I couldn't agree more, I went to Verdun in France (which is about 450km from
Utrecht in the Netherlands, where I live) and it was very well worth the
trip!
The moment of total eclipse is an amazing experiene. I saw a beautiful
corona,
with silver and blue light, and a red horizon. Ten minutes before the total
eclipse
bats started chasing each other.
Go and see one, if you have the chance!
Three of my pics: http://www.tenback.demon.nl/Eclips/index.html
Robert