You can feel the weight of history in Arras. This city in northern France bears the scars of conflict, having been besieged by the Franks, the Vikings, the Austrians, and the Spanish, to name a few. But none was as destructive as World War I, when nearly 75% of the city was flattened. Today, Arras serves as a headquarters for military historians, who visit the nearby battlefields of Vimy Ridge, the Somme and Ypres on day trips.

Take a private Arras tour and explore the history of northern France with a local guide.

Start by climbing the belfry tower for views over <i>La Grande Place</i>. Ask your guide to point out the Town Hall, rebuilt in the original Gothic style after WWI, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unusual perspective of the city, follow your guide 10 metres below the streets into a network of tunnels called the <i>Boves</i>.

If you want to visit the battlefields at Vimy Ridge, the Somme and Ypres, book a private tour and let your guide bring history to life.

Arras

Walking tour of historic Lille with 2 tastings

Have you ever been to Lille? Would you love to Discover the history of the beautiful town of Lille? Did you know that it is the biggest city in the North of France Region.

I'm a local guide and I grew up in the Region where I studied English for 3 years and then Tourism, Art, Culture and Heritage for another 3 years. There are so many things to discover in the Region of Lille and that is why I love it so much. In the heart of Europe, the Region is full of history and culture.

Follow me in the streets of the old city and let be surprised by its squares, its belfry, its astonishing cathedral and its museums. I will show you my favorite places and will tell its history and secrets. We will have a nice break in the fanciest tearoom of Lille.

In case of bigger groups, or special requests, I can customize this tour.

Have a nice tea/coffee and the traditional waffle from Lille in the most famous tea room of the Region.

Let's discover the architecture and history of Lille!

I will show you different sites linked to World War I, which has left huge scars in the North of France. Of course, there are many things to see and we won't have time to see everything but

I will show you the most important sites so you will have a good idea of that part of our History. We will read a most moving poem from Rudyard Kipling in a British cemetery, you will discover the list of the 580 000 soldiers (all nationalities gathered) died in battle in the region, you will walk in trenches and imagine how it must have been to be a 17-year-old trying to survive there. . .

A very moving tour to understand the cruelty of war and never forget.

I have been working in a travel industry for 9 years, so I know pretty well the places to go and their history. I love my Region and I really love to share it with you!

lunch (drinks not included) and museums entrance fees

Ring of Remembrance and Notre-Dame de Lorette

Let's plundge into History and discover the World War I sites of Arras and Vimy area

Arras and WWI Sites - Full Day Tour

The town of Arras is one of the most beautiful in the North of France (and I was born there!). Very powerful city in the Middle-Ages, most of the town has been destroyed during the World War I. Arras is today one of the treasures of the region with its architecture and white stones.

I am Gaëlle and I was born in Arras and grew up in the Region where I studied English for 3 years and then Tourism, Art, Culture and Heritage for another 3 years. I love my Region and I really love sharing it with people.

Join me on this tour to Discover the history of this city from its tunnels to the highest point of the town: the belfry. You will learn how the Allies were hiding underground and also how the town has been totally rebuilt as it was before the war.

In case of bigger groups, or special requests, I can customize this tour.

Let's discover the architecture and history of Arras!

Half day walking tour of historic Arras

Lens, located in a very active coal mining area, was right on the front line during World War I.

Come with me to discover the scars of this sad period, but also the mining heritage, so important in this region (on the UNESCO list). The last mining site closed in 1991, not that long ago!

I will tell you this history of my region but I will also bring some poetry to your day going to the Louvre-Lens museum to admire its masterpieces of art. If you like photography, you will also love the different points of view I will bring you to. I'm Local professional guide and I love my areas, with its reach history and culture, It makes me happy to share it with you!

In case of bigger groups, or special requests, I can customize this tour.

lunch (drinks not included) + audioguide in the museum

Let's discover war sites, mining heritage and art in Lens area!

Mining area of Lens - Full Day Tour

Arras, Thiepval and WWI Sites - Full Day Tour

After a discovery of the Wellington quarries in Arras, I will show you different sites linked to World War I, which has left huge scars in the North of France. Of course, there are many things to see and we won't have time to see everything but
I will show you the most important sites so you will have a good idea of that part of our History.

the price per person includes the lunch (starter, main course and dessert), and the entrance fee to the Wellington quarries and the museum of Thiepval.

Vimy tours

Explore with 5 tours and 1 guides.

Gaëlle D.

$ 267 (USD)

Gaëlle D.

$ 900 (USD)

Gaëlle D.

$ 514 (USD)

Gaëlle D.

$ 890 (USD)

Gaëlle D.

$ 861 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Vimy

Customize your tour