Lille, Flanders & the Somme

London to Lille

Our tour begins at our dedicated Departure Office at St Pancras International, where we meet our Tour Manager, a specialist in battlefields history, and board the Eurostar to Lille. On arrival we transfer to the Novotel Lille Centre for a four-night stay.

The Battlefields of Flanders

Our excursion today takes us by coach to the Ypres area, the centre of intense fighting. During our time in the area we visit Poperinge - the most important town behind the lines. Here we visit Talbot House. Known as 'Toc H', Talbot House was somewhere for soldiers to use as a retreat - an 'everyman's club' - where rank had no relevance. We then visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery, and Langemark, the last resting place of 44,000 German soldiers.

We continue to Ypres, a city which was nearly destroyed by the four years of fighting but is now remarkably restored to its former glory. Here we visit the Cloth Hall to explore the insightful 'In Flanders Fields' Museum. After free time to explore Ypres, we meet up this evening to walk to the Menin Gate - the famous 'Memorial to the Missing' - and witness the moving Last Post ceremony.

Exploring Lille

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of delightful Lille. During the tour we pass some of the city's main sights, including the 15th century Palais Rihour, the Grand Place and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We also enjoy a tasting of two of Lille's local specialities: beer and waffles. Your afternoon is at leisure.

The Battlefields of the Somme

We travel by coach to the immense Lochnagar Crater, formed by an exploding mine. We continue to Thiepval, a striking memorial dedicated to the missing of the Somme. Our next visit, on our return towards Lille, is to Vimy Ridge then we continue to the Australian cemetery and VC Corner in nearby Fromelles.

Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, we take the Eurostar back to London.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.