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In the Laon and Soissons regions, the terms creutte or bove describe the numerous cavities that for centuries were dug in the thick limestone deposits in the local hills. These quarries provided construction materials for houses and public buildings from the Middle Ages on, often up to the early 20th century. During the First World War, the creuttes were used as shelters or camps for the soldiers. The armies set up entire barracks under ground, including dormitories, command posts, infirmaries, chapels, and in some cases, electricity and telephones. French, German, British and American combatants left graffiti, carvings, and bas-reliefs. The creuttes are not generally open to the public. Only the Caverne du Dragon, museum of the Chemin des Dames and the Quarry of Rouge-Maison can be visited.
During the First World War, the Chemin
des Dames corresponded to a large sector of the front, extending
more than 30 km north of the river Aisne between Pinon to the west
and Berry-au-Bac to the east.
More than 70 villages were involved, some of which were destroyed
during the war and never rebuilt, such as Ailles, Beaulne, Troyon,
etc.