World War I:  Western Front

The Franco/Belgian Border has witnessed the ravages of two world wars, but is perhaps most associated with the 1914-18 conflict.

In addition to French, German and British soldiers who perished here, men from the far corners of the world fought in the battles of the Western Front.  Thousands of Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Americans have their final resting place here.  Battle and campaign names: Vimy Ridge, Villers, Bretonneaux, Poziers, Tyne Cot, Meuse-Argonne, Verdun, Somme, St Mihiel and Passchendale are etched into each Nation's consciousness and many still resonate today.

Tunnels at Vimy

Beaumont Hamel Trenches

Must sees regardless of your nationality are the Tunnels at Vimy, the Trenches at Beaumont Hamel in the Somme, and the Museum and Menin Gate Ceremony at Ypres.

Menin Gate at Ypres

The battlegrounds of the World War I Western Front occupy a relatively small area which can easily be visited over a few days. It is a most overwhelming experience and needs to be seen to be believed.

Northwestern France also offers many beautiful places that inspire the eye which do not relate to the war.

Arras the capital of Pas de Calais is the historic center of Picardy. The French cathedral city offers two Flemish-styled squares, an abbey, and great views from the town hall belfry. The elaborate maze of underground passages, some dating back to the tenth century, underlying the city unknown to the Germans, became a decisive factor in the British forces holding the city.

Notre Dame Catheral at Amiens, the majestic town square in Brugges the Venice of the north, Ypres, Compiegne and of course the Champagne valley are wonderful places to visit. We recommend a two or three day visit to this area. Ypres, Amiens, Arras, Lille and Albert and Verdun are pleasant areas to stay. Normandy is a four hour drive from Amiens so the World War I itineries can be combined very nicely with D-Day and Normandy Tours.

Douaumont Ossuary

The Battle of Verdun in 1916 lasted 300 days and was the longest battle of the war. French losses are estimated at 161,000 dead, 101,000 missing and 216,000 men wounded. German losses are estimated 142,000 killed and 187,000 wounded. The Germans believed their best hope for victory was a war of attrition against the French at Verdun-sur-Meuse. The French viewed Verdun as a symbol of French determination to hold the ground at any cost.

The cemetary at Verdun contains the graves of 15,000 identified French soldiers from the Battle of Verdun. The Ossuary contains the remains of 150,000 French and German soldiers who could not be identified. 

The Trench of Bayonets legend tells of an entire company of soldiers buried alive in their trench – with bayonets pointing aboveground for decades. The monument was donated by the United States. Fort de Douaumont was the most important stronghold in the network of forts built to protect Verdun.

Tranchee des Baionnettes

Fort de Douaumont