Remembrance Day, or Jour d'Armistice as it's known in France, is a time where people from around Europe and the Commonwealth come together to remember those who lost their lives during World War I, and other wars. The hostilities between countries ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day, and of the 11th month 1918, and therefore the 11th November has now become an important day for past and present soldiers. This year is a particularly poignant one, as this July marked the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I.
If you find yourself in France during this time, and wish to commemorate those who have fought and lost their lives during wars past and present, then this is the perfect guide for you.
Paris
Place Charles-de-Gaulle is one of the most popular places to honour the lives of those who have fought during past wars. This usually busy Parisian road comes to a standstill during the annual military parade, where soldiers and ex-soldiers march up and around the Arc de Triomphe, where they lay wreaths and fly the flags of the countries involved.
After the parade, there will also be a special service in Notre Dame Cathedral, where flag bearers will walk up the aisle to the sound of bagpipes echoing through the room.
War memorials across France
On the 8th November this year, there will be an official remembrance ceremony at the Newfoundland Memorial Park, in Beaumont-Hamel, where soldiers and their families rest wreaths of poppies and the Bleuet de France, a blue cornflower that is preferred by the French, and which is said to have grown alongside the poppies on the battlefields.
Bleuet de France
On the 11th November, an informal remembrance ceremony will be held at the Newfoundland Memorial Park, and a day parade, which has been organised by the Royal British Legion Somme branch, will take place at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.
Newfoundland Memorial Park
On top of these key events, celebrations will be held across France, from Marseille to Bordeaux, so that people can come together to recognise the bravery of those who gave their lives for freedom and democracy.
Thiepval Memorial
Make the journey
If you want to travel to France to commemorate those who fought so bravely, on this special centenary year, then be sure to take the simplest route by enjoying a 35-minute journey across the Channel with LeShuttle .
Photo Credits:
Five red spots on a green background © OliBac
Mohn- und Kornblume © Sascha Kohlmann
Memorial at Thiepval © martin_vmorris
The Somme, France. Newfoundland Park © Amanda Slater