Travelling through 2,000 years of history in The French Ardennes

It is 70 years ago this year since Hollywood first told the story of Sergeant York to the world, and 125 years next year since the birth of Alvin Cullum York in Pall Mall, Tennessee. One of the most decorated American soldiers in World War I, Sergeant York received the Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest in Chatel Chhry, in the south of the French Ardennes, taking 32 machine guns, killing 28 German soldiers, and capturing 132 others. This action occurred during the US-led portion of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France, which was part of a broader Allied offensive masterminded by Marshal Ferdinand Foch to breach the Hindenburg Line and ultimately force the German forces to capitulate. The real life story of Sergeant Yorks incredible act of bravery in 1918 was turned into a 1941 Hollywood movie which not only earned Gary Cooper the Academy Award for Best Actor, and the Academy Award for Best Film Editing, but was also nominated in nine other categories. Not surprisingly, the story of the war hero and Hollywood movie has merited much attention in The French Ardennes over the years not least by The Sergeant York Project, which also features the Sergeant York Tour Guide: http://www.sergeantyorkproject.com. One thing the anniversary helps to highlight is the way in which The French Ardennes has been at the very centre of European (and even world) history over the centuries. Its no accident, for example, that the largest fortress in northern Europe can also be found here, in The French Ardennes. Dating back to the mid 15th century, the Chateau de Sedan is now one of the regions top visitor attractions, with a fine self-guided trail, regular events, and a superb boutique hotel nestling within its walls. Elsewhere, one of six well-marked Touring Routes which criss-cross the whole of The French Ardennes is The Fortifications Route. This manages to combines 88-miles of driving with 2,000 years of history as it follows the course of the Meuse Valley to the Rocroi Plateau and then heads south east, through the regional capital of CharlevilleMzires to Sedan and onward to the neighbouring Lorraine region. Highlights along the way include the last fort on the Maginot Line, Europe's largest fortified castle at Sedan, the Domaine Fortifi des Ayvelles, and the unique star-shaped fortified town of Rocroi, where in 1643 one of the most important battles in French history took place

The 90-miles Fortified Churches of Thirache Route, meanwhile, offers a fascinating introduction to a host of churches, which were reinforced at the time of the Hundred Years War by the addition of towers, arrow slits, bastions and turrets. Key roles in the Franco-Prussian War, as well as both World War I and World War II have helped to reinforce the Ardennes claim as being at a pivotal point of European history. And there are hopes that its War & Peace Museum will once again be able to open its doors to the public in 2012, following extensive renovation. Another military-based attraction, meanwhile, is a new Historical Circuit of Sedan, which has just been launched. Interpretation panels in English, French and German - at all of the major historical sites in the Pays Sedanais are already in place . And a small guidebook (in French) entitled Circuit de mmoire is also available now. Guided tours will be introduced in 2012. Further details of many of these historical and military attractions and trails are featured in a special Military History section in the Discovery Guide to the French Ardennes, which also showcases all of its ecofriendly activities, events and accommodation. Copies can be obtained by telephoning +33 (0) 3 24 56 06 08, or by emailing info@ardennes.com. For further information, and a full listing of events, visit www.ardennes.com.

-Ends-

Images, further information, and full press packs can be obtained by contacting:
Jrg Hartwig TEL: +33 (0) 3 24 56 67 77 E-MAIL: hartwig@ardennes.com

Or Ian Weightman TEL: +44 (0)1782-680963 E-MAIL: ian.iwms@virgin.net