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Bretteville Canadian War Cemetery: A Place of Remembrance

A solemn tribute to Canadian soldiers who gave their lives during the Battle of Normandy, a place of remembrance and reflection.

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The Bretteville Canadian War Cemetery, located in Cintheaux, France, is a poignant memorial to the Canadian soldiers who died during the Battle of Normandy in World War II. It serves as the final resting place for over 2,900 soldiers, predominantly Canadian, and stands as a testament to their sacrifice and the enduring bond between Canada and France.

A brief summary to Bretteville Canadian War Cenetery

Local tips

  • Download the CWGC's 'For Evermore' app for a self-guided tour and to learn about the soldiers buried here.
  • The cemetery is permanently open and has a large car park, making it easily accessible.
  • Allow ample time for quiet reflection and to fully appreciate the significance of the site.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery to see where Canadians who died earlier in the Battle of Normandy are buried.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Caen, take the Réseau Nomad Car line 118 bus towards Falaise. The bus departs from CAEN - Aviation and arrives at CINTHEAUX - Pont, which is near the cemetery. The journey takes approximately 14 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the cemetery entrance. A single bus fare costs approximately €3.

  • Taxi

    From Caen, a taxi to Bretteville Canadian War Cemetery takes approximately 16 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Caen, and the fare is estimated to be between €30 and €40. Several taxi companies operate in Caen, including Abbeilles Taxi-Caen.

  • Driving

    The Bretteville Canadian War Cemetery is located on the west side of the main road from Caen to Falaise (route N158), about 14 kilometers south of Caen and just north of the village of Cintheaux. There is a large car park at the front of the cemetery with ample space for vehicles. Driving from Caen takes approximately 16 minutes. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Bretteville Canadian War Cenetery

Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery is a site of profound historical significance and a place of quiet reflection. The cemetery was established in 1944 as a permanent resting place for Canadian soldiers who were temporarily interred in smaller plots near where they fell during the Battle of Normandy. The majority of those buried here died during the later stages of the battle, including the capture of Caen and the push south towards the Falaise Gap. The cemetery contains 2,958 Second World War burials, mostly Canadians, with 87 unidentified. Almost every unit of the Canadian 2nd Corps is represented. France granted Canada a perpetual concession for the land, symbolizing the enduring gratitude for the sacrifices made. The grounds are meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Visitors can explore the serene landscape, marked by rows of headstones, each bearing the name, rank, and unit of the fallen. The Stone of Remembrance and the Cross of Sacrifice stand as central features, offering focal points for reflection. The cemetery also provides a visitor center with information about the Battle of Normandy and the individual stories of some of those buried there. For those seeking a deeper understanding, the CWGC offers a free app with 'For Evermore' tours, providing insights into the site and the stories of the commemorated. The app allows users to scan headstones and access casualty information, creating a personal connection to the past.

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