Vimy Ridge
We rolled out of bed and loaded up the bike for the day. The petit dejeuner at B&B Museo de le Louvre was quite adequate with a selection of croissant, cold cuts, coffee, teas and juices. This meal was included in our 70 euro room rate, so we made the most of it. We finished up and grabbed a couple apples for the road. We were off to see the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. We hoped the forecast would be correct as it called for full sun.
The Chemin des Canadiens
From Lens we drove south a few short kilometres to a very important piece of Canadian soil in the north of France. Sam and I both had this location as a must on our list of places to experience in France. As we rode along farm fields opened up and a familiar sight came into view from the road. A Canadian flag flies above the Douai plain next to a bright white duel obelisk structure on the ridge.
We made our way up through the winding streets of Givenchy-en-Gohelle to the Chemin des Canadiens and the memorial. The path of the Canadians winds through the Canadian National Vimy Memorial site connecting the memorial itself, interpretive centre, trenches, tunnels and grave sites. How fortunate for us to arrive on a clear bright sunny day. The French and Canadian flags wave high and proud next to each other in harmonic unity as the wind passes by the entrance.
The sobering reality
Even with such a beautiful day the sobering reality of where we were settled in immediately. We were instantly struck by signs advising not to leave the paths due to undetonated explosives in the surrounding moguls. The area brought me to the verge of tears as I internally considered the horrific long term effects off this war. We don’t even have a true frame of reference to be able to understand how people were changed. Sam I have lived in peace our whole lives in Canada; even as a police officer I have no true understanding of conflict and the reality of war. I am beyond thankful for the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom.
Sam and I spoke to a family from Great Britain who arrived in the lot as we parked. They spoke with us about Sassy and how they had just returned from a trip to Calgary and Banff. Everywhere we go our faithful friend is the subject of conversation, breaking the ice with the Ural Delay Factor. How did you get her here? Where are you going? Is that a Canadian number plate? How long will you be travelling? Just driving by puts a smile on peoples faces and that is what it is all about. Living in the moment and in the positive spaces of life.
Our ambassadors to the world
We walked along the road to the interpretive centre. It was pretty cool to see some very familiar green jackets with Parks Canada on them! All of the staff are adorned with the beaver crest logo. We found out that the interpreters are all students who are awarded 4 month stints at the interpretive centre. They come over to France and present to tourists and Canadians alike who make the pilgrimage to this WWI Memorial. How special to have Canadian youth learning and passing on the stories and facts from this place as our ambassadors to the world. And all of this free of charge to those who come to see the presentation.
If you attend the visitor centre be sure to allow yourself a few hours to go through the interactive multimedia displays. There is so much information to take in. Also a must is the guided tour of the trenches and tunnels. Sam and I did just that. Our guide, who’s name I regretfully can not remember, was extremely knowledgeable, humble and truly passionate about passing on the details. I was brought to the edge of tears again several times throughout the walk in the dark, dank and tight quarters of the chalk tunnels.
Vimy in my minds eye
We walked up the stairs from the tunnels and out the same door Canadian soldiers did on the day our regiments took the ridge. The opening pops out into the winding trenches above just meters away from the enemy lines. Following the guided portion of the tour I walked around the area alone, in silence. Taking in the views from both sides of no man’s land, this was an emotional experience for me but one of great worth. Each year I go to Fairmont with my parents the week of Remembrance Day and we always attend the ceremony in Invermere, BC. I can guarantee that next year I will have Vimy in my minds eye as I stand in silence remembering the fallen.
We made our way back through the maple, scotch and Austrian pine trees planted to resemble a Canadian forest. The French government has given this land, a total of 248 acres, to the Canadian people as a tribute to the sacrifice of our troops.
Once back at the memorial structure we spent some time reading names whilst taking in the beauty of this amazing artistic monument and location.
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/first-world-war/fact_sheets/vimy
Canadian Cemetery No.2
Sam and I hopped on Sassy and rode over to this grave site where we walked through the rows. An older French fellow came over to talk to us. He only spoke French but we were all able to communicate somehow. Of course it was Sassy that started the conversation as he was impressed with the bike and how we had flown it over. He went on to say that to this day the French people, especially those of this area are grateful to Canada for their sacrifice and service in the Great War.
We talked to him for a while as he pointed to the surrounding towns giving advice on where to stay. Then he told us to avoid Paris with our yellow rain gear or the Police would beat the tar out of us! He made kicking and punching motions while explaining to us about the riots. We couldn’t figure out what he was talking about until we happened upon a news broadcast a couple days later. As we sat for lunch in a restaurant media outlets were streaming images of the ‘gilets jaunes’ movement in Paris and the violent clashes.
Onward
What an amazing day we had and as we rode away we talked about the details of our experience and the freedom to travel in the beautiful French countryside. Our plan was to make it to Rouen this day but we found shelter in Amiens only some 80 kms away from Lens instead. The day at Vimy was well worth the lack of mileage.
More to come on our road trip from London Gatwick to the south of France house sit. Check out our video from Vimy at the top. Stay tuned and share our experiences with your friends.
Take care and keep on travelling,
Dan&Sam
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