This very picturesque, industrial and forestal village was a royal
provostship before the Revolution.
In the 6th century it belonged to the Bishops of Verdun.
The castle-fortress on the hill which dominates the town to the west was
razed in 959 by the Count of Grandpré.
Later, it was several times rebuilt and demolished. Fragments of the
ramparts may still be seen.
In the 12th century the district was purchased by the Count of Bar.
Vienne-le-Château was shelled by the Germans, especially in 1914 and
1915. The greater part of the village was wiped out, but the church and
neighbouring Town Hall did not greatly suffer.
[Illustration: VIENNE-LE-CHÂTEAU. NAVE AND TRANSEPT OF CHURCH]
[Illustration: VIENNE-LE-CHÂTEAU. ROAD LEADING TO LA PLACARDELLE]
The church dates from the 15th century, with the exception of the
façade, which is 18th century.
_G.C. 67, after turning to the right, passes by the Town Hall, and
follows the valley of the Biesme._
This almost straight river is often called “the canal” by the
inhabitants.
[Illustration: VIENNE-LE-CHÂTEAU. INTERIOR OF RUINED FACTORY (1915)]
The road hereabouts is very picturesque, and one of the finest in the
Argonne. It runs south of the woods of =Gruerie=, =Bolante= and =Chalade=,
_i.e._, through that part of the forest where, in 1914-1915, the battles
which have made the Argonne famous were fought. Of the many famous
places in this forest those most accessible to tourists are mentioned
and described in the order in which they may be visited without unduly
prolonging the itinerary.
[Illustration: LA HARAZÉE. CHURCH BELL INSTALLED AS GAS ALARM SIGNAL]
_One kilometre from Vienne-le-Château, take on the left a road, made
during the war, which crosses the Biesme, and then follow the right
bank, past_ numerous constructions and shelters (_photos above and
below_), to =La Harazée.=
In this village, completely ruined, near a French military cemetery,
_G.C._ 67, _coming from the left bank of the Biesme, is joined_.
_Take the small path which first runs alongside a stream, then climbs
towards_ =Gruerie Wood=, for 500 yards, to see the battlefield. The wood,
which was hacked to pieces by the shells, contains numerous
defence-works of all kinds, and makes an impressive sight. _Further
along the road are_ the German front lines.
[Illustration: LA HARAZÉE. ALL THAT IS LEFT OF THE VILLAGE
_At back_: GRUERIE WOOD]