Colombey les Deux Eglises (Home of Charles de Gaulle)

Home to Charles de Gaulle from 1933 until his death in 1970, this village in the Haute-Marne department is also the location of his grave and that of his wife and daughter.

De Gaulle chose to live in Colombey les Deux Eglises because of its closeness to both Paris and Metz, cities a young French military officer could be posted to in the 1930'

Charles de Gaulle's home, known as the "La Boisserie" is open to the public with guided tours available in French only. The house itself is rather low-key, not what I was expecting after seeing a few American President museums. Only the first floor is viewable, this includes de Gaulle's office and library and allows viewing of many photos from other world leaders. The house's grounds are well maintained but you are not allowed to go too far off the paths, the house is still owned and used by the de Gaulle family. The home and grounds can easily be toured in less than an hour.

De Gaulle's grave is in the village church cemetery not far from his home. It is simple but large and often has flowers on it, sometimes those of the French President.

There is also a memorial just outside town that includes a Croix de Lorraine (Lorraine Cross), photo gallery one of de Gaulle's cars. The memorial is best reached using the N19.

Hotel:
La Poste (45 minute drive)