P A U L F O S T E R
French Museums
French Museums
click on the logo on the left to direct you to take you to their website
click on the logo on the left to direct you to take you to their website
Franco-Australian Museum, Villers-Bretonneux
Created by the Franco-Australian Association in Villers-Bretonneux the Franco-Australian Museum was unveiled the 25th April 1975, is situated on the first floor of the Victoria School.
Run by the Association, the Museum tells the story of the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War, particularly on the Western Front in 1918.
With a surface area of 400m², totally renovated in 1992, thanks to the Local council of Villers-Bretonneux, Australia and the Regional Council of the Somme; it holds:
a reception area with ticket office, small souvenirs shop and tourist information centre;
a big exhibition room comprising photos, uniforms, fire arms, small scale models, letters and personal objects, facsimiles of official documents, etc;
a documentation area with numerous books on the history of Australia, as well as on the fauna and Flora so particular to Australia;
a 35 seat video room showing, on demand, Australian war documentaries in English or French.
9 rue du Victoria
80800 Villers-Bretonneux
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 96 80 79
Created by the Franco-Australian Association in Villers-Bretonneux the Franco-Australian Museum was unveiled the 25th April 1975, is situated on the first floor of the Victoria School.
Run by the Association, the Museum tells the story of the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War, particularly on the Western Front in 1918.
With a surface area of 400m², totally renovated in 1992, thanks to the Local council of Villers-Bretonneux, Australia and the Regional Council of the Somme; it holds:
a reception area with ticket office, small souvenirs shop and tourist information centre;
a big exhibition room comprising photos, uniforms, fire arms, small scale models, letters and personal objects, facsimiles of official documents, etc;
a documentation area with numerous books on the history of Australia, as well as on the fauna and Flora so particular to Australia;
a 35 seat video room showing, on demand, Australian war documentaries in English or French.
9 rue du Victoria
80800 Villers-Bretonneux
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 96 80 79
South African War Memorial, Delville Wood, Longueval
Delville Wood, as the supreme symbol of South Africa's sacrifice and courage, occupied an eminent place in the country's military history. In July 1916, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade carried out one of the highest feat of arms of the Great War. To all South Africans who fell in the various conflicts of the 20th Century their museum and website are dedicated as a tribute.
Route de Ginchy
80360 Longueval
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 85 02 17
Delville Wood, as the supreme symbol of South Africa's sacrifice and courage, occupied an eminent place in the country's military history. In July 1916, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade carried out one of the highest feat of arms of the Great War. To all South Africans who fell in the various conflicts of the 20th Century their museum and website are dedicated as a tribute.
Route de Ginchy
80360 Longueval
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 85 02 17
Historial de la Grande Guerre
The museum was inaugurated on 16th July 1992. The Corbusier-inspired architecture of white concrete designed by Henri-Edouard Ciriani is subtly built onto the brick château through which visitors enter. The Historial of the Great War Musuem was selected among the twenty ‘Major Cultural Projects in France’ of the time for the quality of its architecture.
This trilingual (English, French, German) museum is neither a memorial nor a military museum but a cultural museum which seeks to show how the lives of combatants and civilians were drastically modified by the war.
Located on the very site of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the Battle of Picardy in 1918, the Historial of the Great War Musuem attempts to provide keys for understanding these events in all their dimensions and in so doing, to encourage reflection on the consequences of these battles, and the material traces which survive today.
Château de Péronne
BP 20063
80201 Peronne
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 83 14
Email: info@historical.org
The museum was inaugurated on 16th July 1992. The Corbusier-inspired architecture of white concrete designed by Henri-Edouard Ciriani is subtly built onto the brick château through which visitors enter. The Historial of the Great War Musuem was selected among the twenty ‘Major Cultural Projects in France’ of the time for the quality of its architecture.
This trilingual (English, French, German) museum is neither a memorial nor a military museum but a cultural museum which seeks to show how the lives of combatants and civilians were drastically modified by the war.
Located on the very site of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the Battle of Picardy in 1918, the Historial of the Great War Musuem attempts to provide keys for understanding these events in all their dimensions and in so doing, to encourage reflection on the consequences of these battles, and the material traces which survive today.
Château de Péronne
BP 20063
80201 Peronne
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 83 14
Email: info@historical.org
Musée Somme 1916 / Musée de Abris
It is inside the largest tunnel (10 meters underground and 250 meters long, from the Basilica through to the public garden) is where the Somme 1916 Museum is located. The long corridor and alcoves allow for real life scenarios to show the life of soldiers in the trenches.
rue Anicet Godin, 80300 Albert
Tel : 03.22.75.16.17
It is inside the largest tunnel (10 meters underground and 250 meters long, from the Basilica through to the public garden) is where the Somme 1916 Museum is located. The long corridor and alcoves allow for real life scenarios to show the life of soldiers in the trenches.
rue Anicet Godin, 80300 Albert
Tel : 03.22.75.16.17
Lochnagar Crater, La Boisselle
It is almost 300ft (91m) in diameter and 70ft (21m) deep and each year on the anniversary on July 1st a Remembrance Ceremony is held there. A small, more informal Ceremony takes place on November 11th.
Memorial Path Appeal: Lochnagar Urgently Needs Your Support
Owing to greatly increased numbers of visitors causing severe erosion and for reasons of safety, it has now been necessary to create, at considerable cost, a robust ‘duckboard’ pathway around the Crater rim. If you would like to help support this vital project please visit the website and donate. All monies raised will be gratefully received.
It is almost 300ft (91m) in diameter and 70ft (21m) deep and each year on the anniversary on July 1st a Remembrance Ceremony is held there. A small, more informal Ceremony takes place on November 11th.
Memorial Path Appeal: Lochnagar Urgently Needs Your Support
Owing to greatly increased numbers of visitors causing severe erosion and for reasons of safety, it has now been necessary to create, at considerable cost, a robust ‘duckboard’ pathway around the Crater rim. If you would like to help support this vital project please visit the website and donate. All monies raised will be gratefully received.
P’tit train de la Haute Somme - Appeva
It is the last remaining section of a large military network built during WW1. The museum is divided into three parts, one concerns the military development and WW1, one other the industrial use and the last one exhibits the locomotives in working order. Locomotives are displayed, when possible, with one or several wagons to recreate their former use.
Hameau de Froissy, 80340 La Neuville les Bray
Phone/Fax +33 (0)3 22 44 04 99
Email: appeva@club-internet.fr
It is the last remaining section of a large military network built during WW1. The museum is divided into three parts, one concerns the military development and WW1, one other the industrial use and the last one exhibits the locomotives in working order. Locomotives are displayed, when possible, with one or several wagons to recreate their former use.
Hameau de Froissy, 80340 La Neuville les Bray
Phone/Fax +33 (0)3 22 44 04 99
Email: appeva@club-internet.fr
Museum of the Battle of Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles took place on 19th and 20th July 1916 and opposed British and Australian divisions to a Bavarian division. The shock was terrible, within 24 hours, there were nearly 8,500 victims. Many of the soldiers who died on the battlefield could not be found.
In 2009, a team of archaeologists uncovered the bodies of 250 British and Australian soldiers missing at Fromelles. A serious campaign of identification began, and with each restored identity, it is the story of one soldier that rises to the surface.
Follow the battle, the archaeological research and the history of fallen soldiers through the permanent exhibition. Discover a story that keeps on being written.
Everyday 9:30am - 5:30pm except closed on Tuesdays
Closed on 1st January, Easter Sunday and Monday, 1st May, 1st week-end of September, 25th December with an annual closing between Christmas and New Year, 3 weeks in late January / early February
Musée de la bataille de Fromelles
Rue de la Basse Ville
59249 Fomelles
Tél. : +33 (0)3 59 61 15 14
The Battle of Fromelles took place on 19th and 20th July 1916 and opposed British and Australian divisions to a Bavarian division. The shock was terrible, within 24 hours, there were nearly 8,500 victims. Many of the soldiers who died on the battlefield could not be found.
In 2009, a team of archaeologists uncovered the bodies of 250 British and Australian soldiers missing at Fromelles. A serious campaign of identification began, and with each restored identity, it is the story of one soldier that rises to the surface.
Follow the battle, the archaeological research and the history of fallen soldiers through the permanent exhibition. Discover a story that keeps on being written.
Everyday 9:30am - 5:30pm except closed on Tuesdays
Closed on 1st January, Easter Sunday and Monday, 1st May, 1st week-end of September, 25th December with an annual closing between Christmas and New Year, 3 weeks in late January / early February
Musée de la bataille de Fromelles
Rue de la Basse Ville
59249 Fomelles
Tél. : +33 (0)3 59 61 15 14
Musée 14/18 Alexandre Villedieu
Based in Loos-en-Gohelle, Alexandre Villedieu museum houses a collection of objects related to the First World War found mostly in the town.
Established in Loos-en-Gohelle, the Musée Alexandre Villedieu houses a collection of First World War artefacts, most of them found within the municipality itself.
Run by the "Loos Sur les traces de la Grande Guerre" association, this museum evokes the day-to-day life of soldiers in the trenches and of civilians in the occupied zone. Also evoked are the battles that marked the town in 1915 and 1917, in which many Commonwealth soldiers were involved.
The association also offers excursions to discover the surrounding fields battles (by appointment).
Museum open daily by appointment.
Association "Sur les Traces de la Grande Guerre"
Foyer Omer Caron -1er étage
Place de la République
62750 Loos en Gohelle
Tel: +33 (0)6 09 46 48 65
Fax: +33 (0)3 21 69 88 79
Based in Loos-en-Gohelle, Alexandre Villedieu museum houses a collection of objects related to the First World War found mostly in the town.
Established in Loos-en-Gohelle, the Musée Alexandre Villedieu houses a collection of First World War artefacts, most of them found within the municipality itself.
Run by the "Loos Sur les traces de la Grande Guerre" association, this museum evokes the day-to-day life of soldiers in the trenches and of civilians in the occupied zone. Also evoked are the battles that marked the town in 1915 and 1917, in which many Commonwealth soldiers were involved.
The association also offers excursions to discover the surrounding fields battles (by appointment).
Museum open daily by appointment.
Association "Sur les Traces de la Grande Guerre"
Foyer Omer Caron -1er étage
Place de la République
62750 Loos en Gohelle
Tel: +33 (0)6 09 46 48 65
Fax: +33 (0)3 21 69 88 79
Lens 14-18
Lens’ 14 - 18 is a free exhibition centre for those events and battles of the First World War which took place in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.
It is located in Souchez, Pas-de-Calais, at the foot of the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette hill, which was the stage of fierce combat. The site occupied a strategic position between the Ypres salient in Belgium and the battlefields of the Somme in France. The village was destroyed during the 1915 Battles of Artois and rebuilt in the 1920s.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am until 6.00pm, annual closure in January.
102 rue Pasteur (Entrée Chemin de Lens)
62153 Souchez
GPS : Latitude 50° 24' 3.971" Longitude 2° 44' 30151"
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 74 83 15
Email: lens14-18@tourisme-lenslievin.fr
Lens’ 14 - 18 is a free exhibition centre for those events and battles of the First World War which took place in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.
It is located in Souchez, Pas-de-Calais, at the foot of the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette hill, which was the stage of fierce combat. The site occupied a strategic position between the Ypres salient in Belgium and the battlefields of the Somme in France. The village was destroyed during the 1915 Battles of Artois and rebuilt in the 1920s.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am until 6.00pm, annual closure in January.
102 rue Pasteur (Entrée Chemin de Lens)
62153 Souchez
GPS : Latitude 50° 24' 3.971" Longitude 2° 44' 30151"
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 74 83 15
Email: lens14-18@tourisme-lenslievin.fr
Notre Dame de Lorette — Cemetery, Museums and Ring of Remembrance
Ablain St.-Nazaire French Military Cemetery
With 40,057 burials it is the largest French military cemetery in the world. It also contains the unknown soldier of the French-Indochina and Algerian conflicts of the 1950s and 1960s.
Musée Vivant 14-18 de Notre Dame de Lorette
The museum has a collection of more than 3,000 exhibits, there is a slideshow, and 400 stereoscopic images plus outside a kilometre of trenches, guns, and other interesting items.
Open every day from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
62153 Ablain St Nazaire
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 45 15 80
Email : musee1418@gmail.com
Ring of Remembrance
Inaugurated on 11 November 2014 and designed by the architect Philippe Prost, this elliptical memorial was inspired by the circles children make in their games and designed as an open book in homage to the soldiers who fell in our region. It is an object of great aesthetic and symbolic power, evoking the mass death which occurred on the battlefields of this region between 1914 and 1918.
Ablain St.-Nazaire French Military Cemetery
With 40,057 burials it is the largest French military cemetery in the world. It also contains the unknown soldier of the French-Indochina and Algerian conflicts of the 1950s and 1960s.
Musée Vivant 14-18 de Notre Dame de Lorette
The museum has a collection of more than 3,000 exhibits, there is a slideshow, and 400 stereoscopic images plus outside a kilometre of trenches, guns, and other interesting items.
Open every day from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
62153 Ablain St Nazaire
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 45 15 80
Email : musee1418@gmail.com
Ring of Remembrance
Inaugurated on 11 November 2014 and designed by the architect Philippe Prost, this elliptical memorial was inspired by the circles children make in their games and designed as an open book in homage to the soldiers who fell in our region. It is an object of great aesthetic and symbolic power, evoking the mass death which occurred on the battlefields of this region between 1914 and 1918.
Military Museum, La Targette
Situated in the heart of the battlefield, the museum is on two floors with a wide selection of exhibits. Uniforms, weapons, equipent and personal objects are displayed.
Open every day from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
48 Route Nationale
62580 Neuville St Vaast
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 59 17 76
Email : musee1418@gmail.com
Situated in the heart of the battlefield, the museum is on two floors with a wide selection of exhibits. Uniforms, weapons, equipent and personal objects are displayed.
Open every day from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
48 Route Nationale
62580 Neuville St Vaast
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 59 17 76
Email : musee1418@gmail.com
Wellington Tunnels/Carriere Wellington, Arras
Impressiove underground chalk quarries had been dug in the south suburb of Arras since the Middle Ages. From 1916, a network of galleries were set up by the New Zealand tunnelers, to link the quarries together and get closer to the German positions. Gathered within this secret base, over 20 000 soldiers from all over the world emerged from the underground just a few meters from German positions, in the morning of 9th April 1917.
9th April — annual dawn ceremony
On 9th April, at 6.30 am, a tribte is paid to the soldiers of the Commonwealth, at the foot of the Battle of Arras memorial wall.
Opening hours: daily 10.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 6.00pm. Closed on 1st January, four weeks after the Christmas holidays and 25th December.
Wellington Tunnels, Memorial of the Battle of Arras
Rue Arthur Delétoille
62000 Arras
GPS: 50° 16'50.502" N, 2° 46'56.7588" E
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax: +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email: contact@explorearras.com
Impressiove underground chalk quarries had been dug in the south suburb of Arras since the Middle Ages. From 1916, a network of galleries were set up by the New Zealand tunnelers, to link the quarries together and get closer to the German positions. Gathered within this secret base, over 20 000 soldiers from all over the world emerged from the underground just a few meters from German positions, in the morning of 9th April 1917.
9th April — annual dawn ceremony
On 9th April, at 6.30 am, a tribte is paid to the soldiers of the Commonwealth, at the foot of the Battle of Arras memorial wall.
Opening hours: daily 10.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 6.00pm. Closed on 1st January, four weeks after the Christmas holidays and 25th December.
Wellington Tunnels, Memorial of the Battle of Arras
Rue Arthur Delétoille
62000 Arras
GPS: 50° 16'50.502" N, 2° 46'56.7588" E
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax: +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email: contact@explorearras.com
Thiepval Visitor Centre, Somme and attached Museum
It is located a short distance from the iconic Thiepval Memorial. An interesting exhibition space wih a well stocked shop attached, entrance is free. Toilets are available and a free car park situated next to the Centre.
Open daily: 1st March to 31st October: 9.30am to 6.00pm and 1st November to end February: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Winter annual closure from mid-December to mid-January.
Managed by the Historial, Museum of the Great War, the museum has been built into the Thiepval Visitor and Interpretation Centre. At the very heart of the battlefields, the exhibition studies the history of the many battles of the Somme, paying particular attention to the most deadly battle of all - the one of 1916.
A permanent exhibition of approximately 400m2 displays artefacts, archaeological finds, multimedia displays and life-size installations (replica of Charles Guynemer's plane) and the 60 metre long mural illustrated by Joe Sacco opens an imaginary window onto the 1st July battlefield.
The museum uses very modern and innovative displays: large-scale installations, multimedia and sound displays, an archaeological approach in accordance to the remembrance aspect of the site providing visitors with a unique and moving experience.
GPS: Latitude: 50.052345 Longitude: 2.688110
Rue de l'Ancre
80300 Thiepval
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 74 65 44
Email: thiepval@historial.org
It is located a short distance from the iconic Thiepval Memorial. An interesting exhibition space wih a well stocked shop attached, entrance is free. Toilets are available and a free car park situated next to the Centre.
Open daily: 1st March to 31st October: 9.30am to 6.00pm and 1st November to end February: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Winter annual closure from mid-December to mid-January.
Managed by the Historial, Museum of the Great War, the museum has been built into the Thiepval Visitor and Interpretation Centre. At the very heart of the battlefields, the exhibition studies the history of the many battles of the Somme, paying particular attention to the most deadly battle of all - the one of 1916.
A permanent exhibition of approximately 400m2 displays artefacts, archaeological finds, multimedia displays and life-size installations (replica of Charles Guynemer's plane) and the 60 metre long mural illustrated by Joe Sacco opens an imaginary window onto the 1st July battlefield.
The museum uses very modern and innovative displays: large-scale installations, multimedia and sound displays, an archaeological approach in accordance to the remembrance aspect of the site providing visitors with a unique and moving experience.
GPS: Latitude: 50.052345 Longitude: 2.688110
Rue de l'Ancre
80300 Thiepval
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 74 65 44
Email: thiepval@historial.org
Ulster Memorial Tower
The Ulster Memorial Tower stands on what was the German front line during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916. It was erected on the site of the Schwaben Redoubt, a strongly fortified position, which the Ulster Division eventually captured from the enemy. It is opposite Thiepval Wood from where the 36th (Ulster) Division made its historic charge on the 1st July 1916, and is in close proximity to the village of Thiepval.
The Tower stands some 70 feet tall and is a lasting tribute to the men of Ulster who gave their lives during the First World War. The Tower is more specifically regarded as a memorial to the Officers and Men of the 36th (Ulster) Division and of the Sons of Ulster in other forces, who laid down their lives, and of all their Comrades-in-Arms, who, by Divine Grace, were spared to testify to their glorious deeds.- its position on the battlefield is a permanent reminder of the Division’s heroic charge at the Battle of the Somme on the opening day of that great offensive.
The Ulster Memorial Tower is lived in during the year by Somme Association staff and is open from 1st March until 30th November, Tuesday to Sunday daily, 10am until 5pm. Closed on Mondays all year round. Visitors have access to the Tower Memorial Room.
GPS: Latitude 50.0652671 Longitude 2.675322899999969
Route de St.Pierre Divion
80300 Thiepval
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 74 87 14
Email:ulstertower@sommeassociation.com
Thiepval Wood
Thiepval Wood is the actual front line battle ground for the 36th (Ulster) Division, who fought over the land during the Battle of the Somme; the original trenches have been carefully uncovered and are continually undergoing preservation. The Connaught Cemetery is at the edge of the wood. Under French law Thiepval Wood is Private Property, used by the local French population for various activities such as timber gathering, hunting, etc. Anyone entering Thiepval Wood without the permission of the Somme Association will be trespassing. Anyone wishing to go on a tour of the wood must book in advance through the Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre as they must be accompanied by a guide. Guided tours are usually conducted daily, open from 1st March until 30th November, Tuesday to Sunday daily, 10am until 5pm. Visitors have access only with a guide. No tours on Mondays.
Contact The Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre for more information.
The Ulster Memorial Tower stands on what was the German front line during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916. It was erected on the site of the Schwaben Redoubt, a strongly fortified position, which the Ulster Division eventually captured from the enemy. It is opposite Thiepval Wood from where the 36th (Ulster) Division made its historic charge on the 1st July 1916, and is in close proximity to the village of Thiepval.
The Tower stands some 70 feet tall and is a lasting tribute to the men of Ulster who gave their lives during the First World War. The Tower is more specifically regarded as a memorial to the Officers and Men of the 36th (Ulster) Division and of the Sons of Ulster in other forces, who laid down their lives, and of all their Comrades-in-Arms, who, by Divine Grace, were spared to testify to their glorious deeds.- its position on the battlefield is a permanent reminder of the Division’s heroic charge at the Battle of the Somme on the opening day of that great offensive.
The Ulster Memorial Tower is lived in during the year by Somme Association staff and is open from 1st March until 30th November, Tuesday to Sunday daily, 10am until 5pm. Closed on Mondays all year round. Visitors have access to the Tower Memorial Room.
GPS: Latitude 50.0652671 Longitude 2.675322899999969
Route de St.Pierre Divion
80300 Thiepval
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 74 87 14
Email:ulstertower@sommeassociation.com
Thiepval Wood
Thiepval Wood is the actual front line battle ground for the 36th (Ulster) Division, who fought over the land during the Battle of the Somme; the original trenches have been carefully uncovered and are continually undergoing preservation. The Connaught Cemetery is at the edge of the wood. Under French law Thiepval Wood is Private Property, used by the local French population for various activities such as timber gathering, hunting, etc. Anyone entering Thiepval Wood without the permission of the Somme Association will be trespassing. Anyone wishing to go on a tour of the wood must book in advance through the Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre as they must be accompanied by a guide. Guided tours are usually conducted daily, open from 1st March until 30th November, Tuesday to Sunday daily, 10am until 5pm. Visitors have access only with a guide. No tours on Mondays.
Contact The Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre for more information.
Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont Hamel
When you enter the Park you will first come to a poem cast in bronze that reads:
One of the 5 Caribou Memorials dominates the entrance before you get to the remains of the trenches, the battlefield that lead to Y Ravine.
There is Visitors' Centre that is free to visit containing some fascinating items and excellent photographs.
There is a free car park outside the park.
GPS Latitude N 50° 4' 26 " Longitude E 2° 38' 57"
The Newfoundland Memorial Park is on the D73 between Hamel village and Auchonvillers village.
Tel: +33 (0) 3 22 76 70 86
Email: beaumonthamel.memorial@vac-acc.gc.ca
When you enter the Park you will first come to a poem cast in bronze that reads:
Tread softly here! Go reverently and slow!
Yea, let your soul go down upon its knees,
And with bowed head and heart abased strive hard
To grasp the future gain in this sore loss!
For not one foot of this dank sod but drank
Its surfeit of the blood of gallant men.
Who, for their faith, their hope — for Life and Liberty,
Here made the sacrifice — here gave their lives.
And gave right willingly — for you and me.
From this vast altar-pile the souls of men
Sped up to God in countless multitudes:
On this grim cratered ridge they gave their all.
And, giving, won
The peace of Heaven and Immortality —
Our hearts go out to them in boundless gratitude.
If ours — then God's for His vast charity
All sees, all knows, all comprehends — save bounds.
He has repaid their sacrifice: and we — ?
God help us if we fail to pay our debt
In fullest full and unstintingly!
John Oxenham (1852-1941)
Yea, let your soul go down upon its knees,
And with bowed head and heart abased strive hard
To grasp the future gain in this sore loss!
For not one foot of this dank sod but drank
Its surfeit of the blood of gallant men.
Who, for their faith, their hope — for Life and Liberty,
Here made the sacrifice — here gave their lives.
And gave right willingly — for you and me.
From this vast altar-pile the souls of men
Sped up to God in countless multitudes:
On this grim cratered ridge they gave their all.
And, giving, won
The peace of Heaven and Immortality —
Our hearts go out to them in boundless gratitude.
If ours — then God's for His vast charity
All sees, all knows, all comprehends — save bounds.
He has repaid their sacrifice: and we — ?
God help us if we fail to pay our debt
In fullest full and unstintingly!
John Oxenham (1852-1941)
One of the 5 Caribou Memorials dominates the entrance before you get to the remains of the trenches, the battlefield that lead to Y Ravine.
There is Visitors' Centre that is free to visit containing some fascinating items and excellent photographs.
There is a free car park outside the park.
GPS Latitude N 50° 4' 26 " Longitude E 2° 38' 57"
The Newfoundland Memorial Park is on the D73 between Hamel village and Auchonvillers village.
Tel: +33 (0) 3 22 76 70 86
Email: beaumonthamel.memorial@vac-acc.gc.ca
The Conference Room, Doullens
The room 'Sole Command' is located on the first floor of City Hall, where the meeting took place between representatives of the French and British governments and the leaders of the armies of the two Nations entrusted to General Foch, the commander of all troops fighting the Germans on 26th March 1918.
Each year Doullens, faithful to the memory, commemorates this event in March. We notice the brightly colored stained glass and Gerard Pierre Ansart executed by Jean Gaudin, two paintings by Lucien Jonas, a "military" painter, busts of Lord Milner and Clemenceau.
It is situated on the first floor of the l'Hôtel de Ville de Doullens (Town Hall) and open from Monday to Friday betwen 9.00am and 12.00noon, and 2.00pm to 6.00pm and on Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00noon.
2 Avenue Foch
80600 Doullens
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 77 00 07
Fax: +33 (0)3 22 32 43 45
Email on website.
The room 'Sole Command' is located on the first floor of City Hall, where the meeting took place between representatives of the French and British governments and the leaders of the armies of the two Nations entrusted to General Foch, the commander of all troops fighting the Germans on 26th March 1918.
Each year Doullens, faithful to the memory, commemorates this event in March. We notice the brightly colored stained glass and Gerard Pierre Ansart executed by Jean Gaudin, two paintings by Lucien Jonas, a "military" painter, busts of Lord Milner and Clemenceau.
It is situated on the first floor of the l'Hôtel de Ville de Doullens (Town Hall) and open from Monday to Friday betwen 9.00am and 12.00noon, and 2.00pm to 6.00pm and on Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00noon.
2 Avenue Foch
80600 Doullens
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 77 00 07
Fax: +33 (0)3 22 32 43 45
Email on website.
Museum at Bullecourt
The Museum Jean and Denise Letaille at Bullecourt, on the front line during the Great War, contains the history of thousands of troops came to defend the Arras sector in 1917. Throughout their lives, Jean and Denise Letaille, a farming couple Bullecourt, gathered an impressive collection of items found in their fields and the surrounding countryside. Weapons, as well as razors, combs, cigarette cases and other personal belongings from Australia, Germany and the UK, have been found on the former front line, alongside men to which they belonged, fell during the two battles of Bullecourt in the Arras offensive in April and May 1917 10,771 Australian soldiers and 7,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting for the line break German front. Letaille gathered in the Museum, these remains of trenches highlight an often overlooked episode of the Great War, yet the most deadly, but mostly they tell the story of the 'Diggers', these brave soldiers around the world.
Musée Jean et Denise Letaille Bullecourt 1917
1 bis, rue d'Arras
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 55 33 20
Email: musee-bullecourt1917@cc-sudartois.fr
The Museum Jean and Denise Letaille at Bullecourt, on the front line during the Great War, contains the history of thousands of troops came to defend the Arras sector in 1917. Throughout their lives, Jean and Denise Letaille, a farming couple Bullecourt, gathered an impressive collection of items found in their fields and the surrounding countryside. Weapons, as well as razors, combs, cigarette cases and other personal belongings from Australia, Germany and the UK, have been found on the former front line, alongside men to which they belonged, fell during the two battles of Bullecourt in the Arras offensive in April and May 1917 10,771 Australian soldiers and 7,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting for the line break German front. Letaille gathered in the Museum, these remains of trenches highlight an often overlooked episode of the Great War, yet the most deadly, but mostly they tell the story of the 'Diggers', these brave soldiers around the world.
Musée Jean et Denise Letaille Bullecourt 1917
1 bis, rue d'Arras
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 55 33 20
Email: musee-bullecourt1917@cc-sudartois.fr
Vimy Memorial Park
In addition to the impressive Canadian Memorial to the Missing there is an Interpretive Centre in the main car park next to the trenches. There is a short film about the famous battle that took place between 9th and 12th April 1917 and display of maps, artefacts, photographs and personal items. It is well worth a visit.
You can wander around the preserved trenches at your leisure and should you wish to visit the tunnels you can book in the Interpretive Centre.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and on Mondays from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
GPS: Latitude 50° 22' 20" Longitude 2° 46' 12"
Canadian National Vimy Memorial
62580 Vimy
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 76 70 86
Email: vimy.memorial@vac-acc.gc.ca
In addition to the impressive Canadian Memorial to the Missing there is an Interpretive Centre in the main car park next to the trenches. There is a short film about the famous battle that took place between 9th and 12th April 1917 and display of maps, artefacts, photographs and personal items. It is well worth a visit.
You can wander around the preserved trenches at your leisure and should you wish to visit the tunnels you can book in the Interpretive Centre.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and on Mondays from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
GPS: Latitude 50° 22' 20" Longitude 2° 46' 12"
Canadian National Vimy Memorial
62580 Vimy
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 76 70 86
Email: vimy.memorial@vac-acc.gc.ca
Fort de la Pompelle
A wonderful museum dedicated to the defence of the Reims area during World War One. The German offensive of 1914 captured many of the forts of the Séré de Rivières, which were then used by them as bases. The Fort de la Pompelle was surrendered to the Germans without a fight on 4th September 1914. However, this was a short-lived occupation as, following the First Battle of the Marne (5th-12th Sept 1914), the fort was retaken by the French 138th Infantry after a fierce struggle.
It houses interesting exhibits from the Imperial Russian Regiments that served in the sector in 1916 and 1917 and sent by Tsar Nicholas II.
Also displayed is the magnificent Charles Friese's collection of German Army Headgear — Picklehaube — with over 560 displayed.
The fort and and exhibits are well worth a visit.
Open daily from 1st April to 30th September from 10.00am to 6.00pm (except Mondays) and from 1st October to 31st March from 10.00am to 5.00pm (except Monday). Yearly closure on 1 May, 14 July, 1 November and from mid-December to mid-January.
Free entry the first Sunday of each month and on 1st August and 11th November.
RD 944, route de Châlons-en-Champagne
Reims - Puisieulx
Tél: +33 (0)3 26 49 11 85
A wonderful museum dedicated to the defence of the Reims area during World War One. The German offensive of 1914 captured many of the forts of the Séré de Rivières, which were then used by them as bases. The Fort de la Pompelle was surrendered to the Germans without a fight on 4th September 1914. However, this was a short-lived occupation as, following the First Battle of the Marne (5th-12th Sept 1914), the fort was retaken by the French 138th Infantry after a fierce struggle.
It houses interesting exhibits from the Imperial Russian Regiments that served in the sector in 1916 and 1917 and sent by Tsar Nicholas II.
Also displayed is the magnificent Charles Friese's collection of German Army Headgear — Picklehaube — with over 560 displayed.
The fort and and exhibits are well worth a visit.
Open daily from 1st April to 30th September from 10.00am to 6.00pm (except Mondays) and from 1st October to 31st March from 10.00am to 5.00pm (except Monday). Yearly closure on 1 May, 14 July, 1 November and from mid-December to mid-January.
Free entry the first Sunday of each month and on 1st August and 11th November.
RD 944, route de Châlons-en-Champagne
Reims - Puisieulx
Tél: +33 (0)3 26 49 11 85
Museum of the Great War, Meaux
Housing a collection unparalleled anywhere in Europe, the Musée de la Grande Guerre in Pays de Meaux offers a new vision of the first worldwide conflict [1914-1918], through innovative scenography illustrating the great changes and upheavals in society that resulted from it. A remarkable heritage to be handed on to future generations. A museum of' history and society to help learn of past hardships, better understand present-day society and build tomorrow's world.
Open all year long except Tuesday from 9:30 am till 6 pm. Closed on 1st January, in 1st May and 25th December.
Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux
Rue Lazare Ponticelli
77100 Meaux
Tel: +33 (0)1 60 32 14 18
Email: reservation.museedelagrandeguerre@meaux.fr
Housing a collection unparalleled anywhere in Europe, the Musée de la Grande Guerre in Pays de Meaux offers a new vision of the first worldwide conflict [1914-1918], through innovative scenography illustrating the great changes and upheavals in society that resulted from it. A remarkable heritage to be handed on to future generations. A museum of' history and society to help learn of past hardships, better understand present-day society and build tomorrow's world.
Open all year long except Tuesday from 9:30 am till 6 pm. Closed on 1st January, in 1st May and 25th December.
Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux
Rue Lazare Ponticelli
77100 Meaux
Tel: +33 (0)1 60 32 14 18
Email: reservation.museedelagrandeguerre@meaux.fr
Museum and Memorial Le Linge 1914 1918
The Linge is a First World War battlefield, where one of the bloodiest confrontations of the war took place between 20th July and 15th October 1915, resulting 17,000 deaths. The Linge Memorial Museum displays French and German objects found on site including weapons, munitions, personal objects and relics. In addition there are models of French and German infantrymen, scale models of the battlefield, photos, texts, maps. A video of photographs from the period is also available.
Open from 2nd April to 11th November, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
86 rue du Général de Gaulle
68370 Orbey
Tel: +33 (0)3 89 77 29 97
Fax: +33 (0)3 89 71 31 61
Email: contact@linge1915.eu
The Linge is a First World War battlefield, where one of the bloodiest confrontations of the war took place between 20th July and 15th October 1915, resulting 17,000 deaths. The Linge Memorial Museum displays French and German objects found on site including weapons, munitions, personal objects and relics. In addition there are models of French and German infantrymen, scale models of the battlefield, photos, texts, maps. A video of photographs from the period is also available.
Open from 2nd April to 11th November, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
86 rue du Général de Gaulle
68370 Orbey
Tel: +33 (0)3 89 77 29 97
Fax: +33 (0)3 89 71 31 61
Email: contact@linge1915.eu
Musée de la Cite d'Ercan, Erquinghem-Lys
A lovely little museum that is organised and run by a group of local historians and enthusiasts. Their collection grows every year and is well worth a visit.
Open every Sunday from 2.30pm to 6.00pm except between mid-November and the end of February.
Place de l'église
59193 Erquinghem-Lys
Tel: +33 (0)6 88 73 90 30
A lovely little museum that is organised and run by a group of local historians and enthusiasts. Their collection grows every year and is well worth a visit.
Open every Sunday from 2.30pm to 6.00pm except between mid-November and the end of February.
Place de l'église
59193 Erquinghem-Lys
Tel: +33 (0)6 88 73 90 30
Fort Seclin
One of the forts around Lille. A guided tour takes you around the fort and is dedicated to the artillery of the Great War.
Open each weekend from the first Sunday in April to the 11th November but can be visited any day by appointment.
Chemin du fort
59113 Seclin
Tel: +33 20 97 14 18
Email form available on their website.
One of the forts around Lille. A guided tour takes you around the fort and is dedicated to the artillery of the Great War.
Open each weekend from the first Sunday in April to the 11th November but can be visited any day by appointment.
Chemin du fort
59113 Seclin
Tel: +33 20 97 14 18
Email form available on their website.
Fort de Levau
A fasinating museum given a comprehensive history of the daily life of soliders at the front line and serving in the fort. The museum is full of interesting artefacts and the trenches outside are fascinating.
Open every weekday between 1.00pm and 5.00pm and between April and October it is open on the last two Sundays of the month between 2.30pm and 6.00pm.
GPS: Longitude 50.299522 Latitude 3.941748
Association Sauvegarde du Fort de Leveau
BP 51068 Feignies
59606 Maubeuge Cedex
Tel and Fax: +33 (3) 27 62 37 07
Email: contact@fortdeleveau.fr
A fasinating museum given a comprehensive history of the daily life of soliders at the front line and serving in the fort. The museum is full of interesting artefacts and the trenches outside are fascinating.
Open every weekday between 1.00pm and 5.00pm and between April and October it is open on the last two Sundays of the month between 2.30pm and 6.00pm.
GPS: Longitude 50.299522 Latitude 3.941748
Association Sauvegarde du Fort de Leveau
BP 51068 Feignies
59606 Maubeuge Cedex
Tel and Fax: +33 (3) 27 62 37 07
Email: contact@fortdeleveau.fr
Wilfred Owen — The Forresters House
It was the 31st October 1918 when Owen and his battalion (2nd Manchesters) reached Pommereuil, about 2 miles north-east of Le Cateau. (It had been taken just a week before by two sister battalions of the Manchesters). A Field Ambulance unit had originally been established in the house from which wounded were sent on to Le Cateau and beyond. It also had to deal with many French civilians who were in a very feeble condition because of age, food shortages, illness and gas poisoning.
By the time Wilfred Owen arrived, the Ambulance unit had moved on. During the early evening of the 31st, surrounded by sleeping officers, including his Company Commander, officers’ servants and some battalion HQ personnel, he wrote his last letter from the cellar in this house. At that time he felt he was out of danger. But there was danger to come and he died on the nearby banks of the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors on 4th November. The ventilation grille to the cellar can been seen just to the left of the bush.
The all-white house appears like a ‘bleached bone’ as Simon Patterson described it. You walk up a ramp into a large space, lit from above. Owen’s poem Dulce et Decorum Est is etched on a translucent skin of glass which covers the four walls. It is in Owen's handwriting, taken from his manuscript which is now in the British Library. As you stand there, the lights dim and you hear the voice of Kenneth Branagh reading 12 of Owen’s poems, which he recorded for Radio 4 in 1993 to commemorate Owen’s birth in 1893. The poems appear on the walls, and you hear some of them in French. In between there is silence. It lasts one hour; you can leave at any time or hear all of the poems which include Strange Meeting and Dulce et Decorum Est.
It’s a powerful place. Unlike other museums centered around war, there are no artefacts, no tanks, no bombs, no arms. Just one room and a poetry reading.
Open daily (except Tuesdays) 2.00pm-4.00pm (with daily longer hours during the summer)
Wilfred Owen Memorial
D959 (the memorial is found on the right hand side of the road, by the Camp Militaire)
Ors
Click on the house for more details about the that and on Wilfred Owen's portrait to connect with the Wilfred Owen Society.
It was the 31st October 1918 when Owen and his battalion (2nd Manchesters) reached Pommereuil, about 2 miles north-east of Le Cateau. (It had been taken just a week before by two sister battalions of the Manchesters). A Field Ambulance unit had originally been established in the house from which wounded were sent on to Le Cateau and beyond. It also had to deal with many French civilians who were in a very feeble condition because of age, food shortages, illness and gas poisoning.
By the time Wilfred Owen arrived, the Ambulance unit had moved on. During the early evening of the 31st, surrounded by sleeping officers, including his Company Commander, officers’ servants and some battalion HQ personnel, he wrote his last letter from the cellar in this house. At that time he felt he was out of danger. But there was danger to come and he died on the nearby banks of the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors on 4th November. The ventilation grille to the cellar can been seen just to the left of the bush.
The all-white house appears like a ‘bleached bone’ as Simon Patterson described it. You walk up a ramp into a large space, lit from above. Owen’s poem Dulce et Decorum Est is etched on a translucent skin of glass which covers the four walls. It is in Owen's handwriting, taken from his manuscript which is now in the British Library. As you stand there, the lights dim and you hear the voice of Kenneth Branagh reading 12 of Owen’s poems, which he recorded for Radio 4 in 1993 to commemorate Owen’s birth in 1893. The poems appear on the walls, and you hear some of them in French. In between there is silence. It lasts one hour; you can leave at any time or hear all of the poems which include Strange Meeting and Dulce et Decorum Est.
It’s a powerful place. Unlike other museums centered around war, there are no artefacts, no tanks, no bombs, no arms. Just one room and a poetry reading.
Open daily (except Tuesdays) 2.00pm-4.00pm (with daily longer hours during the summer)
Wilfred Owen Memorial
D959 (the memorial is found on the right hand side of the road, by the Camp Militaire)
Ors
Click on the house for more details about the that and on Wilfred Owen's portrait to connect with the Wilfred Owen Society.
The Tank of Flesquières
Following the discovery, the tank was first planned to be placed in a barn in the village. However, it soon appeared the proposed building was far too small. As an immediate measure, it was decided and agreed between the Mayor of Flesquieres and Philippe Gorczynski to store the tank in the courtyard of the Mayor’s farm. That situation lasted for nearly two years and was not satisfactory, the tank being covered by a tarpaulin and suffering from heavy condensation. Philippe then searched for a suitable location. And after several possibilities, he chose a large open sided barn.
The tank is now preserved in that barn standing on a base made of granite cobbles given by the Town of Cambrai which came from some of its old streets. It was carefully moved there by a group of expert soldiers from 118 REME Company who spent two days on the project and used three large cranes and a heavy multi-wheeled trailer.
To arrange a visit please contact by email: visite.org@tank-cambrai.com
Following the discovery, the tank was first planned to be placed in a barn in the village. However, it soon appeared the proposed building was far too small. As an immediate measure, it was decided and agreed between the Mayor of Flesquieres and Philippe Gorczynski to store the tank in the courtyard of the Mayor’s farm. That situation lasted for nearly two years and was not satisfactory, the tank being covered by a tarpaulin and suffering from heavy condensation. Philippe then searched for a suitable location. And after several possibilities, he chose a large open sided barn.
The tank is now preserved in that barn standing on a base made of granite cobbles given by the Town of Cambrai which came from some of its old streets. It was carefully moved there by a group of expert soldiers from 118 REME Company who spent two days on the project and used three large cranes and a heavy multi-wheeled trailer.
To arrange a visit please contact by email: visite.org@tank-cambrai.com
Tank Museum, Saumur
Formed initially from Second World War tanks which had been accumulating since 1950 at the AMX factory in Satory, the collection of armoured vehicles assembled in Saumur today numbers 880 vehicles of which almost 200 are in complete working order.
For 80 years, armoured vehicles have formed the spearhead of the modern army. The museum traces their birth, their history, their technical evolution throughout the world from 1917 until today.
The museum contains examples of the most important armoured vehicles from the principal industrialised countries: France, USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, Israel, Brazil, countries from the former USSR. In its entirety, the exhibition constitutes the most complete collection of armoured vehicles in the world, both for the number of vehicles and for the continuous historic panorama exhibited, beginning with the appearance of the tank on the battlefield.
With a few rare exceptions, there is an example of each prototype to have undergone trials and each type of armoured vehicle used by the French Army since 1917.
Open every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm. You can purchase a combined ticket with the Cavalry Museum that is also situated in the town.
1043 route de Fontevraud
49400 Saumur
Tel: +33 (0)2 41 83 69 95
Fax: +33 (0)2 41 83 69 90
Email is available via their website.
Formed initially from Second World War tanks which had been accumulating since 1950 at the AMX factory in Satory, the collection of armoured vehicles assembled in Saumur today numbers 880 vehicles of which almost 200 are in complete working order.
For 80 years, armoured vehicles have formed the spearhead of the modern army. The museum traces their birth, their history, their technical evolution throughout the world from 1917 until today.
The museum contains examples of the most important armoured vehicles from the principal industrialised countries: France, USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, Israel, Brazil, countries from the former USSR. In its entirety, the exhibition constitutes the most complete collection of armoured vehicles in the world, both for the number of vehicles and for the continuous historic panorama exhibited, beginning with the appearance of the tank on the battlefield.
With a few rare exceptions, there is an example of each prototype to have undergone trials and each type of armoured vehicle used by the French Army since 1917.
Open every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm. You can purchase a combined ticket with the Cavalry Museum that is also situated in the town.
1043 route de Fontevraud
49400 Saumur
Tel: +33 (0)2 41 83 69 95
Fax: +33 (0)2 41 83 69 90
Email is available via their website.
Mont Saint Eoi Tower
near Arras
On a hill overlooking Arras stand the remains of two towers which bear testament not only to the once-powerful Mont-Saint-Eloi Abbey but also to the savage fighting that took place in the area during the Great War. From the beginning of the Great War the towers were used by French troops to observe German positions on Lorette Spur and Vimy Ridge. The suspicions of the French soldiers were aroused when Germans fired upon their every movement until it was realized that what was giving them away was not a spy but the birds nesting on the towers which took flight when troops disturbed them.
In 1915 heavy shelling truncated the towers, reducing their height from fifty-three to forty-four metres. In 1921 they were finally listed on France's register of ancient monuments. Purchased by Pas-de-Calais Council in 2004, the towers have since undergone much-needed works to consolidate their structure.
On a hill overlooking Arras stand the remains of two towers which bear testament not only to the once-powerful Mont-Saint-Eloi Abbey but also to the savage fighting that took place in the area during the Great War. From the beginning of the Great War the towers were used by French troops to observe German positions on Lorette Spur and Vimy Ridge. The suspicions of the French soldiers were aroused when Germans fired upon their every movement until it was realized that what was giving them away was not a spy but the birds nesting on the towers which took flight when troops disturbed them.
In 1915 heavy shelling truncated the towers, reducing their height from fifty-three to forty-four metres. In 1921 they were finally listed on France's register of ancient monuments. Purchased by Pas-de-Calais Council in 2004, the towers have since undergone much-needed works to consolidate their structure.
Harnes, Museum of History and Archaeology
Room of remembrance. This room was founded by local veterans of World War I in 1925. Conscious of the importance of remembering those dreadful times, they decided to collect all sorts of military objects (helmets, medals, weapons, photographs, etc) which they kept in a room owned by the council and opened to the public on Remembrance Day.
The Collections: The museum is composed of several rooms relating to the two world wars, the resistance and deportation. It also contains four rooms devoted to archaeology. The collections presented in these rooms have been added to by donations from mainly local people. These collections are both rich and varied and include weapons, items of artillery, uniforms, propaganda bills, archives, everyday objects, works of art, documents, etc.
Open Wednesdays from 10.00am to 12.00noon and from 3.00pm to 6.00pm and Saturdays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie
50 rue André Déprez
62440 Harnes
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 49 02 29
Email available via website.
Room of remembrance. This room was founded by local veterans of World War I in 1925. Conscious of the importance of remembering those dreadful times, they decided to collect all sorts of military objects (helmets, medals, weapons, photographs, etc) which they kept in a room owned by the council and opened to the public on Remembrance Day.
The Collections: The museum is composed of several rooms relating to the two world wars, the resistance and deportation. It also contains four rooms devoted to archaeology. The collections presented in these rooms have been added to by donations from mainly local people. These collections are both rich and varied and include weapons, items of artillery, uniforms, propaganda bills, archives, everyday objects, works of art, documents, etc.
Open Wednesdays from 10.00am to 12.00noon and from 3.00pm to 6.00pm and Saturdays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie
50 rue André Déprez
62440 Harnes
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 49 02 29
Email available via website.
The Armistice Carriage, Compiègne
Carriage 2419D belonging to the Compagnie des Wagons Lits is traditionally known as the Armistice Wagon. It was requisitioned by the army in 1918 and it was in the carriage that the Armistice was signed.
In 1921 it was taken to Les Invalides in Paris where it remained for 6 years. It was then installed in the Armistice Glade in a shelter in 1927.
Adolf Hitler used the same carriage for the French Surrender in the Second World War and in June 1940 it was removed to Berlin to be exhibited. It was destroyed in 1945 during an air raid.
An identical carriage was found and refited as it had been in 1918. It is housed undercover and there is an associated museum and in the grounds various artefacts, such a field guns, can be found.
The Museum is open from 15th September to April, every day except Tuesday from 10am to 5.30pm, and from April to 15th September, every day from 10am to 6pm.
GPS: Longitdue 49 42 917° Latitude 002 90 576°
Musée de l' Armistice
route de Soissons
60200 Compiegne
Tel and Fax: +33 (0)3 44 85 14 18
Email: wagon.armistice@wanadoo.fr
Carriage 2419D belonging to the Compagnie des Wagons Lits is traditionally known as the Armistice Wagon. It was requisitioned by the army in 1918 and it was in the carriage that the Armistice was signed.
In 1921 it was taken to Les Invalides in Paris where it remained for 6 years. It was then installed in the Armistice Glade in a shelter in 1927.
Adolf Hitler used the same carriage for the French Surrender in the Second World War and in June 1940 it was removed to Berlin to be exhibited. It was destroyed in 1945 during an air raid.
An identical carriage was found and refited as it had been in 1918. It is housed undercover and there is an associated museum and in the grounds various artefacts, such a field guns, can be found.
The Museum is open from 15th September to April, every day except Tuesday from 10am to 5.30pm, and from April to 15th September, every day from 10am to 6pm.
GPS: Longitdue 49 42 917° Latitude 002 90 576°
Musée de l' Armistice
route de Soissons
60200 Compiegne
Tel and Fax: +33 (0)3 44 85 14 18
Email: wagon.armistice@wanadoo.fr
Belleau Remembrance Museum
In the heart of Belleau village, the Remembrance Museum perpetuates the American and French soldiers involved in terrific fights where so many of them were killed.
Entering the museum, a permanent exhibition presents the American Military Cemetery, its chapel erected on the site of a trench, Belleau wood called the wood of the Marine Brigade. A second room is used for temporary exhibitions with subjects related to world war one.
Open from May 8th to September 30th on Monday, Thurday, Friday and Saturday between 10.00 am and 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm), Sunday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
Public holidays : 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm
From October 1st to November 11th each Friday and Saturday from 10.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm, Mondays, Sundays and public holidays between 2.00pm and 5.30 pm.
Place du Général Pershing • 02400 Belleau
Tel: +33(0)3 23 82 03 63 (Museum)
Tel: +33(0)3 23 83 51 14 (Tourism Board of Château-Thierry)
Email: belleauwood@otrct.fr
In the heart of Belleau village, the Remembrance Museum perpetuates the American and French soldiers involved in terrific fights where so many of them were killed.
Entering the museum, a permanent exhibition presents the American Military Cemetery, its chapel erected on the site of a trench, Belleau wood called the wood of the Marine Brigade. A second room is used for temporary exhibitions with subjects related to world war one.
Open from May 8th to September 30th on Monday, Thurday, Friday and Saturday between 10.00 am and 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm), Sunday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
Public holidays : 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm
From October 1st to November 11th each Friday and Saturday from 10.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm, Mondays, Sundays and public holidays between 2.00pm and 5.30 pm.
Place du Général Pershing • 02400 Belleau
Tel: +33(0)3 23 82 03 63 (Museum)
Tel: +33(0)3 23 83 51 14 (Tourism Board of Château-Thierry)
Email: belleauwood@otrct.fr
Cavene du Dragon, Museum of the Chemin des Dames
The Caverne du Dragon, or Drachenhöhle, during the First World War, from early 1915 onwards, German troops invaded a stone quarry that had been exploited starting in the 16th century, on the Chemin des Dames in the Aisne Department. The cavern was more than just a makeshift shelter. In fact it quickly became a strategic military location. One of the legends that may have inspired the Germans to call it the Dragon's Cavern is the presence of weapons at each of the seven entrances, ready to breathe fire like a seven-headed dragon.
During the war, former stone quarries were often converted for use by the army, particularly in the Aisne plateaux in the Soisson region. When German soldiers won the Caverne du Dragon from the French, they gained the upper hand. The Cavern was a strategic location, from which surprise attacks and retreats could be made on the Chemin des Dames, a ridge road overlooking the Aisne and Ailette valleys. Protected from the cold, despite the severe dampness, the Germans converted the Cavern into a veritable barracks with sniper positions and electricity. While the dead were piling up in the trenches, the Germans were creating an extensive camp in the underground galleries, including dormitories, a chapel, a well, a first-aid station and even a cemetery. In addition to serving as protection against gunfire and gas attacks, the stone walls were adorned with the souvenirs of the soldiers at rest, such as drawings and messages written in candle soot and other engravings. To while away the time, some soldiers carved objects from bullets and spent shells.
On 25th June 25 1917, shortly after the tragic failure of the Nivelle Offensive, French soldiers scored a victory by taking back the Caverne du Dragon. Little by little, they pushed the Germans deeper into the cavern. From July to October 1917, the two enemy camps set up their internal borders, each side on constant guard against surprise attacks. The slightest noise in the cavern could mean the enemy was sneaking up.
Opening times 10.00am - 6.00pm from September to June. Closed on Tuesday mornings.
In July and August open between 10.00am and 7.00pm.
Open on public holidays.
Closed from 17 December to 17 January.
La Caverne du Dragon, Musée du Chemin des Dames
Chemin des Dames - RD 18 CD
02160 Oulches-la-Vallée-Foulon
Tel: +33 (0)3 23 25 14 18
Fax: +33 (0)3 23 25 14 11
Email : caverne@cg02.fr
The Caverne du Dragon, or Drachenhöhle, during the First World War, from early 1915 onwards, German troops invaded a stone quarry that had been exploited starting in the 16th century, on the Chemin des Dames in the Aisne Department. The cavern was more than just a makeshift shelter. In fact it quickly became a strategic military location. One of the legends that may have inspired the Germans to call it the Dragon's Cavern is the presence of weapons at each of the seven entrances, ready to breathe fire like a seven-headed dragon.
During the war, former stone quarries were often converted for use by the army, particularly in the Aisne plateaux in the Soisson region. When German soldiers won the Caverne du Dragon from the French, they gained the upper hand. The Cavern was a strategic location, from which surprise attacks and retreats could be made on the Chemin des Dames, a ridge road overlooking the Aisne and Ailette valleys. Protected from the cold, despite the severe dampness, the Germans converted the Cavern into a veritable barracks with sniper positions and electricity. While the dead were piling up in the trenches, the Germans were creating an extensive camp in the underground galleries, including dormitories, a chapel, a well, a first-aid station and even a cemetery. In addition to serving as protection against gunfire and gas attacks, the stone walls were adorned with the souvenirs of the soldiers at rest, such as drawings and messages written in candle soot and other engravings. To while away the time, some soldiers carved objects from bullets and spent shells.
On 25th June 25 1917, shortly after the tragic failure of the Nivelle Offensive, French soldiers scored a victory by taking back the Caverne du Dragon. Little by little, they pushed the Germans deeper into the cavern. From July to October 1917, the two enemy camps set up their internal borders, each side on constant guard against surprise attacks. The slightest noise in the cavern could mean the enemy was sneaking up.
Opening times 10.00am - 6.00pm from September to June. Closed on Tuesday mornings.
In July and August open between 10.00am and 7.00pm.
Open on public holidays.
Closed from 17 December to 17 January.
La Caverne du Dragon, Musée du Chemin des Dames
Chemin des Dames - RD 18 CD
02160 Oulches-la-Vallée-Foulon
Tel: +33 (0)3 23 25 14 18
Fax: +33 (0)3 23 25 14 11
Email : caverne@cg02.fr
Below Soissons — Museum Serge Raymond
The tunnels dug underground at Soissons were used during the war and a tour of them is fascinating to see the carvings made on the walls by the French, American and German troops.
There is an associated museum with a number of exhibits from the First World War and there is a short video of the war.
Open every day from 2.00pm to 6.00pm (except Tuesdays and public holidays)
Musée Serge Raymond
Place de Piegaro
Tel: +33 (0)3 44 24 54 81
The tunnels dug underground at Soissons were used during the war and a tour of them is fascinating to see the carvings made on the walls by the French, American and German troops.
There is an associated museum with a number of exhibits from the First World War and there is a short video of the war.
Open every day from 2.00pm to 6.00pm (except Tuesdays and public holidays)
Musée Serge Raymond
Place de Piegaro
Tel: +33 (0)3 44 24 54 81
Memorial to the Battles of the Marne, Dormans
The Memorial is situated on the left bank of the Marne on a hill overlooking the river and the town of Dormans. When the plan to erect a large monument to remember all of the battles in Marne was confirmed, this site was chosen by Marshal Foch as a place that represented both battles.
The inside of the chapel is entirely dedicated to the glory of the “soldiers, the army and the fatherland".
The stained-glass window in the choir represents Christ welcoming a soldier to symbolise all those who died during the Great War, presented to him by Joan of Arc and St Michael. On each side, angels intercede in his favour. The stained-glass windows at the sides of the transept (by the renowned Lorin firm in Chartres) represent the patron saints of the different branches of the army. The four columns standing on the crypt’s vaulted bases are decorated with sculptures depicting the four great invasions of France by the Huns, the Arabs, the English and the Germans, which were all contained (the Catalunian Plains in 451, Poitiers in 732, Orleans in 1429 and Dormans 1914-1918).
Open from 1st April to 11th November every day from 2.00 to 6.00pm and Sundays from 10.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00 to 6.00pm.
Memorial to the Battles of the Marne
avenue des victoires
51700 Dormans
Tel: +33 (0)3 26 59 14 18
The Memorial is situated on the left bank of the Marne on a hill overlooking the river and the town of Dormans. When the plan to erect a large monument to remember all of the battles in Marne was confirmed, this site was chosen by Marshal Foch as a place that represented both battles.
The inside of the chapel is entirely dedicated to the glory of the “soldiers, the army and the fatherland".
The stained-glass window in the choir represents Christ welcoming a soldier to symbolise all those who died during the Great War, presented to him by Joan of Arc and St Michael. On each side, angels intercede in his favour. The stained-glass windows at the sides of the transept (by the renowned Lorin firm in Chartres) represent the patron saints of the different branches of the army. The four columns standing on the crypt’s vaulted bases are decorated with sculptures depicting the four great invasions of France by the Huns, the Arabs, the English and the Germans, which were all contained (the Catalunian Plains in 451, Poitiers in 732, Orleans in 1429 and Dormans 1914-1918).
Open from 1st April to 11th November every day from 2.00 to 6.00pm and Sundays from 10.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00 to 6.00pm.
Memorial to the Battles of the Marne
avenue des victoires
51700 Dormans
Tel: +33 (0)3 26 59 14 18
Ossuary of Navarin
Located near the old Navarin Farms on the West side of the road off of D977 near D220 Monument This large pyramid type structure, topped with the statue of three soldiers, was built to honor the dead of the Armies of Champagne of which four were American divisions. Of the soldiers depicted in the statue, the one on the right is the likeness of Quentin Roosevelt. The monument contains a chapel on whose walls are plaques containing the names of the soldiers who were placed in the crypt at the request of their families. The crypt contains 10,000 unnamed soldiers along with General Gouraud, commander of the 4th French Army.
Open from mid-March to late September. Fridays and Saturdays from 2.00 to 6.00pm, Sundays and bank holidays from 10.00am to noon and from 2.00 to 6.00pm. 1st and 11th November from 10.00am to noon and from 2.00 to 4.00pm.
The Ossuary is situation on the RD 77, 51600 Souain-Perthes-lès-Hurlus.
Located near the old Navarin Farms on the West side of the road off of D977 near D220 Monument This large pyramid type structure, topped with the statue of three soldiers, was built to honor the dead of the Armies of Champagne of which four were American divisions. Of the soldiers depicted in the statue, the one on the right is the likeness of Quentin Roosevelt. The monument contains a chapel on whose walls are plaques containing the names of the soldiers who were placed in the crypt at the request of their families. The crypt contains 10,000 unnamed soldiers along with General Gouraud, commander of the 4th French Army.
Open from mid-March to late September. Fridays and Saturdays from 2.00 to 6.00pm, Sundays and bank holidays from 10.00am to noon and from 2.00 to 6.00pm. 1st and 11th November from 10.00am to noon and from 2.00 to 4.00pm.
The Ossuary is situation on the RD 77, 51600 Souain-Perthes-lès-Hurlus.
Memorial Verdun
Located in the depths of hills around Verdun that are still pockmarked from the millions of shells which killed more than 300,000 soldiers here and wounded 400,000 in less than a year, the Mémorial de Verdun retraces the history of the most famous battle in the First World War.
22nd February to 31st March: 9.30am to 5.00pm (6.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
1st April to 13th November: 9.30am to 7.00pm
14th November to 23rd December: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Annual closure: 23rd December to end of January
GPS Latitude 49.197005 Longitude 5.430991400000039
1 avenue du Corps européen
BP 60048 – Fleury-devant-Douaumont
55101 Verdun Cedex
Tel: +33 (0) 329 88 19 16
Email: info@memorial-verdun.fr
Located in the depths of hills around Verdun that are still pockmarked from the millions of shells which killed more than 300,000 soldiers here and wounded 400,000 in less than a year, the Mémorial de Verdun retraces the history of the most famous battle in the First World War.
“This Memorial was built by survivors of Verdun in memory of comrades who lost their lives
in the battle so that those who come to reflect and meditate on the site of
their sacrifice understand the ideals and faith that inspired and supported them.”
Maurice Genevoix
The museum is open daily:in the battle so that those who come to reflect and meditate on the site of
their sacrifice understand the ideals and faith that inspired and supported them.”
Maurice Genevoix
22nd February to 31st March: 9.30am to 5.00pm (6.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
1st April to 13th November: 9.30am to 7.00pm
14th November to 23rd December: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Annual closure: 23rd December to end of January
GPS Latitude 49.197005 Longitude 5.430991400000039
1 avenue du Corps européen
BP 60048 – Fleury-devant-Douaumont
55101 Verdun Cedex
Tel: +33 (0) 329 88 19 16
Email: info@memorial-verdun.fr
Fort Douamumont
Rebuilt several times and equipped with the most powerful artillery rooms of the epoch, it is considered to be the centrepiece of the fortification ring protecting the city of Verdun in 1914. Due to the lack of means of defence the Fort of Douaumont falls into the hands of the Germans on 25th February 1916.
Designed to accommodate 650 people, it will shelter almost 3 000 German soldiers during 8 months. After numerous extremely murderous attempts of retaking the fort, people have to wait until 24th October 1916 so that the colonial infantry troops of Morocco are able to recapture it.
Inside the building you visit 2 of 3 levels. You will notably see the shafts, the bunkers, a machine gun turret, a155mm retracting gun turret and a German necropolis in memory of the 679 victims of the terrible explosion on 8th May 1916.
Opening times:
February / March: 10.00am – 5.00pm
April: 10.00am – 6.00pm
May, June: 10.00am – 6:30pm
July, August: 10.00am – 7.00pm
September: 10.00am – 6.00pm
October: 10.00am – 5:30pm
November: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Fort de Douaumont
55100 Douaumont
Tel: +33 (0)3 29 84 41 91
Rebuilt several times and equipped with the most powerful artillery rooms of the epoch, it is considered to be the centrepiece of the fortification ring protecting the city of Verdun in 1914. Due to the lack of means of defence the Fort of Douaumont falls into the hands of the Germans on 25th February 1916.
Designed to accommodate 650 people, it will shelter almost 3 000 German soldiers during 8 months. After numerous extremely murderous attempts of retaking the fort, people have to wait until 24th October 1916 so that the colonial infantry troops of Morocco are able to recapture it.
Inside the building you visit 2 of 3 levels. You will notably see the shafts, the bunkers, a machine gun turret, a155mm retracting gun turret and a German necropolis in memory of the 679 victims of the terrible explosion on 8th May 1916.
Opening times:
February / March: 10.00am – 5.00pm
April: 10.00am – 6.00pm
May, June: 10.00am – 6:30pm
July, August: 10.00am – 7.00pm
September: 10.00am – 6.00pm
October: 10.00am – 5:30pm
November: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Fort de Douaumont
55100 Douaumont
Tel: +33 (0)3 29 84 41 91