Ypres (Ieper)

Ypres or Ieper is a Flemish town with some impressive architecture, the town is over 1000years old but it was completely re-built after world war one. Ypres played a crucial role in the First World War there have been many stories told about the battle fields of Flanders.

There was more than 300,000 allied troops killed in this area over the four years of fighting. Every evening at 8pm as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives the Last Post is sounded under the Menin Gate, very moving. The Menin Gate is inscribed with the names of thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who were lost in the trenches and have no graves.

You can take an organised tour of the Ypres Salient to see the many wartime memorials this is a worthwhile tour it is detailed and very informative.

If you prefer to tour the Ypres Salient independently you can get a comprehensive map at the visitor center in Ypres.

The largest British Commonwealth cemetery is Tyne Cot here you will see row upon row of white headstones bearing the details of the soldiers. At the rear of the cemetery is a huge circular wall inscribed with the names of over 34,000 soldiers who have no known graves. All these cemeteries are very tidy and well kept.

You can visit the Sanctuary Hill museum here you will see a collection of old photographs, helmets, guns and grenades these were collected by the grandparents of the present owner directly after the war ended.

There are some original trenches still to be seen at the back of the property you can walk around this area and it gives you some insight in to what the wartime scene was like.

The hub of the town is the Grote Markt where there are restaurants and café bars there are also bars and terrace cafes off the square, some have music in the summer months.
There are some nice shops for you to look around and of course some lovely chocolate shops selling hand-made Belgian chocolates.

If you are exploring in the area and are interested in Belgium beer head for Westvleteren approximately 4km from there you will find the Abdij St. Sixtus, monks at this abbey brew one of Belgium’s famous Trappist beers.

Obviously popular with UK visitors due to the surrounding history, numerous hotels including the Novotel and Arianne combined with friendly locals, most of whom speak English make it a popular destination for a short holiday or city break.