Ghent to Arras and Canadian National Vimy Memorial: Day trip

When Philip II ordered in the 16th century that no building take place in the town of Arras unless the walls are made of stone and brick, with no overhang into the streets, this medieval town began to take on its unique style that it's now known for. Most famous are its two squares, the Main Square and Heroes Square, both of which are encircled by buildings in the town’s unique architectural style. Lined with galleries, fine food shops, cafes, and dominated by the Belfry of the Town Hall - named a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 - Heroes Square is truly the heart of the city and a must-see during your travels in the area. During your stop, be sure to sample the city’s sweet speciality, Coeurs d’Arras, a heart-shaped gingerbread cookie.

On Easter Sunday, 1917, after months of training and preparation, the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, supported by British artillery, came together for the first time to assault the heavily fortified German positions on Vimy Ridge. To commemorate their success and sacrifice King Edward VIII and President Albert Lebrun of France unveiled this moving monument to a crowd of over 50,000 people, including over 6,200 Canadian veterans and their families, on July 26, 1936. During World War II, Adolf Hitler, who reportedly admired it for its peaceful nature, took a personal tour of the monument to assure Allied forces it was undamaged. The stark monument is engraved with the names of the 11,285 Canadians who were killed on French soil and have no known graves. Visitors can also step into the preserved trenches and tunnels, walk the graveyards, and learn more about the battle and the war in the museum.