La Targette French National Cemetery - Image 1
1 / 3

La Targette French National Cemetery

4.8
·16 reviews·Neuville-Saint-Vaast, France

A vast and somber necropolis honoring over 12,000 French and colonial soldiers from WWI and WWII. A place of profound reflection.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Peaceful atmosphere, blooming nature

CrowdLow
Loading map...
La Targette French National Cemetery - Image 1

La Targette French National Cemetery

Best Time

Spring mornings

Peaceful atmosphere, blooming nature

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast and somber necropolis honoring over 12,000 French and colonial soldiers from WWI and WWII. A place of profound reflection.

4.8
(16 reviews)

"Horrific but beautiful. A place of contemplation on the road to history..."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allow ample time

This is a large site; give yourself at least 1-2 hours for quiet reflection and exploration.

Combine with nearby sites

La Targette is best experienced with other WWI memorials in the area.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The French National Cemetery

The French National Cemetery

Vast fields of white crosses honor over 12,000 French and colonial soldiers from WWI and WWII. A place of profound remembrance.

Colonial Troops Section

Colonial Troops Section

A dedicated area remembers France's largely Muslim colonial troops, highlighting the diverse sacrifices made.

Ossuaries and Memorials

Ossuaries and Memorials

Communal graves and memorials at the rear house unidentified soldiers and serve as poignant reminders of the missing.

Adjoining Commonwealth Cemetery

Adjoining Commonwealth Cemetery

A smaller, well-maintained cemetery adjacent to the French section, offering a contrast and a broader perspective on WWI casualties.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

A Place of Somber Reflection

This vast cemetery honors over 12,000 French and colonial soldiers from both World Wars. It's a deeply moving site, often visited alongside nearby WWI landmarks. Allow ample time for quiet contemplation.

Proximity to Other Sites

La Targette is part of a significant WWI memorial landscape. Consider combining your visit with Notre-Dame de Lorette, the German Cemetery of La Maison Blanche, and the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge for a comprehensive historical experience.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere, blooming nature
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Allow ample time

This is a large site; give yourself at least 1-2 hours for quiet reflection and exploration. Reddit

Combine with nearby sites

La Targette is best experienced with other WWI memorials in the area. Reddit

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking across open fields, so sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

Respectful attire recommended

As a cemetery, dress modestly and be mindful of the solemn atmosphere. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Allow ample time

This is a large site; give yourself at least 1-2 hours for quiet reflection and exploration. Reddit

Combine with nearby sites

La Targette is best experienced with other WWI memorials in the area. Reddit

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking across open fields, so sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

Respectful attire recommended

As a cemetery, dress modestly and be mindful of the solemn atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find La Targette French National Cemetery to be a deeply moving and vast site of remembrance, often described as 'horrific but beautiful.' Its scale and the solemn atmosphere are impactful, though some note it's overshadowed by nearby Notre-Dame de Lorette. The adjoining Commonwealth cemetery is also appreciated.

"The French National Cemetery at La Targette is somewhat overshadowed by the much larger, better maintained and better known Notre-Dame de Lorrette a few kilometres to the north.

The cemetery is situated on a wide open sloping field. There are several trees along the sides of the cemetery, but none within the central part of the cemetery itself. At the rear are three ossiaries, communal graves and memorials for the missing and the unidentified.

In total about 12,000 men are buried here, from both World Wars. On the right hand-side is a secion dedicated to France's, mostly muslim, colonial troops.

Ajoining the cemetery to the front right is the much smaller, but also far more attractive La Targette Commonwealth Cemetery. In addition to Notre Dame de Lorrette, the vast German Cemetery of La Maison Blanche lies about 1km to the south and the superb Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge, a few kilometres to the east."

Simon Abercrombie

"Nice Cemetery, the area has 4-5 major cemeteries in it to show the devastation in Arras. This is the largest French Cemetery in all of France . It is situated on top of hill and overlooks Lens"

Rod Sangala

"One of many heartbreaking sites where French soldiers were laid to rest.
We were driving along unaware of this place but upon seeing it had to stop. The site is truly shocking the indescribable scale of this site really brings an unsettling feeling as you pace the fields.
Horrific but beautiful."

Leon M

What People Like

Immense scale
Solemn atmosphere
Well-maintained grounds

What People Dislike

Can feel overshadowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located near the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle. Driving is the most convenient way to reach it, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited in this area, so consider a rental car or a guided tour if you're not driving. Reddit

Public transport to La Targette is challenging. Buses may run to nearby towns, but you would likely need to walk or arrange local transport from there. It's best to check local bus schedules in advance or consider it as part of a driving tour. Reddit

The drive between La Targette French National Cemetery and the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge is short, approximately 10-15 minutes. If you have a car, this is the easiest way to connect the two sites. Reddit

Yes, many WWI battlefield tours of the Arras region include La Targette French National Cemetery, often combined with other significant sites like Notre-Dame de Lorette and Vimy Ridge. Reddit

From Arras, take the D917 towards Lens, then follow signs for Givenchy-en-Gohelle and the cemetery. GPS coordinates can also be helpful for precise navigation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to La Targette French National Cemetery is free of charge. It is a place of remembrance and is open to the public. Reddit

The cemetery is generally open daily from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to pay their respects during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific seasonal variations. Reddit

While generally open, it's always a good idea to confirm hours, especially around public holidays. The open-air nature means it's accessible during daylight, but official hours might apply. Reddit

No booking is required as admission is free. You can visit spontaneously during its open hours. Reddit

Visitors are expected to behave respectfully, as it is a cemetery. Large group visits might benefit from prior notification, but individual visits have no specific restrictions beyond respecting the solemnity of the site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's a very large cemetery, covering a wide open sloping field and is the largest French Cemetery in all of France, honoring around 12,000 soldiers. Reddit

You'll find vast fields of white crosses, ossuaries, communal graves, and memorials for the missing. There's also a section dedicated to colonial troops. Reddit

Yes, reviews indicate it is a well-maintained cemetery, offering a peaceful and respectful environment for visitors. Reddit

Basic facilities might be available, but it's a more natural, open site. It's advisable to bring water and any personal necessities. Information is primarily through the grave markers and memorials themselves. Reddit

Visitors describe the atmosphere as deeply moving, somber, horrific yet beautiful, and a place of quiet contemplation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted, but always with respect for the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, atmospheric shots. The open fields offer wide vistas, while close-ups of the crosses and memorials can be very poignant. Reddit

The sheer scale of the white crosses stretching across the fields is a powerful image. The ossuaries and the section for colonial troops also offer unique photographic perspectives. Reddit

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the vastness, while a telephoto can isolate details. Reddit

Always be discreet and respectful. Avoid photographing individuals without permission and focus on the landscape, memorials, and the overall sense of remembrance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Families with Kids

Visiting La Targette French National Cemetery can be a powerful educational experience for families, offering a tangible connection to history. While the solemn nature of the site requires a respectful approach, the vastness of the cemetery and the stories of soldiers can be impactful for older children.

Encourage children to reflect on the sacrifices made and the importance of peace. Discussing the different sections, like the colonial troops, can broaden their understanding of global history. Ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior throughout the visit. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the open grounds. Reddit

History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, La Targette French National Cemetery is an essential stop on any WWI battlefield tour of Northern France. Its scale and the stories it holds are immense.

Consider visiting in conjunction with Notre-Dame de Lorette, Vimy Ridge, and the German Cemetery of La Maison Blanche to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Artois front. Researching the specific battles or units associated with the region beforehand can greatly enhance the experience. The cemetery's layout, including the distinct section for colonial troops, offers unique insights into the diverse composition of the Allied forces. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Scale of Sacrifice

La Targette French National Cemetery is a testament to the immense human cost of conflict, housing the remains of approximately 12,000 soldiers. This vast necropolis serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of both World War I and World War II on the region and France.

The cemetery is characterized by its expansive, sloping fields dotted with countless white crosses, each marking a resting place. A significant portion is dedicated to France's colonial troops, a poignant acknowledgment of the diverse nationalities that fought under the French flag. At the rear of the cemetery, three ossuaries and communal graves stand as solemn memorials to the missing and unidentified, ensuring that no soldier's sacrifice is entirely forgotten.

Visitors often describe the experience as both 'horrific but beautiful,' a sentiment that captures the profound emotional weight of the site. It's a place that encourages deep reflection on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Reddit

Historical Context and Nearby Sites

La Targette French National Cemetery is situated in a region profoundly marked by the First World War. Its proximity to other major WWI sites makes it a crucial stop for understanding the broader historical narrative of the Artois front.

Just a few kilometers north lies Notre-Dame de Lorette, one of the largest French military cemeteries and ossuaries in the world. To the south, the vast German Cemetery of La Maison Blanche offers a different perspective on the conflict. A short drive east brings you to the impressive Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge, a symbol of Canadian sacrifice and nationhood. The smaller, but equally touching, La Targette Commonwealth Cemetery is directly adjacent to the French cemetery, highlighting the shared ground of remembrance.

Visiting these sites in conjunction provides a comprehensive and deeply impactful understanding of the scale of the battles fought in this area and the enduring legacy of remembrance. Reddit

You may also like