Biking from Giverny to La Roche-Guyon

Hi,

I can't help with info on the country roads to La Roche Guyon. As you know it is parallel to Giverny and I went to La Roche Guyon, D-Day historical site, by car as I was lucky enough to be driven there. I've been there only once, on that summer day the traffic was normal, didn't notice anything that would strike my attention negatively.

Going there you'll see the small chateau on the hill that served as the HQ for the German Army Group B when Rommel assumed command in late 1943. So, when D-Day took place on 6 June, the HQ was taken by surprise.

When I was there the chateau had an exhibition, ie the lower level served as a museum focusing on Rommel's time at this site. Very interesting historically to see the way in which he is portrayed. It's only in French, assuming it's still there.

Thank you for the information

Wow! I can't contribute (sorry), but it sounds like a great trip—and a great way to see these sights. La Roche-Guyon is on my list of "places to visit."

@ Pharmerphil....If you want to see German military war sites in France pertaining to WW1 and WW2, some suggestions here besides La Roche Guyon. I was there in 1999 or 2001 (would have to check my notes as to exactly which trip, don't know if the exhibition was permanent or not, but I did see it with a fluent French speaker.

The chateau in St Germain-en-Laye was Rundstedt's HQ just so that you know about it. (Take the RER from Paris)

There is also the German military cemeteries in Beauvais, halfway between Amiens and Paris, Fricourt (near Amiens), in Normandy at Orglandes and La Cambe, plus the big one in Neuville St. Vaast in Nord Pas Calais.

@ Fred, Thanks for the suggestions. I have already visited the cemeteries in Normandy at Orglandes and La Cambe (the former more contemplative for me than the latter, more visited one). I will definitely add Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye to my ever growing list of "must-sees."

@ Pharmerphil....You're welcome. However, be " forewarned" that the Chateau St Germain-en-Laye has nothing to show on the war, ie its past history. Inside is a museum (sort of) of history related to the Middle Ages. The main reason is that when you are there walking around the grounds and in the town the Chateau was the HQ for ObWest. (Commander in Chief West/Oberbefehlshaber West.)

To get some sort of glimpse of life in the town, I suggest looking at Rundstedt's biography written by his Chief of Staff in 1944, G. Blumentritt, played by Curt Jürgens in "The Longest Day"...it's also in English translation. (I'm sure you recall the scene between the two in the movie upon learning that the Normandy landings were on.) Of course, too, Blumentritt wants to portray his boss in the best light, ie, don't expect a critical assessment of Rundestedt. who was the epitome of the Prussian staff officer of the old school, spoke fluent French, and a year younger than Churchill.