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Canadian National Vimy Memorial

Honoring Canadian sacrifice and valor at Vimy Ridge, a historic World War I battlefield and memorial in France.

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The Canadian National Vimy Memorial, located in Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France, commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a pivotal World War I battle where Canadian forces achieved a significant victory in April 1917. The memorial stands as a tribute to all Canadians who served in the First World War, especially the 11,168 whose final resting place is unknown.

A brief summary to Canadian National Vimy Memorial

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season (April to November), to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the grounds involves a fair amount of walking.
  • Take a guided tour of the trenches and tunnels for a deeper understanding of the site's history; tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Visit the visitor centre to learn more about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Canada's role in the First World War.
  • Be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The simplest way to reach the Canadian National Vimy Memorial is by car. From Arras, take the N17 towards Lens. Just before entering the village of Vimy from the south, turn left following the signs for the memorial. From Lille, take the A1 motorway towards Arras. Take exit 18 for Arras-Centre and follow direction D939 towards Givenchy-en-Gohelle. Continue on D939 for around 7 km. When you reach Givenchy-en-Gohelle, look for Route départementale 55. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial will be on your left after approximately 1 km. Free parking is available on site.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Canadian National Vimy Memorial via public transport, take the train from Gare du Nord in Paris to either Arras or Lens. From Arras, there is limited public transport to the memorial, taxi services are available for approximately €50-€60 round trip. Alternatively, from Vimy, the 417 bus goes to Givenchy-en-Gohelle. From Vimy Station, the 93 bus goes to Givenchy-en-Gohelle. From Givenchy-en-Gohelle, it is a short walk to the memorial.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available from Arras and Lens to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The address is Route départementale 55, Chem. des Canadiens, 62580 Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France. Expect to pay approximately €40-€70 from Arras. A taxi from Vimy to the memorial is approximately €14-€18. A taxi from Vimy station to the memorial is approximately €16-€20.

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Discover more about Canadian National Vimy Memorial

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is a poignant and awe-inspiring monument dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought and died during the First World War, particularly the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This battle, fought from April 9-12, 1917, saw all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fighting together for the first time, achieving a crucial victory and solidifying Canada's national identity. The memorial, designed by Canadian sculptor Walter Seymour Allward, features two towering pylons representing Canada and France, symbolizing their shared commitment to peace and freedom. These pylons are adorned with allegorical figures representing virtues like justice, peace, and honour. One of the most moving features is the inscription of over 11,000 names of Canadian soldiers who died in France and have no known grave. The sculpture 'Canada Mourning Her Fallen Sons' evokes the image of the Virgin Mary grieving and overlooks the Douai plain. The memorial is the centrepiece of a 100-hectare (250-acre) preserved battlefield park. Visitors can explore preserved trenches, tunnels, and craters, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of war. The site also includes a visitor centre with exhibits about Canada's role in the First World War. The grounds are open year-round, and admission is free. The site is a National Historic Site of Canada and is maintained by Veterans Affairs Canada.

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