??? France for ANZAC Day next year

[Dalescott]

Looking to go to France for ANZAC day next year. Particularly Villers-Bretonneux for the dawn service. I have been to the Government web site, and had a look. But what I want to know is all the little experiences that people have had, when they have gone to Villers-Bretonneux on ANZAC day. How to get there (best way), where to stay (Hotel, B&B, etc), getting to and from service, other things to fill in the time there. I have been to the Somme, as I have connections to the RAF(RFC) 5 sqn. It would be great to have any and all info on this.

 

[ozmille]

Friend of mine are members of the FFFAIF and I think last year they did a group tour there.

 

[RB]

We weren't there on Anzac Day, but our visit, we travelled by train & then walked out the couple of km to the memorial. Not a big place normally, a pub etc & we found a little restaurant for lunch.

 

[Vinny]

There's very little accommodation in Villers-Bretonneux, but Amiens is not too far. 10 minutes by rail followed by a lengthy walk to the War Memorial.

I doubt there will be rail access early in the morning, so perhaps a car hire could work out.

Some info here.

anzac / 2012 Australian commemorations in the Somme : anzac day and dawn service in Villers-Bretonneux < Somme < Picardy < France Follow the links.

http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/commemorations/commemorative_events/anzac_day/Pages/france.asp

 

[Paddy55]

dalescott

Interested if you've made it to Villers-Bretonneux this year?
Mrs Paddy and I were there last year - truly moving experience.

 

[KLN]

have done V-B, but just after Anzac Day, but it was 1990. Yes, had to stay in Amiens. terrible fashion at the time, but did wear a pair of leggings, with (cringe) Jenny Kee Australian/Aboriginal motifs on them..................eeewwww..........but it did raise many comments in the Supermarket in V-B. it seemed like the whole village said hello to me, and if they were'nt in the Supermarket they soon were. (very embarrasing) one of my great-uncles is good friends with a school teacher there and is very fond of sending over many Australian things for the school. they just live/eat and breathe Australia.
Went out to the cemetry and found my great-great Uncle's name on the memorial. the family had only just found out that he had died there, and we just happen to be passing thru the area. it was a very emotional time.

 

[Origin]

one of my great-uncles is good friends with a school teacher there and is very fond of sending over many Australian things for the school. they just live/eat and breathe Australia.

Yes they certainly love Aussies there. There is a plaque on one of the school buildings which was donated by the State of Victoria from memory. Still extremely cold even at this time of year.