Richebourg and its memorial sites

In Richebourg, memorial sites, military cemeteries, and church history are at the heart of a trip focused on the First World War. The memorial sites differ both in the history they commemorate and in their design: they include a cloister-like memorial, a monument inspired by Indian forms, and a Portuguese military cemetery. You can choose which sites to visit according to the themes that interest you most.

Memorials and their design

The architecture of the Touret Memorial is reminiscent of a cloister. Vaulted passageways made of Portland stone enclose a square courtyard. The names of 13,479 soldiers who went missing before 25 September 1915 are engraved on the walls. The site thus combines a clearly defined architectural form with a large number of individual names.

A different theme takes center stage at the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial: it is the only monument on the Western Front dedicated specifically to soldiers and laborers from colonial India who were killed or went missing in the First World War. The white stone monument was designed by Sir Herbet Baker; its architecture is inspired by Indian forms. Its dedication and design make it a distinct stop alongside the other memorial sites. The memorial is located at the junction of the RD 947 and RD 171 in Richebourg-l'Avoué.

The Portuguese military cemetery

A total of 1,831 soldiers are buried at the Portuguese military cemetery. It is considered the only memorial site commemorating Portugal’s involvement in the First World War. The burials also tell a story of wider significance: the dead buried here were transferred from various cemeteries in France, Belgium, and Germany. The Notre-Dame de Fatima chapel stands opposite the cemetery. It was built in 1976 to commemorate Portuguese soldiers who suffered during the German offensive in April 1918.

Every year, a French-Portuguese commemoration of the Battle of the Lys is held at the Portuguese military cemetery in Richebourg on the first or second Saturday in April. If this event is important to your trip, check the exact date in advance. The experience differs from visiting the memorial sites outside an event: here, the focus is on remembering together.

Other traces of history

Saint-Vaast Post Military Cemetery is associated with the Royal Sussex Regiment. Many soldiers of the regiment have rested there since 30 June 1916, the date of the so-called Battle of the Boar’s Head. As a stop on the “Le Front” route, Le Touret Military Cemetery and Memorial is also part of the “Chemins de mémoire 14-18” network in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Check the route conditions before setting out.

The history of the church offers another perspective on Richebourg. The village’s first church was Romanesque and was built in the 12th century. The church in Richebourg has 22 narrative stained-glass windows, signed by the stained-glass artist Emile Janaud. Together, the building’s history and the windows offer tangible points of interest for anyone who would like to explore the village’s religious and artistic history as well as its memorial sites.

Routes and directions

The themed cycling route “14-18, a global conflict” starts at the Champs de mémoire du Bas-Pays motorhome stopover in Rue de la Briqueterie in Richebourg. The route can also be driven by car. Check the signs and the road and parking conditions before setting off. This way, you can keep in mind that it is a themed cycling route that is also designated for travel by car.

There is also a regional connection to consider when choosing a route: Le Touret Military Cemetery and Memorial is a stop on the “Le Front” route, while “14-18, a global conflict” starts at the aforementioned stopover. These details can help you distinguish between the different routes; they do not form a single continuous route. If you would like to combine the memorial sites with an educational activity: as part of one such activity, children discover the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial and the Portuguese military cemetery in Richebourg. Confirm that the activity is available before booking.

Discover more destinations: Hulluch, Troisvaux, Gouy-en-Ternois, Aix-En-Ergny, Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines, Calais, Le Ponchel, Saint-Denœux.

For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.