
La Targette French National Cemetery
A vast and somber necropolis honoring over 12,000 French and colonial soldiers from WWI and WWII. A place of profound reflection.
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Must-see attractions
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Peaceful atmosphere, blooming nature

La Targette French National Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, blooming nature
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.
"Horrific but beautiful. A place of contemplation on the road to history..."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Adjoining Commonwealth Cemetery
A smaller, well-maintained cemetery adjacent to the French section, offering a contrast and a broader perspective on WWI casualties.
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Planning Your Visit
A Place of Somber Reflection
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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.
Combine with nearby sites
La Targette is best experienced with other WWI memorials in the area.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking across open fields, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Respectful attire recommended
As a cemetery, dress modestly and be mindful of the solemn atmosphere.
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.
Combine with nearby sites
La Targette is best experienced with other WWI memorials in the area.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking across open fields, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Respectful attire recommended
As a cemetery, dress modestly and be mindful of the solemn atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
No booking is required as admission is free. You can visit spontaneously during its open hours.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Yes, reviews indicate it is a well-maintained cemetery, offering a peaceful and respectful environment for visitors.
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.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as deeply moving, somber, horrific yet beautiful, and a place of quiet contemplation.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted, but always with respect for the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful photography.
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.
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.
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.
Always be discreet and respectful. Avoid photographing individuals without permission and focus on the landscape, memorials, and the overall sense of remembrance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Families with Kids
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.
History Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scale of Sacrifice
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.
Historical Context and Nearby Sites
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.





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