Curriculum-Based WWI & WWII Battlefield Tours: Historic Sites & National Identity
Begin your WWI & WWII battlefield tour in Paris, the “City of Light.” Explore the Latin Quarter, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum, then visit Versailles, where the Treaty of Versailles marked the official end of World War I.
WWII Battlefield Sites in Normandy: D-Day Landing Beaches & Memorials
Travel west to Caen, the historic heart of Normandy, and explore some of the most significant WWII battle sites in France. Visit:
- D-Day Landing Beaches – The pivotal site of the Allied invasion of Normandy.
- Canadian War Cemetery – Honoring the soldiers who fought at Juno Beach.
- Caen Memorial & Juno Beach Centre – Museums preserving the personal stories of WWII veterans.
WWI Battlefield Tours in Belgium: Vimy Ridge & Ypres
Continue your journey to Belgium, home to some of the most historic WWI battlefields. Key sites include:
- Canadian National Vimy Memorial – Commemorating Canada’s most significant WWI battle.
- Ypres, Belgium – A key battleground that endured relentless WWI and WWII conflicts.
- Menin Gate Memorial – Attend the moving Last Post Ceremony, held nightly to honor fallen soldiers.
Flanders Fields & Bruges: WWI Memorials & Historic Landmarks
Before reaching Bruges, visit some of the most profound WWI remembrance sites in Belgium:
- Essex Farm & John McRae Site – Where the poem In Flanders Fields was written.
- Tyne Cot Cemetery – The largest Commonwealth war grave, honoring soldiers from the Battle of Passchendaele.
- Bruges (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – A city that survived war and was restored to its medieval beauty.
WWII History & Holocaust Remembrance in Amsterdam
Finally, your journey concludes in Amsterdam, a city known for its rich history, canals, and resilience during WWII. While admired for its unique architecture and art, Amsterdam also bears the legacy of the Nazi occupation in World War II. Visit Anne Frank’s House, a powerful site of Holocaust remembrance, to learn about life during the occupation, reflect on its impact, and be inspired by the enduring power of hope.
This WWI & WWII battlefield tour through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands offers a deep dive into the history of the World Wars, visiting key battle sites in Western Europe that endured intense conflict and occupation. Students will explore the significance of war remembrance, learning how those who came before us faced immense challenges and sacrifices while demonstrating resilience and the strength of the human spirit.
Battlefield Tours FAQ
Some of the most significant WWI & WWII battlefields in France and Belgium include:
- Normandy D-Day Beaches (WWII, France) – Site of the Allied invasion on June 6, 1944.
- Vimy Ridge (WWI, France) – A pivotal battle for Canadian forces in WWI.
- Flanders Fields (WWI, Belgium) – Known for the famous poem In Flanders Fields.
- The Somme (WWI, France) – One of the deadliest battles in WWI history.
- Ypres & The Menin Gate (WWI, Belgium) – Honors fallen soldiers of the Great War.
The length of a WWI or WWII battlefield tour depends on the itinerary:
- Day Trips: Visits to single locations such as Normandy or Vimy Ridge.
- 3–5 Day Tours: Multi-country experiences covering France, Belgium & the Netherlands.
- 7+ Day In-Depth Tours: Comprehensive explorations of major battle sites across Western Europe.
- Spring (April–June): Best for comfortable temperatures and clear access to sites.
- Fall (September–November): Ideal for fewer crowds and Armistice Day ceremonies (Nov 11).
- Summer (July–August): Warm weather but busier tourist seasons.
- Winter (December–March): Quieter but some outdoor sites may be less accessible.
Call the office at 647-343-1708 or email [email protected] to request more information or speak with a trip consultant who can plan a special trip for your group.
