Belleau Wood private tour from Paris: the US Marines in 1918

About this tour

This is a deep historical day for travelers and families with a connection to the US Marine Corps. It covers the Battle of Belleau Wood, from 1 to 26 June 1918, on the ground where it was fought, a battle that became a defining moment in Marine Corps history.

It is not a sightseeing tour. Your guide adapts the day to your interest, from general history to detailed analysis of terrain, tactics and units, with maps of the positions.

What you will see

Belleau Wood

The forest where the Marines fought some of their heaviest combat; trenches and craters are still visible.

US Marine monument

The memorial to the 4th Marine Brigade inside the wood.

Aisne-Marne American Cemetery

Where more than 2,000 Americans rest at the foot of the wood.

Devil Dog fountain

A pilgrimage site for Marines, on private property in the village of Belleau.

Bouresches

The village east of the wood, scene of intense fighting.

Lucy-le-Bocage

Marine headquarters during the battle.

Château-Thierry and Hill 204

Key positions where the German advance on Paris was stopped.

Hill 142 and the wheat fields

Where the assault began and where many Marines were cut down by machine-gun fire on 6 June 1918.

Itinerary

A typical day. As the tour is private, every stop can be changed.

1. 8 am
   Pickup in Paris At your hotel or apartment. About 1 h 15 to Château-Thierry.
2. Château-Thierry
   American monument and Hill 204 Overlooking the Marne, where the German advance was stopped. Short stop at the visitor centre.
3. Lucy-le-Bocage
   Marine headquarters The village that served as headquarters for the Marines during the battle.
4. Hill 142
   Where the assault began Terrain, tactics and unit maps.
5. Wheat fields
   The attack of 6 June 1918 Where Marines crossed open ground under German machine-gun fire. The mistakes, the confusion and the courage of that day.
6. Bouresches
   Village fighting The village east of the wood that saw heavy fighting.
7. Lunch
   The 1775 bar Named after the year the Marine Corps was founded; a sandwich and a beer or glass of wine. Closed on Wednesdays, when we use another restaurant.
8. Belleau Wood
   The forest The Iron Mike monument, German guns, craters and trench lines in the parts of the wood that saw the heaviest fighting.
9. Devil Dog fountain
   Marine pilgrimage site On private property in Belleau village.
10. 4:30 pm
    Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and the flag Final respects at the cemetery below the wood. When a US Marine is in the group, the American Battle Monuments Commission staff offer them the honour of lowering the flag at 4:30 pm.
11. About 7 pm
    Back in Paris Drop-off at your hotel. The evening drive into Paris is usually slow, so allow for traffic.

What’s included

Practical information

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