Janet K.Canada
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Private tour in Lille Claude V
Canadian battlefields in Vimy, Flanders and the Somme
5.0
(5) reviews
-
2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Claude V.
4.9
Guide rating
128
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 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.
Two day battlefield tour with transportation and a private guide
Overview of your Lille tour
During these two days I will bring you on the battlefields of France and Belgium where Canadian troops fought in WW1. You will stand in German and Canadian trenches, in the Vimy Tunnels and see the Vimy Ridge Memorial. You will attend the Last Post at the Menin Gate in Ypres, stand on the battlefields of Passendale. In the Somme you will visit the Thiepval Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Courcelette Canadian Memorial. We will talk about why these battles were fought and trying to understand the daily life of the soldiers in the trenches but als there time behind the lines.
Recent Reviews
Melissa C.Canada
Claude was so informative. His historical knowledge was amazing, but he also had stories that made the experience come alive. His choices of lunch stops also were packed with history & old treasures to enhance the experience. We had only two days and they were packed. It was very emotional as well, and we felt like we had all the time we needed. Amazing!
Patricia R.Canada
This tour was wonderful and Claude was the perfect guide - knew the places to take us and the answers to our questions. He added depth to the areas we visited and his interpretations led us to a deeper appreciation of what we were seeing. Thank you, Claude!
John C.Canada
Claude was amazing, friendly, on time, knowledgeable and passionate about the history and monuments. He was able to bring history to life . No question we had went unanswered, nothing was a problem, and I would recommend Claude as a tour guide to anyone - anytime. I gave five stars only because there wasn't an option for 10 stars! Thanks for a great tour.
Brenda L.Canada
Claude was an absolutely fabulous tour guide. His knowledge of the history was vast and he took the time and care to make sure that we learned as much as possible and had all of our questions answered. We certainly got much more than our money was worth and we would recommend the Canadian Battlefields tour and especially our guide Claude to anyone interested in WWI history. The tour was the highlight of our European holiday.
Your Lille tour itinerary
Day 1: Leaving at 09h00 towards Tyne Cot Military Cemetery and Memorial. Going to Crest Farm Memorial in Passendale and visiting "Passendale 1917 Museum" in Zonnebeke. Lunch. Visit at Hooge Crater, Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood and the Brooding soldier. Essex Farm where Dr John McRae wrote the poem "In Flanders Fields. Some free time in Ypres before attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Back towards your hotel. Day 2: Leaving your hotel 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. Lunch standing near the Lochnagar mine crater, see the Thiepval Memorial, heading to Beaumont Hamel Canadian Memorial Park where you see some of the original WW1 trenches. Back to your hotel 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 transport we use a fully equiped Mercedes Vito.
What's included
Other: Lunches, bottled water, and a booklet recording the event.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: entrance fees
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Your hotel or accommodation, alcoholic drinks.
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Meeting location
Lille, Hauts-de-France, France
Hotel or train station in Lille
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Tour reference number
297032
Languages
French
Dutch
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Lille best suited for?
This private tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in World War I. You'll explore significant battlefields and memorials in France and Belgium, gaining insights into the experiences of Canadian troops. It's perfect for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Claude V. for deeper insights.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Lille 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?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Lille by Claude V.
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.