Memories of the First World War: A cycling trip in Artois
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / Hauts-de-France
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AgeFrom 8 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions34.12 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Cycle through history and embark on a unique immersion in the footsteps of the First World War . For three days , you'll explore the most iconic sites of the Artois region by bike , between rolling plains and wooded hills . This 100km circuit takes you through essential memorial sites, witnesses to the battles that marked the 20th century. Your trip begins in Arras , a city steeped in history, where you'll have the opportunity to climb to the top of its belfry , offering breathtaking views of the region. You'll also explore the boves , these ancient underground chalk quarries that sheltered soldiers and locals during the conflicts. Each stage of this route has been designed to combine sport, culture, and emotion , plunging you into the heart of the events that shaped this region. A rich program that promises a captivating adventure , filled with poignant memories and architectural discoveries.
The highlights
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100km cycling route through iconic World War I sites
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Exceptional panoramic view from the belfry of Arras over the Artois region
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A route combining sport, culture and history for a unique experience.
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 42 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 231 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Discover Arras and its heritage
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to Arras , a city with a rich architectural heritage. Take the time to explore its historic center, marked by the elegant facades of the Grand Place and the Place des Héros . In the afternoon, climb to the top of the Belfry to admire a breathtaking view of Artois and the Mining Basin . Then, a change of scenery: beneath your feet lie the boves , an underground network of former chalk quarries with a fascinating history. An immersive tour of this veritable subterranean labyrinth awaits you. At the end of the day, settle into your hotel and enjoy an included dinner to conclude this first day in a relaxing way.
Day 1 -
Cycling in the footsteps of history
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 340 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your cycling journey begins heading north from Arras , in the land marked by the Battle of Arras in 1917. From the very first kilometers, you'll pass several memorial sites , including the La Targette cemetery in Neuville-Saint-Vaast , which contains the graves of French and British soldiers. You'll also pass near the military cemeteries of Saint-Nicolas and Sainte-Catherine .
Crossing the Vimy State Forest , you reach the imposing Canadian National Vimy Memorial , erected in tribute to the soldiers who fell in France without a grave. Built on the site of the Canadian victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge , this historically significant place immerses you in Canadian territory.
You then continue to the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette National Cemetery , the largest in France, where 42,000 soldiers who fell on the Artois and Flanders fronts are laid to rest. On the way back to Arras , a final stop allows you to admire the remains of Mont-Saint-Éloi Abbey , before concluding this day dedicated to remembrance.
Day 2 -
Monchy-le-Preux Loop
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 33 km
- Positive elevation gain 121 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day full of discoveries awaits you. After a few kilometers by bike, head to the Wellington Quarry , an impressive network of underground tunnels where one of the largest surprise attacks of the First World War was planned. The morning tour delves into the story of these soldiers who remained in the shadows.
You continue your journey towards Beaurains Cemetery and pass by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site before leaving the town. The route alternates between hills and valleys, offering superb panoramic views of the Artois landscape . You cross the historic village of Monchy-le-Preux , then follow the canalized Scarpe River , where the towpath invites you to a peaceful respite.
Along the way, several memorial sites mark the route, notably in Monchy-le-Preux, Athies and Saint-Laurent-Blangy . At the end of the day, your journey concludes at the Place des Héros , in the heart of Arras, the final point of a trip between nature and remembrance.
Day 3
Accommodation
You'll be staying in a recently renovated 4-star hotel in the heart of Arras. Enjoy comfortable rooms and pleasant living spaces , perfect for relaxing after your days of exploring.
Access
Return to the Tourist Office if you have rented a bicycle
Go to the starting point
Accessible by TGV (50 minutes from Paris)
Follow Arras Centre
Price details
The price includes
- Video presentation of the trip and how to use the application
- The roadbook is available on the Roadbook for Discovery app a few days before your departure, with a description of the trip, the route to follow, points of interest, and various tips.
- Accommodation in a 4-star hotel in a double room
- Dinner on the first evening at the hotel restaurant
- The climb to the belfry of Arras
- A visit to the underground tunnels beneath the Place des Héros in Arras
- The Wellington Quarry Visit
- 7/7 telephone support
The price does not include
- Bike rental (electric or traditional hybrid bikes, your choice, with different sizes available and equipment included)
- Lunches
- Dinner on Day 2
Options
- Bike rental - Hybrid bikes : CHF68.61 / person
- Bike rental - E-bikes : CHF68.61 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Upon arrival, if you have chosen the bicycle option, the service provider will provide you with:
- 1 traditional bicycle or electric-assist bicycle adapted to your height
- 1 helmet
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 handlebar basket (electric bikes) or 2 panniers (traditional bikes)
- Anti-theft
- Essentials for a simple repair: inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tool, rag
Equipment to bring
- Smartphone and phone charger + external charger because the navigation app is quite battery-intensive.
- Smartphone holder
- Sunscreen
- Payment methods for various purchases along the route (meals and other items)
- Picnic essentials (knife, corkscrew, etc.)
- Pair of comfortable sneakers for riding
Clothing to bring
- Clothing suitable for cycling
- Pair of gloves
- Thigh-highs
- High-visibility vest
- Warm clothing / fleece for the road
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
