1918 Marines at Belleau - The full story of the USMC Devil Dogs at Belleau Wood from Paris
This private day tour from Paris is a unique experience to explore the famous battlefields of WW1 where the US Marine Corps lost more men that in its entire history till then and deserved the nick- name "DEVIL DOGS". It is a very in depth tour that covers every aspect of the battle from its begining to the end. The battle lasted for 20 days and there is a lot of terrain to explore and many stories to be told. This tour was very much appreciated by every US Marine that toured with us, but as well by any war history enthousiast.
Three former Marines meet at the 1775 bar
Lucy-le-Bocage - the Headquarters of US Marines during the battle of Belleau Wood
Touring with Marine Vietnam war veteran David !
1100
Highlights of the tour
- US Cemetery
- Various positions of the battle
- Belleau Wood (the woods)
- The "in-famous" wheat fields
- The Bulldog Fountain
- Multiple short stops (stories, sightseeing...)
The price of the tour is 1100 Euros
- Price for the group: 1 to 7 guest
- From 6:30am to 8pm / duration +13h
- Direct pick up / drop off to your accommodation
- Private guide / driver (same person)
- Tour itinerary and flexibility to change the tour
- Spacious, aircoditioned minibus
Full description of the tour
PROPOSED ITINERARY
| 7:00am depart | Direct pick up from your accommodation in Paris |
| Chateau Thierry monument | Commemorates the sacrifices of the American and French fighting men. Sitting on the hill 204 it overlooks the Marne river battlefields. Short stop at the visitors center. |
| Lucy le Bocage | You can call this village the Headquarters for the USMC during the battle |
| Hill 142 | Area where the assault begun with fascinating stories and sightseeing |
| Wheat Fields | Stop for lot of story telling at the "in-famous" wheat fields where so many Marines got cut down by German Maxim guns. Learn about the issues, the miscommunication but as well about the bravery of the Marines that fought there. With your guide Jozef you will walk the fields, discuss the strategy, observe the terrain, read unique maps and much more. |
| Bouresches | Very importand village lying to the east of belleau Wood that would see heavy fighing |
| Marine Corps Bar | Bar 1775 - established coincidentally in the same year as the Marine Corps. It is a must place to be for a sandwich and a glass of beer / wine. "Please note the place is closed on Wednesdays and special days when the lovely owners are on holidays" |
| Belleau Wood |
Parts of the woods thich have seen some of the heaviest fighting of the final stages. |
| Bulldog fountain | A pilgrimage place to all US Marines situated in the private property of the Belleau family |
| Belleau US Cemetery | Place where many brave men rest in peace. The timing has to be well respected so you are there just in time to help the superintendent of the cemetery to fold down the flag (only one person / US Marines, veterans / family members of those who fought at Belleau Wood are priority should there a second group participating with anyone mentioned) |
| +/- 5:00pm depart | Depart to your accommodation in Paris. |
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Governmental tax - No hidden extra fees
- VIP Private Trip 1 to 7 guests – Price is for the group
- Private spacious and luxury Van – Full option 7 seater mini bus
- English speaking driver / guide
- Insurance while guest in the car (transportation insurance)
- Pick up and drop off from and to the hotel/accommodation in Paris
- Full transportation including all road charges (petrol, parking, highway fees)
- Planning and Flexibility of the itinerary
- Suggestions and booking of hotels & restaurants (If needed)
- For multiple day tour - guides accommodation, breakfast and dinner are covered
WHATS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks & snacks expenses
- Entrance fees to any museums, activities, visits and tastings
- Your own hotel - accommodation - overnight stay
- Guides lunch on guests expenses (20Euros max)
- Any additional or personal expenses
- Guides gratuity (optional)
- Each guest personal insurance : The guest has to be covered with his own private international travel insurance for any accidents or sickness while being on the tour as Private Trip does not take any responsibility for it
Useful informations
Appropriate clothing ! Good walking shoes and wind/water proof jacket are essential. In winter months extra clothing is recommended. Take an extra bag with clothes into the car - the van is spacious !
We operate in any weather conditions such as rain, wind or for. In a case of a very bad weather we can recommend an alternative day if possible. If you can, do not leave the Belleau Wood WW1 tour to your last day of stay - this will give you the flexibility to move the tour for a better experience.