is also worth a visit. Anecdotally: the abbey's name dates back to the 7th century. In 641, King Dagobert's advisor began construction, and according to the story, he used a bear to transport the heaviest materials...