In Givenchy-en-Gohelle, remembrance and landscape come together: the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Canadian military cemeteries and the ForĂŞt domaniale de Vimy give the area a distinctive historical character. At the same time, trails wind through a forest that serves both as a place of remembrance and as a space for nature and recreation. Visitors planning a trip can therefore explore different aspects of the history of the First World War and the landscape.
The Vimy Memorial
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is located on Route D55, Chemin des Canadiens, in Givenchy-en-Gohelle. It honours all Canadians who served in the First World War, especially those whose graves are unknown. The Memorial was designated a national historic site in 1997. This dedication and official recognition give the site a clear historical focus.
The Lieu historique national de la Crête-de-Vimy comprises the Memorial, two Commonwealth military cemeteries, reconstructed trenches, the Grange Tunnel and a house. Trails and roads connect these features. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial Visitor Centre can provide information about the role of Canada and Newfoundland in the First World War, as well as the main attractions at the historic site. Check the Visitor Centre’s current opening arrangements before your trip.
Canadian Cemeteries and Their History
Canadian Cemetery No. 2 is at the heart of the Vimy Memorial site, a few metres from the Memorial. Established in 1917, it contains 2,965 graves. Its immediate proximity to the Memorial distinguishes the cemetery geographically from the wider landscape of the memorial site; its details about its origins and size also tell a story of their own.
The Cimetière canadien de Givenchy-en-Gohelle was established by the Canadian Corps under the designation CD 20 in March 1917 and used until May of that year. It commemorates more than 150 victims of the 1914–1918 war. Special memorials commemorate 15 Canadian soldiers believed to be buried there. The cemetery also contains the graves of 109 Canadians who died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Chemin des Canadiens and Forest Trails
Along the Chemin des Canadiens, 17 panels provide information about the capture of Vimy Ridge and the special relationship between Givenchy-en-Gohelle and the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders). Check on site whether the panels are in place along the trail. The Chemin des Canadiens thus connects historical information about the area with the story of a specific Canadian battalion.
The ForĂŞt domaniale de Vimy preserves traces of the fighting: trenches, bunkers, shell craters, saps and the ruins of destroyed farmsteads. The La Vignette route passes through the forest, where visitors can see remnants of trenches and uneven terrain shaped by shells. Trail conditions may vary. Along the route, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial offers wide views over the landscapes of the mining basin and the hills of Artois; visibility depends on conditions.
Cycling Route and Digital Exploration
Cyclists considering a ride can find the “Grands sites de la mémoire” route on the tourism map, updated in June 2023. It is listed as a 10- or 15-kilometre route with significant elevation gain and leads to the Monument à la division marocaine in Vimy or Givenchy-en-Gohelle. Check current route conditions before setting out. The distance and elevation-gain details can help you compare the route with your available time and energy, without treating the two route options as identical.
Another way to explore local history is digitally: the Musée de la vie en plein air du Chemin des Canadiens is also available virtually via a GIS geocache. This offers a digital way to explore alongside the historical traces in the forest. Together, the memorial site, cemeteries, Chemin des Canadiens and Forêt domaniale offer different perspectives: from the dedication to Canadian service members, to the specific history of the cemeteries, to the traces preserved in the landscape.
Discover More Destinations
Meurchin, Anzin-Saint-Aubin, Belle-Et-Houllefort, Conchil-Le-Temple, Caumont, Houdain, Fouquières-Lès-Béthune, Dennebroeucq
For the main travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
