Arras - Vimy Ridge: Private Transfer with Local Driver

Summary

Arras to Vimy Ridge by private car, local stories along the way

You’ll travel from Arras to Vimy Ridge with a local driver who knows every turn in the road — and has stories to match. Walk through trenches where history lingers, visit memorials at your own pace, and take in views over Artois before an easy ride back. There’s space for reflection here — and time to let it settle.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, my grandfather used to talk about this place,” Michel said as we pulled away from Arras station. The car smelled faintly of coffee and something floral — maybe the air freshener, or maybe just spring sneaking in through the window. It’s only about 20 minutes to the Vimy Canadian Memorial, but Michel kept pointing out little things — a row of poplars where soldiers once marched, the old bakery that survived two wars. I didn’t expect to feel so quiet already.

We rolled up to the site and there it was: Vimy Ridge, bright against a sky that couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or not. Michel helped me sort out the timing for pickup (“Just call or text when you’re ready — I’ll be nearby”), then waved me off toward the interpretation centre. Inside, some Canadian students were chatting in both English and French with one of the guides — I caught bits about tunnels and muddy boots. The trenches outside still smell damp and earthy, even after all these years.

I wandered past the monument itself, hands cold on white stone. There’s a view over Artois that just stops you for a second — wind in your ears, nothing else. I tried reading some names carved there; didn’t get far before it felt like too much. On the way back, Michel asked if I’d seen the Moroccan Division Memorial (“Most people miss it,” he said). He told me how his own family hid in cellars during shelling — and then we were back in Arras before I’d really sorted out what I was feeling. Still thinking about that view though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private transfer and visit to Vimy Ridge

• Pick up at Arras station or hotel
• Drive 20 minutes to Vimy Canadian Memorial
• Visit interpretation centre and underground tunnel
• Explore restored trenches and cemeteries
• See Moroccan Division Memorial and main monument
• Self-guided site visit with optional guides
• Set return time and drive back to Arras
• Drop off at station or hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Arras to Vimy Ridge?

It takes about 20 minutes by private vehicle from Arras to Vimy Ridge.

Is pickup available from hotels or just the train station?

You can be picked up at either your hotel in Arras or at the train station.

Is this tour guided at Vimy Ridge?

The transfer is not a guided tour; however, English and French-speaking guides are available at the interpretation centre on site.

How many people can join this private transfer?

The car accommodates up to 4 passengers per booking.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed?

Yes, both wheelchairs and strollers are welcome on this transfer service.

What is included in this day trip from Arras?

Your booking includes round-trip transport by private vehicle, hotel or station pickup/drop-off, bottled water, and gratuities.

Will someone wait for us while we visit Vimy Ridge?

Your driver will arrange a return time with you and pick you up after your visit; they stay nearby during your time at Vimy.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Arras train station by a local driver in a comfortable Suzuki (with bottled water), drop-off right at Vimy Ridge where you can explore with onsite English or French-speaking guides if you wish, plus flexible return timing arranged together before being dropped off back where you started.