What is chemin des dames?

Chemin des Dames is a road in northern France that gained notoriety during World War I for being the site of several fierce battles between the French and German armies. Located in the Aisne department, the road runs along a ridge overlooking the Aisne River and the surrounding countryside.

The name "Chemin des Dames" translates to "the ladies' path" and is believed to have originated from a legend that the daughters of Louis XV used to walk along the road. During the war, the road was heavily fortified by the German army, making it a strategic point of defense against the French forces.

The battles along the Chemin des Dames were some of the most brutal and bloody of the war, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. The area is now a memorial site with several monuments and cemeteries dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died there.

Today, the Chemin des Dames is a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about the history of World War I in France. There are several museums and historical sites along the road that offer insight into the events that took place there.