The Cross of Lorraine and Charles de Gaulle Memorial, Haute-Marne, Champagne-Ardenne.
In the little town of Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises in Champagne-Ardenne you will find an incredible monument, the Cross of Lorraine, and an exhibition centre dedicated to General de Gaulle and the main historical events that marked his life.
De Gaulle was born in Lille in 1890 but later lived in the town of Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, and once said “See that hill. It is the highest place in Colombey, and here, when I am dead, we will build a cross of Lorraine”.
The cross with two arms was adopted as a symbol of Free France in July 1940 and the historic monument was inaugurated in 1972 by President Pompidou. It is 44.3m high and made of reinforced concrete coated in pink granite weighing 950 tonnes. It was paid for by subscription which raised 5.5 million Francs.
The memorial exhibition came later and is a testimony to the life and times of General de Gaulle. The innovative displays provide a fascinating peek into the enduring French love of the great French President who died in his home close by, in 1970.
More info: memorial-charlesdegaulle.fr
