WW1 & WW2 sites

[stayingupright]

Doing a one week trip next month staying in Lille and Caen (3 days in each).

Looking for some honest advice on the best places to visit.

Getting a headache going through all the websites

[Spencert231]

Hi stayingupright not sure how much help I can give you on this, but here goes. I spent 30yrs in the Army so what interests me may not necessarily interest some others. There are others on the forum who visit areas of historical (WW1&11) interest the dams of the Rhur Valley, Oradour sur Glane, etc. Since you are focusing your attention in the specific areas of Lille and Caen I suggest looking through http://www.france-pub.com/world-war-2.php which will give you some idea of what France was upto in 1940 and beyond. There are the obvious choices the Memorial de Caen, in Caen which also gives a record and information beyond 1945 and France's involvement in the "Cold War", the beaches of Sword, Gold, etc. are also an obvious choice.


There is also a similar place in Lille which can take you down some trails of events http://www.france-pub.com/world-war-2.php there is so much to see there as it shares its northern border with Belgium. There were many a big battle fought in this area Arras, Loos, etc both are on my old regiment's colours (a highly decorative flag where the regiments battles are commemorated).


If it was me I would research a particular battle in the early part of the war and follow its trail and see where it leads. It may encourage you to come back and continue following the trail the war took.


Best of luck

[guest2360]

Staying in Lille is an interesting choice.  Like Spencert I also was in the Army for 30 years +.  For me Lille has always been a place to keep the throttle open.  Maybe I've missed something over the years.  Last week I was in the Ardennes, they are covered in museums and monuments especially around Bastogne but that might be a bit if a hike from Lille.   

[Spencert231]

Just realised Caen to Lille will be touching Arras. I have heard a lot of good things about [size=78%]The GreatWar 1914-1918[/size]
[size=23px]Wellington Quarry — la Carrière Wellington, Arras
Now me being a coal miner for the first 2yrs of adult life (where else would I go South Wales early 60s) it would be of great interest, but as I said in the early post it may not interest you. If I am not mistaken Arras was raised to the ground and rebuild in its medival style, which must have cost a packet.

[Spencert231]

Since we are on the subject of WW1, & 11 any chance of adding to this to include best and most interested places visited (wartime theme) or start a new thread it would be a great reason to get on the bike and travel around with a purpose. What do you think?

[stelyn]

Hi, `D' Day sites -  check this Link out,  just click on the `balloons or expand the MAP out,  everything you need to know and lots to visit 

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mi ... msa=0   
   
Also a good list Biker B&B site  -  http://www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerfri ... mandy.html

Recommend  La Tringale very friendly B&B,  20 minute Ride to Omaha Beech, Link is
                                          http://www.normandyvacations.com/

[Spencert231]

Nice one Steve good list will put in my favourites.

[BMjoe64]

Am thinking of something similar, go via Chunnel and WW1 remembrance first and start in Ypres area, hopefully attend a ceremony at the Menin gate

http://www.toerisme-ieper.be/en

http://www.inflandersfields.be/en

Then over to Peronne for the Museum and  Somme Battlefields Tour

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mus ... e58cb679e9

http://en.historial.org/Battlefields-of ... emembrance

Then over to somewhere near D day beaches, Pegasus Bridge, maybe Bayeaux, but not figured that bit out yet, but think a night in Honfleur  might be a possibility to round it off before a ferry back to Portsmouth. /just a rough idea and have not done this before so no expert.

[stayingupright]

Some great info there chaps

[Catfunt]

+1 on La Tringale for staying near the Normandy beaches. Ron and Bunty are top people!