Family-Friendly Adventures in Vimy, Hauts-de-France!

Vimy

Why Visit?

For families planning a meaningful visit to Vimy, France, a trip centered around the historic Vimy Ridge and its surroundings offers a profound educational experience deeply rooted in World War I history.

Morning: Vimy Ridge Memorial and Trenches

Start your day early by heading to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Located about 10 km north of Arras, you can drive or take a taxi from Arras station, which is well-connected by train from major cities like Paris and Lille. The memorial, an iconic symbol of peace and remembrance, stands majestically over the preserved battlefield and pays tribute to the 60,000 Canadians who died in France during the World War I. Join a guided tour (available in both French and English) free of charge, where you can learn about the Battle of Vimy Ridge, an important Canadian victory.

Lunch: Picnic at the Grounds

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, where you’ll find several scenic spots perfect for a family lunch. The expansive green space around the memorial also offers a serene environment to reflect and relax.

Afternoon: Education Centre and Grange Subway

After lunch, visit the newly built Vimy Visitor Education Centre, where interactive displays and artifacts provide a deeper understanding of the historical context and the daily life of soldiers. Then, explore the Grange Subway and the reconstructed trenches to get a firsthand look at the underground networks used during the war. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the strategic importance of tunnel warfare.

Evening: Return to Arras

Head back to Arras for dinner. Arras is a charming town with beautiful squares like the Grand Place, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll and a meal in one of the local bistros.

This educational trip to Vimy not only honors Canada’s military history but also provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for peace, making it an enriching experience for both kids and adults.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Why Visit?

Welcome to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a charming coastal city in Northern France, perfect for a family getaway! Here’s a fun-filled itinerary ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Nausicaá National Sea Center

Start your visit at Nausicaá, located at Boulevard Sainte-Beuve. Easily accessible by car or a short bus ride from the city center, this aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. Marvel at the giant tanks mimicking the high seas and enjoy interactive exhibits that teach about marine life and conservation. It’s an educational yet thrilling experience for both kids and adults.

Day 2: Historic City Tour

Spend your second day exploring Boulogne’s old town, enclosed by medieval ramparts. Begin at the Castle Museum (Château Musée), just a 10-minute walk from the city center. The museum hosts an impressive collection of Egyptian and Greek antiquities and traditional French art. After soaking in some history, stroll to the nearby Basilica of Notre-Dame, notable for its 101-meter high dome. Climb the belfry for panoramic views of the city and the coastline.

Day 3: Beach and Nature

On your final day, head to Boulogne’s expansive beach for some fun in the sun. The beach is a short drive or bus ride away from the city center. Spend the morning building sandcastles or paddling in the shallow waters. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Plage de la Slack for a quieter, nature-rich experience. This area offers beautiful trails and is great for spotting local wildlife.

Each of these locations is equipped with family-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable visit for all ages. Boulogne-sur-Mer blends educational attractions with stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for a family holiday. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Wellington Quarry (Carrière Wellington)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Visit to Wellington Quarry (Carrière Wellington), Arras

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by heading to Arras, easily accessible by train from major cities like Paris and Lille. Once in Arras, take a short taxi ride or enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk from the city center to the Wellington Quarry entrance.

Wellington Quarry Tour

Begin your exploration of the Wellington Quarry around 10 AM when the site opens. This remarkable museum is not just a tunnel, but a poignant remembrance of WWI"s Battle of Arras. Here, you will discover an underground city designed by soldiers in 1917, consisting of a network of tunnels that housed up to 24,000 troops. The visit starts with a captivating film that sets the historical context, followed by a guided tour through the tunnels. Kids will be fascinated by stories of how soldiers lived underground, and the strategic role these tunnels played in the war.

The tour is both educational and emotional, highlighted by multimedia presentations that bring history to life. It"s a comfortable walking experience, but remember to wear warm clothes as the temperature underground can be cool.

Lunch Break

After the tour, which lasts about an hour, head back to Arras city center. Enjoy a family-friendly meal at one of the local bistros or cafes. The Grand Place, a beautiful historic square in Arras, offers various dining options with something to satisfy everyone.

Afternoon Exploration

Spend your afternoon strolling around Arras. Visit the Town Hall and its belfry, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. For a relaxed end to your day, take a leisurely walk through the Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a peaceful setting and a touch of nature.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, allowing time for travel back to your home base, filled with memories of a meaningful and educational day exploring one of WWI"s most fascinating sites.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Notre Dame de Lorette

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family journey to Notre Dame de Lorette, located in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. This site, rich with history, offers a poignant experience that is both educational and reflective.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your day early by driving or taking a taxi from the nearby town of Arras, which is just about a 20-minute ride. Arrive at the site and start with the “Ring of Memory” (L"Anneau de la Mémoire), which lists over 580,000 names of soldiers from over 40 nationalities who died in the region during World War I. This alphabetical arrangement, rather than by nationality, sends a powerful message of unity and peace.

Midday: Visit the Basilica and the Lantern Tower

Next, walk to the nearby Basilica of Notre Dame de Lorette. This large, Romanesque revival basilica with its stunning architecture serves as a French military cemetery and memorial. Inform the kids about the importance of peace as you view the thousands of crosses arrayed across the landscape. Climb up the Lantern Tower (Tour-lanterne), which serves as a lighthouse of the dead and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a packed lunch or visit a local café in Arras. This is a great time to reflect on the morning’s experiences and prepare for an engaging afternoon.

Afternoon: Educational Activities

Participate in a guided tour specifically designed for families, which often includes storytelling from the war, insights about daily life of soldiers, and interactive discussions that are engaging for children.

Departure

Conclude your visit by late afternoon, taking with you a deeper understanding of history and the importance of peace. Your return trip to Arras can be a quiet time to discuss the day’s learnings and stories.

Visiting Notre Dame de Lorette offers a profound look into WWI history, making it an enriching experience for both kids and adults.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Itinerary to Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, France

#### Morning: Arrival and Introduction

Start your day by arriving at the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery located in Souchez, northern France. The cemetery is easily accessible by car, located just off the D937 road, which is well-connected to nearby cities like Arras and Lille. There’s parking available onsite.

#### Introduction to History

Upon arrival, take a moment to gather at the entrance where you can explain to your children the significance of this site. The Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, named after a popular local landmark destroyed during the war, serves as the final resting place for over 7,650 servicemen of the First World War and a few from the Second World War. It"s an important reminder of the sacrifices made for peace.

#### Mid-Morning: Guided Tour

Join one of the guided tours available (check times beforehand online), which are tailored to be family-friendly. These tours help explain the historical significance in an engaging way that’s accessible to children. The guides use stories of individual soldiers to bring history to life.

#### Lunch Break

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated area near the cemetery. The peaceful surroundings provide a good space for reflection and family bonding.

#### Afternoon: Educational Activities

Participate in the cemetery’s educational activities, designed for children. These might include a scavitation hunt that encourages exploration and learning about the symbols on tombstones, the different nationalities buried here, and the importance of remembrance.

#### Late Afternoon: Reflection and Departure

Before leaving, allow each family member to place a flower or a remembrance cross at a grave, offering a personal moment of gratitude and reflection. This act can be very poignant, even for younger family members.

#### Departure

Conclude your visit by early evening, driving back with hopefully a deeper understanding of history and the importance of peace.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.