Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour from Arras

Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour from Arras

This private tour offers an in-depth look at Canada’s role in World War I, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Vimy Ridge and related sites. Priced at $485.71 per group (up to 3 people), the tour lasts approximately 8 hours. It departs from Pl. du Maréchal Foch, Arras, at 9:00 am and includes air-conditioned transport for a comfortable journey through history. The tour is led by Brigitte De Cuyper, a knowledgeable guide praised for her enthusiasm and storytelling skills, as reflected in a perfect 5-star rating based on five reviews.

What makes this tour stand out is its ability to combine military history, poignant memorial visits, and local cultural highlights into one seamless experience. While it does not include lunch, it offers flexibility for a lunch stop at L’Estaminet de Lorette, a quirky and welcoming spot. The entire experience is tailored for those interested in Canadian WWI history, battlefield sites, and memorials, with a focus on personalized attention.

Key Points

• Private guided tour focusing on Canadian involvement in WWI from Arras
• Includes visits to Vimy Ridge, cemeteries, and memorials
• Approximately 8 hours long, starting at 9:00 am
• Air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable travel
• Cost of $485.71 per group (up to 3 people), with no lunch included
• Flexible itinerary based on weather and group preferences

Exploring Arras’ Architectural and Historical Heritage

The tour begins in Arras, a city known for its striking Flemish Baroque squares, including La Place des Heroes and La Grand Place. A local guide leads you through one hour of walking along paved streets, sharing stories from Roman times through the centuries. This visit provides a vivid sense of the city’s layered history and its role as a backdrop to the WWI events ahead.

This initial stop offers a chance to admire architectural beauty while setting the scene for the day’s deeper dive into history. The guide’s storytelling makes Arras a lively, engaging start, helping visitors appreciate the city’s cultural significance beyond the battlefield sites.

The Museum of WWI Artifacts at Targette

Next, the tour visits the Musee Militaire de la Targette, which boasts a collection of around 4000 artifacts. This private museum, curated over 50 years by David Bardiaux, showcases memorabilia from WWI found in the Arras area. The guide takes time to share stories behind key objects, offering insight into the soldier’s experience and the material culture of war.

While admission is not included, visitors can expect a rich collection that broadens understanding of WWI beyond the battlefield. This stop appeals to those curious about everyday soldier life and the personal stories captured in the artifacts.

Visiting Neuville-Saint-Vaast German Military Cemetery

The Neuville-Saint-Vaast German Military Cemetery is the largest in France, honoring over 44,833 casualties from battles like Vimy, Artois, and Lorette. Originally created shortly after WWI, it provides a solemn space for remembrance. The tour’s guide discusses how each country responded to WWI’s aftermath, organizing cemeteries and memorials.

Spending about 20 minutes here offers a poignant moment of reflection. The cemetery’s vast scale and peaceful atmosphere underscore the immense loss endured during the war, making it a moving stop that deepens awareness of the human cost.

The British Cabaret Rouge Cemetery and Canadian Memorial

The Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery was established near a small café used by soldiers early in WWI. It contains 7,655 Commonwealth burials from both WWI and WWII, including a notable unidentified Canadian soldier exhumed in 2000 and reinterred at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

This site, visited for about 20 minutes, highlights the scale of the British and Commonwealth sacrifices. Its accessible location and historical significance make it a key stop for understanding the scope of WWI’s impact on Britain and its allies.

Largest French Military Cemetery at Notre-Dame de Lorette

Perched 165 meters high, the Notre-Dame de Lorette cemetery holds over 40,000 soldiers who fought in 1914 and 1915. The site features a Neo-Byzantine basilica, a lantern tower, and seven ossuaries, creating a striking and respectful memorial space.

Spending 45 minutes here provides an opportunity to appreciate the scale of the conflict in this region and the solemn beauty of the memorials. The site’s commanding views over the Douai plain make it a visually impressive part of the tour.

Lunch Break at Ablain-Saint-Nazaire’s L’Estaminet de Lorette

The tour pauses in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire for about an hour at L’Estaminet de Lorette, a charming and quirky eatery. Here, groups can enjoy a relaxed lunch in a casual setting, gaining a taste of local hospitality.

This flexible stop allows time for a personal meal, offering a break in the day for rest and refreshment. The guide remains available for questions or to customize the experience further.

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial and Battlefield

The highlight of the tour is the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which commemorates Canada’s decisive victory at Vimy Ridge during April 1917. The guide walks visitors through the battlefield trenches, tunnels, and bunkers, offering vivid descriptions of what transpired during the fighting.

With 1 hour and 20 minutes spent here, this stop provides a profound connection to Canada’s war effort and national identity. Visitors can also explore the battlefield, gaining a tangible sense of the terrain soldiers faced.

Optional Visit to Farbus Wood and WWI Memorabilia

Depending on weather, the tour may include an optional stop at Farbus Wood, where the group can view German bunkers and search for WWI memorabilia in the surrounding fields. This 20-minute visit offers an outdoor exploration of preserved wartime structures and artifacts.

This flexible aspect of the tour appeals to those interested in the physical remnants of WWI, provided conditions allow for outdoor access.

Roclincourt and the Story of a WWI Soldier

The final stop is in Roclincourt, a village once on the British frontline during the Battle of Arras in 1917. Here, the guide shares the story of Rene Grenier, a French soldier whose remains were uncovered during pavement work in 2015. The site provides context about the village’s military significance.

Spending about 20 minutes, this stop combines battlefield history with a personal story of remembrance, rounding out the day with a human connection to the war.

Practicalities and Logistics

The entire tour takes place in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth ride between sites. Starting at 9:00 am, the tour concludes back at the initial meeting point in Arras, making it suitable for those with a full day available.

The tour is designed for moderate physical fitness, with most stops involving walking or standing but no strenuous activity. Since it is a private tour, the experience is tailored to the group’s interests and pace, with the guide adjusting the itinerary if needed.

Final Thoughts on the Canadian Battlefields Tour from Arras

This full-day private tour provides an intimate and comprehensive exploration of Canada’s military history in WWI, emphasizing Vimy Ridge and related memorial sites. The personalized guidance and well-organized itinerary make it ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in Canadian national identity.

While lunch is not included, the flexible schedule and engaging stops compensate, allowing for a relaxing yet meaningful experience. The enthusiastic guide and variety of sites — from cemeteries to battlefield trenches — create a balanced and respectful journey through one of the war’s defining regions.

This tour suits those seeking a detailed, private, and emotionally resonant look at WWI, especially if interested in Canadian contributions. It offers a thorough insight into the sacrifices made, with enough flexibility to customize the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, the tour is designed for individuals with moderate physical fitness, as most stops involve walking or standing but no strenuous activities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it is a private tour, the guide can adjust the itinerary based on weather and group preferences, offering some flexibility.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but there is a scheduled stop at L’Estaminet de Lorette for about an hour.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour runs for approximately 8 hours, beginning at 9:00 am and returning to Arras.

What are the main highlights?
Key highlights include Vimy Ridge battlefield, Canadian Memorial, cemeteries (German, British, French), and the museum of WWI artifacts.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle transports guests between sites.

What is the price per group?
The tour costs $485.71, covering up to 3 people.

Who is the tour guide?
The guide is Brigitte De Cuyper, known for her enthusiasm, storytelling, and extensive knowledge.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How are the reviews?
All reviews are perfect 5-star ratings, praising Brigitte’s knowledge, storytelling skills, and flexibility, making this a highly recommended experience for history lovers.