Panther Enthusiasts Club UK

Another enjoyable drive via "D" roads had been planned for this day and for once we were blessed with blue skies and sunshine and the hood up or down decision was easy. Our first destination was the Clairiere de l'Armistice where in a railway carriage Marshall Foch received the allied chiefs and the German plenipotentairies (that's what it says in the guide book!) and on 11th November 1918 the armistice was signed. The 2nd world war battle for France was lost in 1940 and Hitler took great delight in having the conditions of the French capitulation dictated in the same place and carriage. The original carriage was burnt in Berlin, but a similar carriage was found and this museum was set up containing many of the original documents and signatures. Some of us have been here before (2004) but we all seemed to notice more than we did on our first visit.

Arriving back at the cars there was the usual crowd of people admiring them and asking questions. I must admit they did look impressive parked in one fairly neat line (the one sticking out is Tony's). We then drove the short distance into Compiegne and parked near to the Palace. Our first destination was a restaurant where we lunched before dispersing to take in Compiegnes places of interest. Some visited the Emperors Palace, others the National Stud, whilst others sought out the local markets. We also intended to visit the Motor Museum, but ran out of time (guided visits only at set times) We duly all met back at the car park at 3pm and returned back to Coucy the way we came.


Gathering in the square ready to go - all hoods down for once!	Poor Allan and Michele had to make do with air-con

The convoy line up at the Clairiere de l'Armistice	See what I mean about Tony's car!

John explaining the the design principles of armour plating to the ladies	Eating - one of our favourite pastimes.

Jennifer took this just to prove I was there.	Les and Pearl enjoying a delicious looking ice cream sweet

The Emperors Palace from the Palace gardens (It has 1,337 rooms)	The bedchamber of Empress Marie Louise - now that's my kind of camping

The Palace group in the Palace gardens	Photo included for the ladies.