The sun lasted just long enough this morning for a ride with the savvy Frenchman up to Mont Valérian and the American Military Cemetery.  I keep saying if I would just do this once or twice a week, I could give up the gym.  (Note to self, find a new cycling partner, savvy Frenchman sucks.)

This destination is 5 miles from my apartment but you feel like you’ve gone far far away.  It’s a killer hill (don’t know the grade).  When you arrive at the top, the breathing goes back to normal but is taken away again by the spectacular view of Paris.  Reminds me a lot of when I used to ride up Town Mountain Road in Asheville.  OK the view was a lot different but the feeling was the same.

 

 

What I find amazing when I stand in front of this WWII French memorial, is how so few people ever stop to look at it!  The relief sculptures alone are at least worth a glance.  More than 1000 men were murdered here.  Behind the wall, there is a crypt where the caskets of 16 fighters from 16 battles lay at rest.  A 17th is empty waiting for the last “companion of the liberation” to die.

I visited the crypt with Sheila last Fall but the day we were there, the other part of the tour wasn’t available.  By guided visit, they will take you up around the hill to the chapel where prisoners were locked up before execution, and down to the Clairière des Fusillés, the clearing where they were shot.

The scene at the American military cemetery is much more serene.  When I ride up here, I usually stop to rest and reflect.  It’s peaceful and the grass feels nice under my feet.  Our government is doing a fine job maintaining it.  Thank you!

 

 

 

 

I have plans to discover more rides outside Paris with Bruno and his handy maps (anybody want to come to Dordogne with me?)

If you want to visit Mount Valerian, you can get there by public transportation.

Mont Valérian, Guided Visits:
Free, every SUNDAY and HOLIDAYS
15 H 00 from 1st oct to 31 march and
15 H 00 to 16 H 30 from the 1st april to 30 sept.
Phone: 01 41 44 56 34  or 01 49 74 34 00