Visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial: A Must-See Excursion Near Arras
Just a 15-minute drive from the Golf Pavilion in Arras, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands out as one of Europe’s most moving and impressive memorial sites.
Overlooking the Artois plain from Vimy Ridge, this majestic site invites visitors on a journey that is at once historical, scenic, and profoundly human.
A Major First World War Site
The Memorial commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place in April 1917, as part of the larger Battle of Arras.
For the first time, all four Canadian divisions fought together, an event considered pivotal in the history of the Canadian nation.
The victory was decisive, but achieved at the cost of heavy human lives.
Erected between 1925 and 1936, the monument was designed by Canadian architect Walter Seymour Allward.
Standing approximately 27 meters tall, it features two monumental towers symbolizing the union of Canada and France.
Engraved on its walls are the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France and have no known grave, making this site a powerful symbol of remembrance and reflection.
An immersive and accessible visitor experience
The Vimy site is not limited to the monument. It extends across a vast landscaped park where reconstructed trenches, underground tunnels, shell craters, and military cemeteries remain, offering a deeper understanding of the realities of the front.
These elements can be accessed freely or through free guided tours, offered at certain times of the year by Canadian guides trained on-site.
The visitor centre, opened during the centenary of the battle, offers educational exhibits, audiovisual displays, and practical information to enhance the visitor experience.
It places the Battle of Vimy Ridge within the broader context of the First World War and the history of remembrance tourism in the Hauts-de-France region.
An internationally recognized site
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial welcomes visitors from around the world each year.
It is now recognized as a major site of remembrance and has been one of the First World War memorial and burial sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2023, highlighting its historical and symbolic importance.
Practical Information
📍 Address: Chemin des Canadiens, 62580 Vimy
🕣 Opening Hours: Subject to change
- May 1 to October 31: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- November 1 to April 30: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🆓 Admission: Free access to the memorial and park
🏛️ Tours and Activities
- Free guided tours of the memorial and trenches (mainly from May to November, depending on visitor numbers).
- Guided tours of the underground tunnels are available only (access subject to conditions, limited capacity).
- Visitor Center: Educational exhibits, introductory film, and historical information.
🚗 Access: 15 minutes by car from our establishment
After the visit: relaxation and fine dining
To extend this moment of remembrance with a pampering experience, visit the Cinq Mondes Spa at the Fairway Hotel, just a few minutes away.
Then enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a gourmet break at the L’Albatros restaurant, located 200 meters away within the Fairway Hotel.
Don't wait any longer and book your stay in one of our 5 elegant and comfortable rooms at our Chambres & Gîte in Arras, to discover the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the treasures of remembrance tourism in Artois.
