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Postcard from World War I showing the mounting of the Paris GunBattlefield of Chateau-Thierry in 1920.
In the late years of the western Roman empire, a small town called Otmus was settled on a site where the Soissons-Troyes road crossed the Marne river. During the 8th century, Charles Martel kept king Theuderic IV prisoner in the castle of Otmus. At this time, the town took the name of Castrum Theodorici, later transformed in Château-Thierry (Castle of Thierry, Thierry is the French or early Roman language translation of Theuderic).
In 946, the castle of Château-Thierry was the home of Herbert le-Vieux, Count of Omois of the House of Vermandois and Soissons.[3]
Château-Thierry became "Royal" when Joan I, Queen of Navarre and Countess of Champagne, married the King of France Philippe IV le Bel.[4]
Formerly the capital of the district of Brie Pouilleuse, Château-Thierry was captured by the English in 1421; by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1544; and by the duke of Mayenne in 1591.[5] The 30th July 1429, Joan of Arc freed the town without a single fight.[6][7]
In 1918, a mounting for the Paris Gun was found near the castle, though the cannon itself had apparently been moved prior to the emplacement's discovery.[12]
Château-Thierry is situated in the Marne Valley. In this area, urban development extends throughout the valley, from the riverbed to the top of the flower-covered hillsides. Château-Thierry is culturally part of the Champagne area. The town lies at the crossroads of three administrative regions: Hauts-de-France, to which it belongs, towards the north; Île-de-France towards the west; and Grand Est, towards the east. The town's landscape is typical of a Champagne town, with its hillsides and vineyards. Its location in the Marne Valley, along with its transport network (a motorway and railway line from Paris to Strasbourg), make Château-Thierry a town in eastern France, in the greater Paris area. Here are some distances to neighboring cities:
Paris: 85km or 52 miles;
Reims: 51km or 31 miles;
Troyes: 107km or 66 miles;
Meaux: 45km or 27 miles;
Soissons, 40km or 24 miles;
and Épernay: 45km or 27 miles.
The town is at the heart of the Omois local region, which roughly corresponds to the arrondissement of Château-Thierry.
Château-Thierry is known in the United States for its proximity to the site of the Battle of Belleau Wood. The battle was the first victory of the US Marines outside of American soil. A memorial has been built on the hills overlooking the town. In the basement of the American Monument is a small museum about the history of the Battle of Belleau Wood. Every year, US Marines come to the town to pay tribute to the soldiers of the First World War. President Macron chose to present an oak tree from Belleau Wood as a diplomatic gift to President Trump. They planted the tree together in the White House gardens. President Biden came to Château-Thierry in 2024 to pay tribute to the American soldiers.[13][14] The town welcomes many American tourists each year who come to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial.
Château-Thierry is the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine. His XVI century private mansion is now a museum. It houses a significant collection of the artist's work.[15]
On the heights overlooking the town stands the medieval castle with its ramparts. To reach the castle, one can pass through the Saint-Pierre gate, which features a plaque recounting the liberation of the town by Joan of Arc in 1429. There are regular events, shows, and reenactments of medieval battles.[16]
Saint Pierre Gate
In the city center is the Hôtel-Dieu Museum. This is a former hospital founded by Queen Joan I of France in 1304. This hospital was important for the region during the Middle Ages and served as a hospital until 1980. It welcomed famous guests such as the poet Guillaume Apollinaire.[17]
Hôtel-Dieu Museum
In the town center, you can stroll through the medieval streets and see medieval buildings such as the Balhan Tower (a former medieval keep) and the 12th-century Church of Saint Crepin. The town has managed to retain an authentic character with historic buildings in the town center and modern residential neighborhoods on the outskirts.[18]
The city is bisected by the Marne River, which flows into the Seine in Paris. In the Middle Ages, the Marne River enabled the city to trade with Paris. The banks of the Marne River are a popular place for walks for locals and tourists alike. The city also enjoys river tourism with its barges.[19]
Château-Thierry is also known for its Champagne. The town is located in the historic Champagne region. Visitors can tour the medieval cellars of the Champagne Pannier company and taste their champagne.[20]
The town has sufficient hotel capacity to accommodate many tourists. There is also a golf course, museums, and other activities.[21]
Near Château-Thierry lies the Château de Condé. This former princely residence is now a private estate open to the public. It is a historic site where important figures such as Mazarin and Cardinal Richelieu have stayed.[22]
Château-Thierry station is the terminus station of a regional railway line starting from the Gare de l'Est in Paris. Furthermore, it has rail connections to Châlons-en-Champagne, Nancy and Strasbourg. It is also one of the exits of the A4 autoroute that links Paris with the east part of France. Transval operates the local bus routes.[23]
Joan I (1273-1305), Queen of France, founded the Hôtel-Dieu in Château-Thierry. During the Middle Ages, it was an important hospital for the region; today it has been converted into a museum.[24]
Joan of Arc (1412-1431) freed the town without a single fight the 30th July 1429[25][26][27]
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Media related to Château-Thierry at Wikimedia Commons