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The "Chemins de mémoire" - The Remembrance Trails

Peace is not a permanent state
but a fragile, hard-won privilege.

1914-1918, 1939-1945: on two occasions, Nord-Pas de Calais was the theatre of terrible operations during both First and Second World Wars. The 650 or so military cemeteries dotting the region bear silent witness to these tragic events.

This heritage, a unique element of the region’s culture, is the basis for the First and Second World War “Chemins de mémoire” (Remembrance Trails). By allowing these difficult pages in our history to be rediscovered, the different itineraries aim to pay homage to the men and women, some of whom came from very far away, whose commitment has made a permanent mark on the regional, national and world memory.

The “Chemins de mémoire” of Nord-Pas de Calais remind us that the Europe of today was born out of yesterday’s conflicts. Peace is not a permanent state but a fragile, hard-won privilege.

To know more about the 1st World War in Northern France, visit our website “Chemins de mémoire” (Remembrance Trails)

"Les Chemins de mémoire" of the Great War - Map Copyright Google

"Les Chemins de mémoire" /Great War

14-18 Front

War of movement and the first German occupation

Coastline, rear base of the allied armies

Reconstruction

"Les Chemins de mémoire" /Second World War (to come)

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	Les Chemins de mémoire 1914-1918 : the Front Coming from Nieuport and Ypres, the Front stretches like an immense scar through the region from Flanders to Picardy. Networks of trenches, and fortified and underground elements are built to help... [+]

	Les Chemins de mémoire 1914-1918 : Occupation In 1914, the German army enters France through the Avesnois and makes its way to Paris. After defeat in the first battle of the Marne, the Front is established and the armies hide themselves away.... [+]

	Les Chemins de mémoire 1914-1918 : the Rear base The British Army’s rear base is established on the Coastline. The Supreme Headquarters are set up at Montreuil-sur-Mer. Troops from across the Empire pass mainly through the ports of Boulogne and Eta... [+]

	Les Chemins de mémoire 1914-1918 : The Reconstruction The “Red Zone”: this was the name given at the end of the war to the areas ravaged by 4 years of conflict. The grounds were churned up, the towns and cities almost totally destroyed and the infrastru... [+]

	LE JARDIN DES BOVES IN ARRAS
From 3/24/2012 to 7/3/2012

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