Camalou Battlefield Tours
Camalou Battlefield Tours
Camalou Battlefield Tours
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As a local and experienced guide of the Ypres and Somme Battlefields, I can offer you a personalized tour adapted to your own expectations. In my Mercedes Viano, Audio all surround, you can enjoy the comments and visit the sites where "your soldier" fought almost a century ago.
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Camalou Battlefield Tours
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5.0
94 reviews
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93
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Gareth Rhys
London, UK5 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We did a short tour today with Annette from Camalou battlefield tours and I am so glad that we did because it was a fantastic experience. Initially I was thinking to do some sort of self guided tour, however this would have been limited to a couple of sites as we only had a few hours. I was initially a little sceptical about taking a private tour fearing the cost would be prohibitive, however I could not have been more wrong. In terms of pricing a private tour is bound to be a little more expensive, however the personal service, attention to detail, and friendly demeanor of Annette meant this tour far exceeded expectations. Further Annette is such a knowledgable guide she will explain locations, weapons and conditions from strategic overview to finite tactical details. In short I rate Annette 10 out of 10, for this tour. Camalou is first class tour operator and when I return to Ypes I will contact Annette again to complete a longer tour.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulie S
Shellharbour, Australia939 contributions
July 2024 • Family
It was my dream and passion, for a couple of decades, to visit my great grandfather’s grave. I didn’t simply stumbled upon Camalou Battlefield Tours, it was a work colleague, who went on this tour and highly recommended for me to do it. I’m so glad we did because Annette and Christian (wife and husband team), our tour guides, went above and beyond to give me a fulfilling, tailored personal experience. During the process of booking ‘Australian Battlefield Tour in Flanders and the Somme’, Annette asked if I had any details of my great grandfather, to help her with the research. I was fortunate enough to give Annette his unit, service and grave lot numbers before we started the tour. Annette had done many hours of research and printed copies of my great grandfather’s history during the war, what mischief he got up to, how he died and finally took me and my family to his grave, a very touching moment. Annette and Christian show passion in their work and went above and beyond to ensure I knew everything I needed to know about my great grandfather, including visits to the field sites of where he fought and where he died. They also drove us to many cities, towns, museums, cemeteries and other battlefields and stories to with. What made the trip most memorable was how they put together a personalised tour of my great grandfather’s involvement. But it didn’t stop there, we brought with us our two daughters, which they received special treats (strawberries, chocolates and waffles) from both Annette and Christian. They are truly the most loving, caring couple and made us feel welcomed and part of their family. Annette even showed us loads of artillery and bombs from the war that local farmers are still finding in their fields to this day. I have been to many interesting towns, countries and tours but this tour will be the most memorable, as it was close to my heart and very special being able to see exactly where my great grandfather had fought and laid to rest. Our hotel stay was in Ypres – stunning location and very comfortable accommodation with buffet breakfast provided. Lunch was delicious and at different venues – all included in the price of the tour. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Annette and Christian, for looking after us and giving me the best experience – very knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend this tour, whether you have a loved one(s) or not in battle during WWI.
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indium49
Cape Elizabeth, ME71 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
My husband and I had a fantastic tour of the battlefields around Ypres/Ieper in mid-April Annette of Camalou Battlefield Tours. All I can say is WOW! I cannot imagine a more comprehensive tour. We were staying in Bruges and arranged our tour in advance with Annette via email. We had a rental car, so we were able to drive to meet her to begin our tour. We met at 9 sharp and toured for the next ten hours straight. With Annette driving, we toured the entire area, including restored German trenches. The trenches are incredibly powerful and really bring home the horror of the war. Also, Annette tells you exactly what troops were where and at what times and thoroughly explains everything you see. Having her tour the museum with us made everything so much more meaningful. We also went to both Commonwealth and German cemeteries. Everything was very moving, and as a native of the area who had a grandfather in WWI, Annette’s perspective was very insightful. We would absolutely take another tour with Annette if in the area and highly recommend her as a guide.
Written 10 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M Matthews
1 contribution
June 2022
My husband and I are so delighted with our WW1 Battlefield Tour with Annette and Christian. Their knowledge of WW1 history and the area is just superior. Between the two of them, they escorted, instructed and guided us to more and about more places than we could have imagined. The advantages and benefits of the private tour they provide were obvious to us right away. They tailored their tour to exactly what we wanted to see and do. By riding in a private vehicle we were treated to so much “enriched” content. Interesting facts and stories that may not have been possible in a larger group situation. If there was something interesting we spotted, we just pulled over and they always easily made adjustments to the day while still including all the stops they had planned. It felt like travelling with new friends and they made us feel so comfortable. As a result of a collision a few years ago, my mobility is compromised at times. Both Annette and Christian kept my needs uppermost in their minds and they were so kind to provide places to sit, entrances with easier access and even arranging for people in museums to aid when necessary. I felt very cared for. We have no reservations whatsoever in recommending them to anyone who wants a comprehensive, excellently conducted, tour by a couple who have made it their life’s work to educate and entertain others.
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kym G
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Annette from Camalou Battlefield Tours gave me a wonderful, full 1-day tour of the Ypres salient including the Battle of Fromelles in Northern France, and focusing on the main Australian Battles which was my request. There was a lot to take in, but I found it was a lovely balance of visits to Museums, Cemeteries, Bunkers, Craters, Memorials, Trenches and Monuments sewn together with a vast array of stories and local knowledge from 30 years of guiding tours here. We easily managed to locate a relative's headstone I was interested to find, and the tour culminated with me witnessing the Last Post at the Menin Gate which was very moving. I would have no hesitation in recommending Annette, and her husband Christian (who joined the tour at the end) for anybody, but in particular any Aussies and Kiwis making the trip over to learn about where our ancestors fought on the Western Front. A truly fantastic day.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael G
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Myself and my wife did a 3 day personal guided tour with Camalou in early October. We spent the first day with Christian and the next two days with Annette on the Western Front. It really was a very special 3 days. I had a number of great uncles that were involved in the First World War across the Western Front. Annette and Christian went above and beyond to ensure we knew everything about the involvement of these great uncles in the war. Annette had done hours of research on them before we got there (we had given unit and service numbers before we went) so she was well prepared and had a full schedule of activities across the Front that concentrated on where they had been and what they had done. We saw all the usual towns and cities, battlefields and museums and cemeteries that you see when going through the area. They were all fantastic and we also saw things off the beaten track, due to their intimate knowledge of the area and the war itself. They even showed us loads of artillery and bombs from the war that local farmers are still finding in their fields to this day.
What made the trip most memorable though was how they tailored it to my family’s involvement. It really was very special being able to see exactly where and what my great uncles had done.
The 3 great uncles who passed away on the Western Front all have no known graves. Annette made it her mission to help us try to find where they might be buried. With her research and the visits to the various cemeteries, both military and civil, I am confident that we have found where two of them are buried. Very special news for my family.
The whole trip was memorable and has had a major effect on myself and my family.
In relation to practicalities everything went smoothly with the tour. The hotel in Ypres organised by Camalou was great. They provided good food for lunch at local restaurants. All included in the price. The tours were well organised and went from 9.00am each day and were full days with stop offs at interesting places right through till almost dark. Christian and Annette certainly ensure we enjoyed our experience.
All in all I would highly recommend the tour to anyone - it was everything we expected and more.
What made the trip most memorable though was how they tailored it to my family’s involvement. It really was very special being able to see exactly where and what my great uncles had done.
The 3 great uncles who passed away on the Western Front all have no known graves. Annette made it her mission to help us try to find where they might be buried. With her research and the visits to the various cemeteries, both military and civil, I am confident that we have found where two of them are buried. Very special news for my family.
The whole trip was memorable and has had a major effect on myself and my family.
In relation to practicalities everything went smoothly with the tour. The hotel in Ypres organised by Camalou was great. They provided good food for lunch at local restaurants. All included in the price. The tours were well organised and went from 9.00am each day and were full days with stop offs at interesting places right through till almost dark. Christian and Annette certainly ensure we enjoyed our experience.
All in all I would highly recommend the tour to anyone - it was everything we expected and more.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Brisbane, Australia94 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Christian and Annette were wonderful hosts and guides. They researched our forefathers service and tailored the tour to the areas they served. The hotel in Ypres was right on the square opposite the cathedral and a short walk to the Menin Gate. The tour covered the major Anzac monuments, Flanders and the Somme.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
2 contributions
May 2022
Annette and Christian are local people with vast knowledge of this area in WWI. They are attuned to what you would like to see and do and will take you to Cemetaries, Battlefields, bunkers, trenches, museums, craters, churches, houses, and anywhere else you would like to go.
We spent 4 days with them and the time flew by. They know excellent places to stay and to eat, too.
I highly recommend Camalou.
We spent 4 days with them and the time flew by. They know excellent places to stay and to eat, too.
I highly recommend Camalou.
Written 31 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Collabri
Canberra, Australia39 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We spent four days with Annette and Christian and, while near exhaustion on day four, appreciated every moment of their excellent presentations. Both have spent some twenty years showing people around the battlefields of Northern France and Flanders and their knowledge makes for an exceptional experience. They have at their fingertips the dates and locations of every significant action in the war and it's outcome and bring to live the locations that they visit. Several on our tour had relatives that were involved in the war and with their extensive knowledge and their research resources they were able to take us to the specific sites where our relatives fought and in some cases died.
The logistics of the arrangements were also excellent. The hotel we stayed in was very nice and its location was outstanding. We were right across the road from the "In Flanders Fields" museum, 400 metres or 4 minutes walk to the famous Menin Gate. We got three meals a day and all were good.
Perhaps the most important feature of the tour was the personalities of Annette and Christian. They are wonderful people who clearly love what they do and it comes through in the way they relate to their clients. The be able to let people have fun and enjoy themselves while absorbing the incredible horror of the war is a very, very special skill.
The logistics of the arrangements were also excellent. The hotel we stayed in was very nice and its location was outstanding. We were right across the road from the "In Flanders Fields" museum, 400 metres or 4 minutes walk to the famous Menin Gate. We got three meals a day and all were good.
Perhaps the most important feature of the tour was the personalities of Annette and Christian. They are wonderful people who clearly love what they do and it comes through in the way they relate to their clients. The be able to let people have fun and enjoy themselves while absorbing the incredible horror of the war is a very, very special skill.
Written 11 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil
15 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
You will not find a more comprehensive, well organized tour of this subject or indeed anything. Worth every cent of the price and more
Written 14 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Could you please give me an idea of the length of time of a tour and availability for 26th May. Including the battle fields and Lijssenthoek cemetry, where my husbands Great grand fatheris buried and cost for three adults, am happy to be included in with others'
thank you Anne Irwin
Written 5 February 2016
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