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Private tour in Arras Claude V

Canadian Full Day Tour to Vimy and the Somme Battlefields

5.0

(23) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Claude V.

4.9

Guide rating

128

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi, my name is Claude, I was born and raised in Flanders Fields. The Great War became a passion when in 1981, Nelly and I purchased a bar and restaurant just opposite Ploegsteert Memorial to Missing. We still meet people coming from all over the world at our place. I started doing research with Ted Smith and Tony Spagnoly in the eighties, and then with many other authors and historians. I am now a specialized battlefield guide in the plains of Flanders in Belgium and the Somme area in France. Below you will find my standard tours but I can also build a custom tour, you provide the information and I'll do the rest. I like to talk about history of course but also about all what makes our daily life in France and Belgium. I am flexible, provide a high standard service, can bring a walker or a wheelchair to make your tour more comfortable. I am using digital maps and old pictures of the places you will visit. For the tours I use a Mercedes Vito Tourer fully equipped and fully insured for tour purposes. Guide license "GL70/2007.03 delivered by the "Commisariat Général au Tourisme. Transport license TLAB251 300/1. (mandatory in Europe) Official guide of the "Tourist Office of Comines-Warneton" Member of the Scientific Committee of the "Plugsreet 14-18 Interpretative Centre" Member of the "Royal British Legion" Somme Branch Member of the "Western Front Association"

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Claude V.

Overview of your Arras tour

The battles of the Somme in 1916 and Vimy Ridge in 1917 saw horrific losses for the French, English, Aboriginal and Immigrant soldiers that made up the Canadian army. In just these 2 battles more than 34 000 Canadians would be killed or wounded. But in the end, their sacrifices were defining events in the shaping of a nation. We'll walk in the footsteps of the young men who fought at the Somme and Vimy. We'll visit the German and Canadian trenches and come to understand the 2 battles from the point of view of troops who were actually there. At the Somme you'll see one of the mine craters, the Courcelette Memorial and the Newfoundland Memorial Park and its Cariboo sculpture. At Vimy, we'll walk in tunnels where Canadian troops stood minutes before the battle. And we'll stand at the Vimy Memorial on land given by a grateful French nation to commemorate their sacrifice. Be prepared for an emotional day as we remember the achievement and the terrible cost that still resonates with all Canadians.

Recent Reviews

John W.Canada
October 2024

We had an amazing day with our guide, Claude. We booked the tour 6 months in advance and he was very responsive to our inquiries regarding what to expect, meeting details etc. We met precisely on time at the agreed location with no issues. It was a long 9 hour day with many stops but Claude did not rush us and allowed us to proceed at our own pace instead of feeling like we were being “herded”. Claude was extremely knowledgeable about the events of WW1 and explained things in easy to understand terms and answered any questions. We also appreciated his personal insights into the historical events. He even provided us with a personalized booklet that summarized the day ( a perfect souvenir!).

Kari G.Canada
September 2024

We had the most profound and incredible day touring Vimy Ridge and the Somme with Claude. We visited many more sights than we expected. Claude was super knowledgable, respectful and accommodating. It was a day that will stay with us forever. Thank you

Heather I.Canada
July 2024

Great tour! Claude was very knowledgable regarding facts about Canada and its Allies during WW1. Our 9 hour tour was comprehensive to include battle fields where we’d no idea Canadians had fought! Our stop for lunch was great. The restaurant was also a museum and had a significant amount of war memorabilia. We also had the opportunity to stop for photo ops and Claude was able to show just how significant the war was just by putting his hand in dirt by the roadside and picking up shrapnel! We highly recommend him!

Brian B.Canada
March 2024

Claude is a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable, and able to communicate that knowledge clearly and interestingly. Friendly, and a good driver. And patient, waiting willingly while we took time to take multiple photos. We had a very enjoyable and informative day, one that we will always remember. Thank you Claude.

Sandra J.Canada
October 2023

Claude was extremely knowledgeable on all the sites we wanted to see as well he went above and beyond so my husband could also see a couple of New Zealand memorials. It was a full day of exploring and learning about Canada's involvement during WW1 and much more. Wonderful experience thanks!

Michael H.United States
August 2023

We had a great time with Claude on our day tour of Canadian WWI sites around Arras. Claude was waiting for us at the train station and quickly got us going on our tour. We had asked for a couple of modifications, including the Ring of Remembrance, and Claude easily made changes to the itinerary to fit that in. During the tour Claude had great narration for what we were visiting and was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and WWI. Great tour all around, I would very highly recommend Claude.

Your Arras tour itinerary

-Leaving your hotel in either Lille or Arras at 9:00 am towards Vimy Ridge. -You will go down in the Grange Tunnel, the Canadian and German trenches, spend some time in the visitor Centre before going to the Memorial on the top of the ridge. -We will now drive towards Thiepval stopping for a visit to Courcelette Canadian Memorial. -Time for Lunch -You will stand near the Lochnagar mine crater, see the Thiepval Memorial, the largest War Memorial, before heading to Beaumont Hamel Canadian Memorial Park where you see some of the original WW1 trenches. Bringing you back to your accommodation. I can create a customized tour for you in case you have special requests

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

For the tours I use an Mercedes Vito minibus, it is comfortable, fully-insured and fully-equipped for tour purposes - umbrellas, binoculars, digital maps, photographs, videos and refreshments etc.

What's included
Other: Your guide, transport in our vehicle, all taxes and insurances, entrance fees of the visited places, a lunch (a sandwich, soup, or omelette with a drink) and a booklet recording the event
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrance fees
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. If you would like to start from another city, please send me a message and I will customize the tour for you
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Meeting location

Arras, Hauts-de-France, France

at your hotel or at the train station of Arras or in Lille.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
History
Tour reference number
211558
Languages
French
Dutch
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Arras best suited for?

This private tour in Arras is ideal for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in World War I and Canadian military history. It's also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Claude V. for deeper insights into the historical significance of the Somme and Vimy Ridge battlefields.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Arras be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!

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  • Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
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  • The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.

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