Arras is a fascinating base for exploring the battlefields and memorials of World War I. Its central location in northern France means you can visit some of the most iconic sites with ease, and many tours offer deeply personal, private experiences. One of the reasons we love Arras for battlefield tours is the combination of accessible, well-preserved sites and knowledgeable guides who make history come alive. Whether you’re passionate about the Somme, Canadian military history, or a more personalized journey, Arras offers options that will deepen your understanding of the war’s brutal realities.
Among the tours we highlight here, the Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields stands out for its flexibility and emotional impact. This tour offers a thoughtful, private exploration of key sites, with the chance to customize your experience—perfect if you want to focus on particular relatives or battle locations. We also admire the Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour from Arras, which provides an in-depth look at Canadian contributions and heritage. Lastly, the Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour from Arras offers a focused journey through the Canadian-led battles that shaped WWI.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of full-day battlefield tours available in Arras: private guided experiences focusing on the Somme, Canadian WWI sites, and personalized military history tours. Each offers something unique, from deeply tailored visits to comprehensive battlefield walks. Now, let’s look at each tour in detail to help you choose the best fit.
1. Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields
Starting in Arras or Albert, this private tour takes you to the most significant sites of the 1916 Somme offensive. The tour is adaptable and personalized, with no set itinerary—your guide will tailor it to your interests, whether that’s visiting specific trenches, memorials, or areas linked to your family history. The full-day experience lasts about 8.5 hours and costs $427.26 per group (up to 3 people), making it an intimate and flexible way to explore.
The itinerary includes notable stops such as the Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-hamel, where you’ll walk through preserved trenches and grounds fought over by the Newfoundland Regiment. You’ll also visit the Thiepval Memorial, the world’s largest to the missing of the British Army, followed by a walk around the Lochnagar Crater, a powerful reminder of the underground explosions of 1916. Other highlights include the Sunken Lane, where historic footage was shot, and the Dartmoor Cemetery, which offers personal stories of those who fought and fell. Each stop provides a poignant glimpse into the war’s reality, with free admission at all sites.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the ability to visit places many travelers miss. One reviewer says, “The guide was excellent and took us to places we couldn’t find on our own.” The tour’s flexibility makes it perfect for those with specific interests or relatives involved in the fighting.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for small groups or families seeking a personalized, emotional, and comprehensive day at the Somme. It offers deep insights into the battles and intimate access to historic sites.
2. Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour from Arras
At number 2, this Canadian-focused tour immerses visitors in the strategic and emotional journey of Canada’s role in WWI. For around $470 per person, the 9-hour private trip spotlights key sites like the Vimy Ridge Memorial, where Canadian soldiers fought fiercely in 1917. At this site, you’ll visit the Grange Tunnel, where troops prepared for battle, and walk among the cemeteries that honor fallen Canadians.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on Canadian sacrifice and achievement. You’ll also see the Cimetiere du Cabaret Rouge, where the Canadian Unknown Soldier was exhumed, and explore the Courcelette Canadian Memorial to understand the pivotal battles of 1916. The tour also features the Lochnagar Crater, a massive explosion that broke the German lines, and the Thiepval Memorial, which bears 72,000 names of missing soldiers.
With lunch included and flexible pickup/drop-off options, it suits travelers wanting a thorough, emotionally resonant experience. Reviewers highlight their guide’s deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, noting that “Claude made everything come alive and covered more ground than we could on our own.” This tour is best suited for those who want to understand the Canadian contribution and visit multiple key sites in one day.
Bottom line: For travelers interested in Canada’s role in WWI, this tour offers a well-rounded, respectful, and detailed exploration of the battles that shaped the nation’s identity.
3. Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour from Arras
Number 3 provides a focused journey into the Canadian effort during WWI, priced at $485.71 for up to three people. The tour begins with a tour of Arras itself, with a guide explaining its Roman roots and Flemish architecture. Afterward, you’ll visit the Musee Militaire de la Targette, which contains over 4,000 artifacts from the war, giving a tangible sense of the conflict’s scope.
The day continues with visits to cemeteries and memorials such as the Neuville-Saint-Vaast German Cemetery—the largest in France—and Vimy Ridge, where the Canadian Memorial stands proud. The guide, with their extensive knowledge, personalizes the tour, sharing stories of the soldiers, battles, and the significance of the sites. The tour culminates at the Vimy Memorial, where you can reflect on the sacrifices that helped define Canadian identity.
What sets this tour apart is its personalized storytelling and the inclusion of lesser-visited sites like the museum and extensive cemeteries. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and deep understanding, with one noting, “Brigitte made the history very real and took us to places we wouldn’t have found on our own.” It’s ideal for those who want a personalized, thorough tour that captures both Canadian and broader WWI history.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an intimate, flexible exploration of Canadian and other WWI sites, with a focus on storytelling and personal connection.
How to Choose the Right Battlefield Tour in Arras
When selecting a full-day battlefield tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical stamina. If you’re passionate about personalized experiences or family history, the private tours (Tour #1 or Tour #3) are excellent choices. They allow flexibility and in-depth storytelling.
For those with a specific interest in Canadian military history, the Vimy and Somme tour offers a dedicated focus, including key memorials and trenches. If you prefer a broader, more in-depth introduction to WWI sites, the Canadian Battlefields Tour is ideal.
Keep in mind that these are full-day experiences, often with hotel pickup, so plan your schedule accordingly. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and guide.
Arras offers a wealth of history, whether you want a deeply personal day exploring trenches and memorials, learn specifically about Canadian sacrifices, or a mix of both. For history lovers, these tours provide a powerful connection to the past, making the sacrifices of WWI more tangible. Whether you choose a private, tailored experience or a focused Canadian journey, Arras’s battlefield tours will leave you with a profound appreciation of the bravery and tragedy of war. Booking early ensures you get the experience that best fits your interests—so don’t wait too long.
