Vimy Ridge and the Artois Battlefields – Museums

Whilst not possessing as many museums as the Ypres Salient or the Somme further south, there are some excellent collections in the central sector of the Artois battlefields. The following are open in 2007.

Please follow website links for information on opening times and admission charges. For those that don’t have websites I’ve provided this information correct at the time of writing (August 2007).

Notre Dame de Lorette Museum
French National Cemetery, Notre Dame de Lorette, Ablain St-Nazaire
Tel. +(0)3 21 45 15 80

For those whose only knowledge of this region is the Canadian attack on Vimy Ridge, this museum is a timely introduction to the role the French Army played in pushing the Germans off Notre Dame Lorette and out of the neighbouring villages of Carency, Ablain St-Nazaire and Souchez in 1915.

There is a remarkable collection of uniforms, helmets and personal equipment as well as a very atmospheric trench experience, which takes the visitor into the dugouts to see and hear about the men who fought and died there. In my opinion the best museum in the region.

The museum is open every day from 9am to 8pm and there is a small charge. Tokens for the turnstile gate of the recreated battlefield next door are included in the entry fee.

Notre Dame de Lorette Museum. Photo: Mark Sluman

La Targette Museum
D937, La Targette
Tel. (0)3 21 59 17 76

This museum, like the one at Notre Dame de Lorette, is owned by David Bardiaux. He has amassed a fantastic collection of uniforms, equipment, weaponry and other memorabilia together with some 3D photographic projectors, which vividly portray the horror of the Western Front.

The museum is open every day from 9am to 8pm and there is a small fee.

La Targette Museum. Photo: Mark Sluman

Interpretative Centre
Canadian Memorial Park, Vimy Ridge

Opened in 1997, the Interpretative Centre provides the visitor with more information on the role of the Canadian Corps in the capture of Vimy Ridge. It includes maps, diaries and audio-visual displays to tell the story of 1917 offensive and reveals more about the men who travelled so far from their homeland to fight here. Also includes a small book and souvenir shop.

The Centre is open every day from 10am to 6pm except for two weeks at Christmas and entry is free.

Further details can be found on the website www.virtualmemorial.gc.ca.

Interpretative Centre, Vimy Ridge. Photo: Mark Sluman