Since moving to Reims, France 7 years ago, the Brodier family has frequently travelled along the A26. The Autoroute des Anglais links Calais, Arras, Cambrai, St Quentin, Laon, Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne and Troyes. Over 50 brown road signs, written in French, indicate cathedrals, museums and places of interest, but the meanings are not clear to English speakers. ‘Eperlecques’, ‘Les Terrils’, ‘Touage Souterrain de Riqueval’, ‘Le Chemin des Dames’ and ‘La Mode en Maille’ are just some of the intriguing examples.
After many hours of research, Joy Brodier, has compiled a booklet that includes lesser known facts and quirky pieces of information seldom found in run-of-the-mill tourist guides.
The motorway between Bethune and Reims roughly follows the front line of fighting during World War 1. The countryside of Northern France may appear bleak and uninteresting, but it was the scene of trench warfare, destruction, battles, bombing, gassing and sacrifice during the Great War of 1914-1918.
Those holidaying in the Picardie, Champagne-Ardenne or Bourgogne regions or just passing through on route to the South of France will hopefully find pleasure from this guide.
After many hours of research, Joy Brodier, has compiled a booklet that includes lesser known facts and quirky pieces of information seldom found in run-of-the-mill tourist guides.
The motorway between Bethune and Reims roughly follows the front line of fighting during World War 1. The countryside of Northern France may appear bleak and uninteresting, but it was the scene of trench warfare, destruction, battles, bombing, gassing and sacrifice during the Great War of 1914-1918.
Those holidaying in the Picardie, Champagne-Ardenne or Bourgogne regions or just passing through on route to the South of France will hopefully find pleasure from this guide.
