The best walks and hikes around Rapsécourt

The faithful trust in the help of the Mother of God Mary – who is not only revered here in Sainte-Menehould, but throughout France under the title „Notre-Dame“ (which corresponds to the German designation „Unserer Lieben Frau“) – was expressed by the French nun, mystic, and Doctor of the Church, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (religious name Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, 1873 to 1897) as follows: „In trials or difficulties, I turn to Mother Mary, whose gaze alone is enough to dispel all fear.“

Great view of the city and walk through the old cemetery

As a memorial to the many war dead, such places of remembrance are still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." it says in the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the large number of those buried here did not depart in peace, but became senseless victims of war and tyranny. The most important and everlasting function of such monuments (in German-speaking countries mostly referred to as soldiers' cemeteries or war graves) is therefore to remind each generation anew of the need to permanently preserve peace.

The Sainte-Ménéhould national cemetery brings together the remains of French soldiers who, despite the care provided in the city's numerous hospitals, died as a result of their injuries during the two world wars. Nearly 5,700 bodies are buried there.

The old building, which now houses a cinema and a brasserie, used to be the city's festival hall. On old postcards (web search: ancienne salle des fetes) you can see the original condition.

The imposing building was rebuilt in 1730 after a fire in 1719. The buildings around the Place du Général Leclerc offer a beautiful ensemble.

As a memorial to the many war dead, such places - usually referred to as "war graves" or "honorary cemeteries" - are still very important today. "Now, Lord, let your servant go in peace, as you said." However, the many people buried here were by no means divorced in peace, but became victims of the war and an inhuman tyranny. The most important and everlasting function of the soldiers' or honorary cemeteries or war cemeteries is therefore to commemorate this and to remind each generation anew to preserve peace over the long term.

The path leads under and along the city wall from the upper to the lower town. There is the possibility (not very easy) to get to the city wall.