Battlefield Breaks
Step back in time to two world wars
Step back in time and relive the history of the landing beaches and battlefields of the two World Wars. Today it is hard for us to imagine the scale of the wars in terms of human lives lost, however the vast number of memorials and museums serve as a poignant reminder to the bravery and suffering endured.
The entire region, which has become an open-air museum in itself, is punctuated with hundreds of memorials, war grave cemeteries, museums and trenches.
Visiting the region is extremely moving, it provides the opportunity to extend your knowledge of the two World Wars as well as enabling you to pay your respects to all that served and lost their lives.
Many people travel to the region to visit a special individual grave whilst others will take time to explore the whole area. We offer accommodation in the towns which are either close to battlefields or were affected by the fighting or invasions. It is possible to combine stays in more than one of these towns or in other areas of Belgium and France to explore more of the regions and tailor-make your own touring holiday. Please call if you wish to consider this option.
Abbeville lies on the Somme not far from the sea. Although the town was badly bombarded during WWII, you can still admire the church of St-Vulfran, noted for its flamboyant gothic west front with beautifully carved 16th century door panels. You will also be impressed by the belfry reputedly the oldest in France and now a museum. Abbeville is a great base to visit the Somme sites.
ABBEVILLE FEATURE SELECTION
The historic town of Arras was at the centre of much of the fighting in World War 1, narrowly avoiding capture by the Germans in the initial rush of their invasion in Autumn 1914. Right behind the Front Line, the town's civilian population was evacuated and its defending troops lived in tunnels under constant bombardment by enemy shelling.
A visit to Arras allows you to tour the tunnels and cellars underneath the town where troops sheltered during the war. The nearby Vimy ridge and two towering pylons of the Vimy memorial make a memorable excursion.
A medieval treasure in the heart of Normandy, full of beautiful architecture, narrow cobbled streets and superb market squares. An incredibly special place as it is one of the few towns that survived WWII in tact. Built on the site of the old Roman settlement of Augustodurum, Bayeux is full of relics from the past. Whether you are interested in the 11th century Cathedral of Notre Dame, the famous Norman Bayeux Tapestry, the unbelievable history, museums and memorials dedicated to the D-Day landings or are simply besotted by the towns stunning surroundings, Bayeux will delight all who visit it.
Situated in the heart of the Suisse Normande region of Normandy, the small village of Clécy provides a haven of peace and tranquility. Clécy lies on the River Orne and is overlooked by the stunning cliffs that are characteristic of the Suisse Normande region. The beautiful rocky landscape attracts outdoor enthusiasts, with a plethora of activities available. Rock climbing, walking, canoeing and horse riding are just some of the sports you can enjoy.
The gorgeous sandy Normandy beaches are only a drive away as are the towns of Caen and Bayeux. Clécy is also a brilliant stopover point if you wish to tour the Battlefields and D-Day landing sites on the Normandy coast.
Used by the American troops during the D-Day landings of 1944, Omaha Beach is located 6km west of the town of Arromanches. A museum dedicated to the D-day landings can be found in the adjacent village and you can visit the American war cemeteries where many soldiers now rest. However, present-day Omaha has much more to offer than painful memories of the past. Today Omaha Beach and its crystal clear waters attract sunbathers and swimmers, both young and old and the adjacent landscape is dotted with holiday cottages. Its surrounding areas and nearby towns offer excitement, culture, great restaurants, alongside fantastic walks and outdoor activities.
OMAHA BEACH FEATURE SELECTION
Once a peaceful fishing village, Arromanches became one of the main areas of Normandy beach used for the Allied landings. Famous for it artificial harbour, Mulberry Harbour, Arromanches is an ideal location for those exploring the battlefields and cemeteries of Europe.
ARROMANCHES FEATURE SELECTION
Yprés is a pretty town of medieval origin, surrounded by fantastic fortifications. Over the centuries it has been subjected to much torment and destruction. Although, almost completely rebuilt following the tremendous devastation of the First World War, Yprés remains a living museum. Most buildings are relatively new but the skilled renovation of seventy years ago has made the weathered replicas now appear original. This small Flemish town is primarily for those interested in the Battlefields with extensive memorials and mementoes of World War One but do not be too surprised when you find both its charm and its beauty have seduced you.
The In Flanders Fields Museum will be holding a new exhibition called "MAN - CULTURE - WAR. Multicultural aspects of the First World War" from 1st May - 7th September 2008.
The exhibition focuses on the different cultures directly involved in the First World War in one way or another. At the front in the Westhoek and in the hinterland we find traces of at least fifty different cultures. The armies of four nations dominated the front in Flanders: the German Empire, France, the British Empire and Belgium. Most of the soldiers belonged to one of these four national armies. However, the colonial superpowers France and the British Empire deployed large groups of almost all their colonies in the conflict.
The exhibition Man-Culture-War aims to provide an exhaustive overview of all the different cultures that were present here. It also examines some of the concepts and customs about war and peace that are (were) characteristic of the so-called "primitive" participants in this war. They are discussed in respect of the common ideas and practices of the so-called "civilized" instigators of this war. The ultimate goal is to hold up a mirror of our thoughts and actions in respect of war and peace today.
