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Canadian WW1 Memorial at Vimy Ridge, Northern France
In Northern France
Discover Remembrance Tourism
Walk in the footsteps of history across the battlefields of Artois.
Artois is one of the most powerful regions in France for WWI remembrance tourism.
Here, memorials, cemeteries, interpretation centres and landscapes tell the story of the Great War — not through dates alone, but through places where soldiers fought, waited, and are remembered.
Whether you are tracing a family connection, planning an educational journey, or seeking a meaningful cultural experience, Artois offers a deeply human approach to the legacy of the First World War.
Through Artois
Plan Your WWI Journey
Artois invites visitors to explore the Great War at their own pace — through themed routes, immersive sites and moments of quiet reflection.
From internationally recognised monuments to lesser-known sites, Artois is home to some of the most important WWI memorials in France, including national memorials, Commonwealth cemeteries and sites of reconciliation.
Follow curated WWI remembrance trails designed for one day, two days or longer stays. These self-guided routes connect battlefields, cemeteries, tunnels and museums into coherent journeys.
Choose your battlefield tour
Remembrance in Artois is living and active. Throughout the year, ceremonies, exhibitions and commemorative events honour those who served and fell.
About Artois 14–18
Why choose Artois for a remembrance trip?
Artois was a key sector of the Western Front. Canadian, British, French and German forces fought here between 1914 and 1918, leaving a dense network of memorial landscapes.
Artois lies at the heart of the Western Front.
This is where major WWI events such as the Battles of Artois, the Battle of Arras and Vimy Ridge shaped both history and the landscape.
Within short driving distances, visitors can explore iconic memorials alongside quieter, lesser-known sites. Rebuilt towns, chalk ridges and open fields still bear the marks of the conflict, making the history visible on the ground.
This is not a museum behind glass
it is a living territory of remembrance.
Activities
Discover history in a different way
Frequently explored by visitors
Key WWI Sites of Remembrance
These sites are among the most searched by visitors from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
They reflect key moments of the Great War on the Western Front, where Commonwealth forces fought, endured and are remembered today. Each place offers a different perspective on remembrance — from major battlefields to quieter sites of reflection.
Events
Not to be missed
Each year, November 11 is a major moment of remembrance in Artois. Ceremonies at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and across the region honour the soldiers of the Great War in a solemn and inclusive spirit.
Good times to come
FAQ
Planning Your Remembrance Trip in Artois
- What are the most iconic WWI memorials in France?
Artois is home to major sites such as Vimy Ridge, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and numerous Commonwealth cemeteries.
- Are there guided battlefield tours in English?
Yes. Many sites offer English-language tours, and self-guided itineraries are available online.
- Are memorial sites open year-round?
Most cemeteries and memorials are open daily. Museums and interpretation centres may have seasonal hours.
- Can I attend commemorative events?
Yes. Many ceremonies are public and welcome international visitors.
memory-ring
Trench of Vimy Ridge
Panorama of Vimy Ridge battlefield with grazing sheep
Close-up of Vimy’s carved figures — grief in stone
Notre Dame De Lorette