Bocage facts for kids

Bocage country in Normandy.

Bocage (pronounced boh-KAHZH) is a French word that describes a special kind of countryside. Imagine fields and pastures that are not open and flat, but instead are surrounded by thick hedges and rows of trees. These trees and hedges often grow on raised banks of earth, and between these banks, you might find sunken paths or lanes.

This type of landscape is very common in certain parts of France, especially in Normandy. In fact, the area around towns like Saint-Lô and Vire is often called Bocage Normandy.

During World War II, after the Allied forces landed in Normandy on D-Day, they found themselves fighting in this bocage country. The thick hedges and hidden paths made it very difficult for them to advance. German troops could easily hide their tanks and artillery in the dense greenery, making surprise attacks. It took the Allies more than eight weeks of tough fighting to get through this challenging landscape.

What is a Bocage Landscape?

A bocage landscape is made up of small fields enclosed by tall hedges and trees. These natural barriers create a patchwork look from above. They are often found in areas with rolling hills and can include small forests or woodlands.

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  Bocage of the Cotentin Peninsula.

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  A path through bocage.

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  A rural landscape with some bocage features.

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  Cut down bocage showing the earth mounds.

Images for kids

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  Bocage of the Boulonnais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

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  Chelsea porcelain candle-holder with bocage background, c. 1765

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  English bocage (Edale valley, Peak District)

See also

In Spanish: Bocage para niños