FROM SENLIS TO MEAUX (65 km.)
(See maps inserted between pages [80]-[81])
via Chamant, Montépilloy, Baron, Châalis, Ermenonville.
Starting from the Compiègne Gate, we leave the town by the Route Nationale (N 17). After having crossed the railway we turn to the right and follow N 32 as far as the first road on the right bordered with trees, which leads to Chamant. A hundred yards this side of the village we enter a field enclosed by hedges, on the right of the road (2½ km.). In this field, which appears in the photograph (p. [50]), the German troops were encamped. M. Odent, the Mayor of Senlis, and six other hostages were shot there (pp. [49]-[50]). M. Odent's grave is near the wood which skirts the side of the field opposite the one which borders the road. Near the enclosing hedge is the grave of a German captain.
Go on to the village of Chamant, turn to the right, then to the left as far as the church, the steeple of which can be seen. This church dates from the twelfth century, and was modified in the fourteenth and sixteenth. The Roman spire, shown below, is remarkable. In the interior, the capitals and vaulting decorated in many colours were restored at the expense of Napoléon the Third, as was also the tomb of Lucien Bonaparte's wife, which is to be found in the side chapel.
Go round the church, turn to the left, then to the right, near the firemen's gymnasium.
The road, planted with trees, which forms a continuation (on the other side of the Route Nationale) of the road on which we stand, leads (700 yards further on) to the Castle of Chamant, where the German Headquarters Staff stayed. The cellar was pillaged, and more than 1,200 bottles of champagne were emptied.
This castle, which dates from the seventeenth century, was inhabited by Lucien Bonaparte. Attached to it are important racing stables.
Follow N 17 for about 1,500 yards, then turn to the right towards Ognon (8½ km.). Turn twice to the right in front of the church and go towards Barbery, the factories of which can be seen from afar. Cross the railway (12½ km.) near the station which was set on fire by the Germans, and keep straight on towards the keep of Montépilloy (13½ km.), which stands on a neighbouring hill.