Aisne Marne American Cemetery | Paris

Information

Landmark: Aisne Marne American Cemetery
City: Paris
Country: France
Continent: Europe

Aisne Marne American Cemetery, Paris, France, Europe

The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War I military cemetery located at the foot of Belleau Wood in Northern France, approximately 95 kilometers northeast of Paris. It is managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery covers 42.5 acres and is characterized by its meticulous layout of 2,289 white marble headstones (crosses and Stars of David) arranged in thirteen curves. The site is dominated by a Romanesque-style memorial chapel built into the side of the hill, featuring a heavy oak door and intricate stone carvings depicting military equipment. The landscape is surrounded by the dense, regrown forest of Belleau Wood.

Location & Access Logistics

The cemetery is located in Belleau (02400). It is approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the town of Château-Thierry.

From Paris: Access is via the A4 motorway (Exit 19) or by train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Château-Thierry, followed by a taxi or local bus (though transit is limited).

Parking: On-site parking is available for visitors.

Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 16:45, except December 25 and January 1.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The cemetery sits on ground where heavy fighting occurred during the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918, a pivotal engagement for the U.S. Marine Corps. The site was established as a temporary cemetery in 1918 and dedicated as a permanent memorial in 1937. It is geologically situated on a limestone slope bordering the Marne Valley.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Chapel: Contains a Wall of the Missing with 1,060 names of soldiers whose remains were never recovered.

Belleau Wood: Visitors can walk through the adjacent woods, which contain original trench lines, shell holes, and a monument to the 4th Marine Brigade.

Taps: At 16:30 daily, a ceremony typically includes the playing of Taps and the lowering of the flags.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features a Visitor Center with interpretive exhibits and staff to assist with grave location. Public restrooms are available. The grounds are highly accessible, with paved paths connecting the main memorial areas. 4G/5G cellular signal is generally reliable in the open cemetery area.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring and early summer (May–June) are the most significant times to visit, coinciding with the anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood (Memorial Day ceremonies are a major event here). Clear mornings provide the best lighting for photography of the white marble headstones against the green landscape.

Facts & Legends

The cemetery is a site of pilgrimage for the U.S. Marine Corps, who earned the nickname "Devil Dogs" (Teufel Hunden) from German soldiers during the battle here. A verified historical oddity is the "Bulldog Fountain" in the nearby village of Belleau, which Marines traditionally drink from to honor their heritage.