NOTRE-DAME-DE-LORETTE NECROPOLIS
From darkness springs hope
AT THE TOP
OF NOTRE-DAME-DE-LORETTE HILL
In Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, over 42,000 French soldiers who lost their lives on the Artois and Flanders fronts in France and Belgium during World War I have been laid to rest.
Les animaux y sont interdits et il est défendu de fumer.
This site is one of the 139 First World War Western Front Funeral and Memorial Sites inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2023.
HOURS
The necropolis is open all year round at the following times:
• Octobre à mars : 9h – 16h30
• Avril à mai : 9h – 17h30
• Juin à août : 9h – 18h30
• Septembre : 9h – 17h30
PRICES
Free
La chapelle et la tour lanterne sont fermées du 1er décembre au 1er mars.
A REMARKABLE
LANDSCAPE
At the centre of the necropolis rise the lantern tower and basilica, watching over the soldiers. Like a lighthouse, the light projected from the top of the tower can be seen from dozens of kilometres in all directions. The two richly decorated monuments were designed by architect Louis-Marie Cordonnier.
THE LARGEST
NECROPOLIS IN FRANCE
With its strong position and the terrible battles it witnessed, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette hill was established in 1919 as a site to commemorate the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers. Today, the temporary cemetery created during the Battle of Artois has become a necropolis encompassing more than 150 cemeteries. This is the final resting place of more than 42,000 soldiers, making Notre-Dame-de-Lorette the largest necropolis in the country.
THE GUARD
OF HONOUR
At the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Necropolis, come and meet the guards of honor! Volunteers, organized into several groups, there are more than 4,500 of them who donate one day of their time per year to watch over the necropolis and welcome you to this unique place of remembrance. They answer all your questions and can help you find a grave.
HOW TO GET HERE ?
Adress
2 Place de Notre Dame de Lorette,
62153 Ablain-Saint-Nazaire
Phone
03 21 74 83 15
ACCESSIBILITY
