Is it possible for a single war to fade from the national memory yet leave an indelible mark on a town? That’s the story of the Mémorial de la bataille de Champigny de 1870 War memorial. This memorial stands as a testament to a bloody clash largely forgotten by the wider world. But it remains deeply etched in the history of Champigny-sur-Marne.
Champigny-sur-Marne even carried the name “Champigny-la-Bataille” for a time. This shows the profound impact of the war. We stand before a place of remembrance. The Mémorial de la bataille de Champigny de 1870 War memorial is more than just stone and metal. It is a repository of stories. It commemorates a brutal battle fought during the Franco-Prussian War.
In 1870, French soldiers numbering nearly 60,000 crossed the Marne River near Champigny and Bry-sur-Marne. Their desperate mission was to break through the German forces that had encircled Paris for weeks. The ensuing battle raged for three days. Bry, Champigny, and Villiers became fields of carnage. Thousands of soldiers were left dead or wounded. Villages were reduced to rubble.
The Mémorial de la bataille de Champigny de 1870 War memorial that we see before us was inaugurated in 1878. It is built on a plateau. This is where one of the main battles unfolded. The memorial serves as the final resting place for over 1,000 French and 300 German soldiers.
Look closely. The Mémorial de la bataille de Champigny de 1870 War memorial consists of two crypts and a commemorative column. The column is surrounded by cannons. Within the crypts, 33 vaults are interconnected by a vaulted gallery. An oratory sits at the center.
The Mémorial de la bataille de Champigny de 1870 War memorial serves as a silent reminder. It speaks of the heavy price paid during the Franco-Prussian War. While the nation moved on, Champigny never forgot. The town bears the scars of 1870. The Mémorial de la bataille de Champigny de 1870 War memorial is open to visitors.