Vimy Ridge

[maison]

while travelling to our place in burgundy we tend to travel straight down bypassing places of interest.

This March we would like to visit Vimy Ridge en route.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to see etc?

All suggestions welcome.

 

[Floydster]

A very moving experience, we've done it a few times. A tour around the tunnels is worth it and gives you a bit of perspective on what it was like. Have a read of Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks that's got abit about the tunnels and tunnelers.
Great views from the memorial as well.

 

[EssexBoy]

Highly recommended. The preserved trench systems brings it all to life and brings the reality home. The Canadian student guides are great too, very knowledgeable.

 

[magicsurfbus]

Impressive monument to Canadian forces, preserved trench lines, and visitor centre. They also left the surrounding shell and mine-cratered battlefield as they found it. Grass and trees have grown over it, but it still has a lunar appearance. It's not all in one place, but spread over a number of locations. Easily MH accessible.

 

[Bertie Bassett]

while travelling to our place in burgundy we tend to travel straight down bypassing places of interest.
This March we would like to visit Vimy Ridge en route.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to see etc?
All suggestions welcome.

Worth a look:- http://www.greatwar.co.uk/french-flanders-artois/museum-interpretive-centre-vimy-memorial-park.htm

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[Floydster]

The museum underneath the church in Albert is good as well, not too far from Vimy.

 

[Chockswahay]

My blog entry for Vimy Ridge November 2013 has a few photo's

 

[Wildbill]

My blog entry for Vimy Ridge November 2013 has a few photo's

nice blog

 

[maison]

Thank you for some excellent replies. The info provided has wetted our appetites even further.

Will be visiting on 31st March spending as long as necessary to get the best from the visit.

 

[Kevinthecat]

Just a site note , I have family who live in a house called Vimy Ridge and the chap who built the house (which looks very French ) son died at Vimy Ridge so he planted 40 Poplar trees along the drive to the house as this was the number of soldiers who died in his sons regiment. The trees are now coming to end of their life and are being replaced by Poplars again .
The house is in the uk .

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[Chockswahay]

Thanks @billthedrill

 

[Allanm]

There are two car parks, one close to the memorial itself and one at the visitors centre. Both can easily accommodate motor homes. The visitor centre is very interesting with Canadian guides. You need plenty of time to see it all, there is also a video room.
No dogs allowed on the sites though. There is also a cemetery between the two car parks that is worth a visit.
Like all similar war memorials, it's a very moving experience. There are signs all along the fences warning of unexplored ordnance, they don't stop the sheep grazing on the site, nor the 3 guys we saw with strimmers trimming the grass over the old trenches!
Allan

 

[Chockswahay]

There are signs all along the fences warning of unexplored ordnance, they don't stop the sheep grazing on the site, nor the 3 guys we saw with strimmers trimming the grass over the old trenches!
Allan

They told us the sheep are 'expendable' and are used in areas where it is too dangerous for humans

They did say that no sheep have yet exploded tho