• Arras - Arras boasts a rich architectural heritage, highlighted by its two Flemish Baroque squares: “La Place des Heroes” and “La Grand Place.” This city is steeped in history, dating back to Roman times and spanning the centuries. During the hour-long tour, the guide will share fascinating stories while strolling along its cobblestone streets.

• Musee Militaire de la Targette - Housing 4,000 artifacts, this museum is one of Europe’s largest private collections. It represents 50 years of dedication by David Bardiaux, who spent his childhood exploring the Arras fields for WW1 memorabilia. David is eager to guide visitors through the collection, sharing the stories behind these objects.

• Neuville-Saint-Vaast German Military Cemetery - Established by French authorities between 1919 and 1923, Neuville-Saint-Vaast is the largest German war cemetery in France. It serves as the final resting place for 44,833 soldiers from the Battles of Artois, Vimy, and Lorette, which occurred between 1914 and 1917. Here, discussions will focus on how each nation addressed the aftermath of WW1 and organized cemeteries and memorials to honor their fallen.

• Cimetiere du Cabaret Rouge - The Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery was founded near a small café called Cabaret Rouge, frequented by soldiers in the early days of WWI. It contains 7,655 Commonwealth burials from WWI and WWII, gathered from 100 other cemeteries. On May 25, 2000, the CWGC exhumed the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier, whose ashes were returned to Canada and interred at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

• Necropole Nationale Francaise de Notre-Dame de Lorette - Legend has it that in any war, the army that captures the hills of Notre Dame de Lorette will emerge victorious. Standing 165 meters high and overlooking the Douai plain, Notre Dame de Lorette is the largest French military cemetery in the world, with over 40,000 soldiers who perished in the 1914 and 1915 Battles of Artois. This site also features the stunning Neo-Byzantine Basilica Notre Dame de Lorette, the lantern tower, and seven ossuaries.

• Ablain-Saint-Nazaire - L’Estaminet de Lorette
  An hour will be spent enjoying lunch at this charming spot near Notre Dame de Lorette.

• Canadian National Vimy Memorial - The first Canadian troops arrived in France in December 1914, in the largest convoy to cross the Atlantic. Their bravery, respected and feared by the enemy, led to victory in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a defining moment for Canadian nationhood and identity.

This tour includes a visit to the “Canadian National Vimy Memorial” and the battlefield it stands on. Visitors can walk through the trenches, explore one of the tunnels dug before the battle, and learn about the events that took place between April 9th and 12th, 1917.

• Farbus - This stop is optional and weather-dependent. Visitors can explore Farbus wood, examine German bunkers, and search for WW1 memorabilia in the surrounding fields.
• Roclincourt - Roclincourt was part of the British frontline during the Battle of Arras in 1917. It was from this village that the 51st Highland Division and 34th Division launched their attack on April 9, 1917. It also served as the French sector during the 3rd Battle of Artois. In 2015, the remains of a French soldier named Rene Grenier were discovered as workers excavated the pavement on rue de Douai. The guide will share the story of this particular soldier.

• Air-conditioned vehicles

• Lunch

The victory of Canada at Vimy Ridge is recognized as a defining moment for Canadian identity and nationhood. However, what were the preceding events that led up to this critical battle and why does it hold such a special place in history? Who were the men who fought and how did they live day to day? On this 8-hour guided tour, we will delve into various aspects of World War I, particularly focusing on the CEF. Our tour is customized and limited to just three participants at a time. This provides us with the flexibility to accommodate any special requests you might have, such as visiting a specific location or paying homage at the grave of a loved one. Just inform us in advance and we will strive to meet your requests.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.