Leaving the pond on the right we follow the road to the left which brings us to the picturesque village of Monthyon (15 km.).
Despite the difference in spelling, it was the patrimonial fief of the celebrated philanthropist Baron de Montyon (1733-1820), founder of several prizes for good conduct and literature awarded yearly in solemn session by the "Institut de France."
We have seen that Monthyon, attacked without success on the 5th by the French, was on the 6th abandoned by the Germans. General de Lamaze established his headquarters there.
On arriving at the church turn to the right and descend towards the highway from Saint-Soupplets to Penchard.
Half-way down the slope will be seen on the left a villa which overlooks all the countryside, and where the French staff had a first-rate observatory during those hard days of September.
The view below, taken from the upper balcony, shows a corner of the vast panorama seen from there.
THE PLAIN AT THE FOOT OF MONTHYON
At the foot of the slope turn to the right towards Penchard and follow the railway lines on the road.
Two kilometres further, on the left, an avenue planted with trees leads to the Villa Automne, belonging to M. Charles Benoist, member of the "Institut" and deputy of Paris.