Full Day Private Tour of Australian Battlefields from Arras

Explore Australian WW1 battlefields in Bullecourt, Peronne, and St Quentin Canal. Discover the Diggers’ history and the impact of the war on soldiers and civilians.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Arras - Arras boasts a rich architectural heritage, highlighted by its two Flemish Baroque squares: “La Place des Heroes” and “La Grand Place.” The city is steeped in history, from Roman times through the centuries, including the First World War. During this 20-minute tour, your guide will take you on a journey through time.

  • London Cemetery - Visiting a CWGC cemetery offers insight into how each country honored their dead after the war and highlights the remarkable work of the CWGC.

  • Musee Jean & Denise Letaille - This museum narrates the story of thousands of soldiers who defended the Arras sector. Created by farmers Jean and Denise Letaille, it features artifacts from the Great War found in the fields around Bullecourt after the battles in April and May 1917. Hundreds of items recount the tale of the “Diggers” in one of the most deadly yet often overlooked episodes of the Great War.

  • Slouch Hat Memorial - Claude Durand, a Bullecourt school teacher, began translating Charles Bean’s account of the battles for his own interest and his students. Struck by the scale of British and Australian casualties and the lack of a local memorial, he and Mayor Jean Letaille campaigned to build one. Funds were raised locally, and the memorial was unveiled outside the village church on 24 May 1981.

  • The Bullecourt Digger - This monument commemorates the two Battles of Bullecourt in April-May 1917, which will be detailed during your visit.

  • Hotel de Ville - In Bapaume, the Germans planted a mine in the Town Hall, which exploded 9 days later. Australian soldiers using the building as a billet were killed, along with two visiting French members of Parliament.

  • 2nd Australian Division Memorial - The 2nd Australian Division captured the heavily defended Mont Saint Quentin in one of the war’s finest feats. Erected in 1925, this memorial honors the 3000 Diggers who died in the battle. Your guide will provide context for this remarkable event.

  • Le Bistrot d’Antoine - After a busy morning, we will take an hour for lunch at this restaurant or another of your choice (Lunch Break can be shorter).

  • Historial de la Grande Guerre - Opened in 1992, the Historial, Museum of the Great War, is located in the heart of the Somme Battlefields in Péronne. Designed by architect Henri-Edouard Ciriani, the contemporary museum is integrated into Péronne’s 13th-century castle, a symbol of the town besieged many times throughout history.

  • German Military Cemetery Maissemy - This visit will discuss the creation of German cemeteries after WW1, their design, and how Germans remember their fallen.

  • Pont de Riqueval - The Battle of St Quentin Canal began on 29 September 1918 as part of the 100-day offensive involving British, Australian, and American forces. Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, with his stellar reputation, led the Australian Corps. Full details will be provided on-site.

  • Somme American Cemetery and Memorial - Here, we will discuss the American role in the Battle of St Quentin Canal and the creation of their cemeteries after WW1.

What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • The entrance at the Museum Historial in Peronne which is 10 euros per person
  • The entrance at “Letaille Museum” which is 5 €/adult, 3 €/students and free for under 12 years old.
Additional Information

This tour will take you in the footsteps of the Diggers in Bullecourt, Peronne, and the St Quentin Canal. It completes the very popular “Full day Private Australian Battlefields Tour from Amiens” covering Villers-Bretonneux and Pozieres. This one-day Tour will focus on the years 1917 and 1918; the German Spring Offensive and the 100 days leading to the Armistice. We will also talk about the place of Australians in WW1, the effects this war had on the Diggers, and life afterward for them and the French civilians.

Location
Gare d'Arras
Place du Maréchal Foch
For people arriving by train, please let me know the time of arrival of your train beforehand and I will meet you on your platform. Note: total tour duration includes travel time
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 3 guests
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September 2024
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