Varennes-en-Argonne

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For other uses of the term Varennes, see Varennes (disambiguation).

Varennes-en-Argonne or simply Varennes is a city and commune in the French département of Meuse. Population (1999): 691.

It lies on the river Aire to the northeast of Sainte-Menehould, near Verdun.

Historians know the town as the scene of the flight to Varennes of 1791.

In June 1791 Louis XVI made a dash for the nearest friendly border, that of Austrian Belgium. But town authorities blocked the royal family's escape Varennes, just short of safety. It is said a merchant alerted the town authorities after recognizing the King's face on a coin as Louis tried to buy something from a shop. Once more France's king, queen, and crown prince returned to the Tuileries in humiliating captivity.

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