Notre-Dame de Lorette & Ring of Remembrance - Candles in the church, Montmartre, Paris
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Notre-Dame de Lorette & Ring of Remembrance

4.8
·1k reviews·Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, France

A vast WWI memorial honoring nearly 600,000 soldiers, alongside an ornate church and historical trench recreations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Notre-Dame de Lorette & Ring of Remembrance - Candles in the church, Montmartre, Paris

Notre-Dame de Lorette & Ring of Remembrance

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast WWI memorial honoring nearly 600,000 soldiers, alongside an ornate church and historical trench recreations.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"A profoundly moving tribute with an ornate church and insightful WWI history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🔍 Search for Surnames

Many visitors look for family names on the memorial plaques. It's a moving experience for most!

🚗 Private Transport Recommended

Easier to access and explore surrounding WWI sites. French country roads have many roundabouts.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ring of Remembrance

Ring of Remembrance

Notre-Dame de Lorette

A vast memorial inscribed with nearly 600,000 names, honoring soldiers of all nationalities from WWI.

Notre-Dame de Lorette Church

Notre-Dame de Lorette Church

Notre-Dame de Lorette

An ornate church featuring stunning, richly decorated murals and a majestic ceiling.

WWI Trench Recreations

WWI Trench Recreations

Adjacent to the memorial

Explore realistic outdoor re-creations of WWI trenches and a small private museum detailing life during the war.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially if you're seeking a more contemplative experience. Weekends can be busier with local visitors and tour groups.

Transportation Considerations

While possible to reach via public transport, having private transport significantly enhances the experience, allowing for easier exploration of the surrounding WWI sites. French country roads can be narrow with many roundabouts.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Plus d’infos en description 👇 À faire dans le 9ème : 📍Explorer les passages Verdeau et Jouffroy 📍Admirer le plafond magnifique de la paroisse Notre Dame de Lorette 📍Regarder la vue depuis les terrasses des Grands Magasins 📍Prendre un verre, manger ou boire un café rue des Martyrs 📍Flâner dans le jardin du Musée de la vie romantique 📍Assister à un spectacle dans un des nombreux théâtres 📍Se poser e...
@florindefrance
108.3K likes • 1.3M views

🔍 Search for Surnames

Many visitors look for family names on the memorial plaques. It's a moving experience for most! Reddit+1

🚗 Private Transport Recommended

Easier to access and explore surrounding WWI sites. French country roads have many roundabouts. Reddit

There isn’t a single wall space within Notre Dame de Lorette which isn’t decorated in some way. 😍 How stunning are these murals? 📷: @french.gib @theparispilgrim @moimarithe @pierremariepm @jeanloupchampion #notredame #notredamedelorette #ourladyofloreto #murals #religiousart #catholic #catholicchurch #paris #church #churchesofparis
theparispilgrim
101 likes • 0 views
🔨✨ Au sommet de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Rencontre avec un tailleur de pierre, gardien discret du patrimoine. À plusieurs dizaines de mètres au-dessus de Paris, entre ciel et toits, il redonne vie aux sculptures et aux ornements de l’église. Derrière le casque et les outils, il y a une passion : préserver la mémoire des bâtisseurs d’hier pour que nous puissions encore admirer ces trésors demain. ...
alexandre.uberos
60 likes • 0 views

⛪ Admire Church Murals

The interior of Notre-Dame de Lorette church is incredibly ornate with stunning murals. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Cemetery

The cemetery adjacent to the memorial is also worth a visit for its solemn atmosphere. Reddit

Plafond majestueux, lumière céleste et une architecture qui élève l’âme. Ce lieu respire la paix et l’émerveillement. . . #ArchitectureSacrée #Église #ArtReligieux #Patrimoine #Paris #notredamedelorette #travelphotography #VisitFrance #passionplafond
_touslesmatinsdumonde_
35 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🔍 Search for Surnames

Many visitors look for family names on the memorial plaques. It's a moving experience for most! Reddit+1

🚗 Private Transport Recommended

Easier to access and explore surrounding WWI sites. French country roads have many roundabouts. Reddit

⛪ Admire Church Murals

The interior of Notre-Dame de Lorette church is incredibly ornate with stunning murals. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Cemetery

The cemetery adjacent to the memorial is also worth a visit for its solemn atmosphere. Reddit

🕰️ Allow ample time

Take your time to wander around the memorial, cemetery, and museum for a full experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe the Ring of Remembrance as a deeply moving and thought-provoking memorial, particularly appreciating the vast number of names inscribed. The ornate church interior and the informative WWI museum and trench recreations are also frequently highlighted as significant draws. While some note the challenge of reaching the site without private transport, the overall experience is considered well worth the visit.

"This is an amazing memorial with huge plaques with thousands of names inscribed in alphabetical order. See if your family name is on there. The cemetery across the road is also well worth a visit as is the chapel its so ornate. Take the time to wonder around."

Russell Rabot

"Very moving. The volunteer attendants ate friendly and helpful. The little private museum alongside is a must see, excellent portrayals of life in Trenches and dont miss the outside re-creations either. Such a worthwhile visit overall. Though not easy if you don't have private transport but possible (as I didn't)"

Mike Leech

"I visited this incredible memorial during mid-November on a class trip. This memorial particularly stood out to me as for the number of names engraved in the steel. My friends and I were looking amongst the almost 600,000 names for anyone who may be related to us/whose surname we may recognise. This memorial is an incredible tribute to everyone who fought in the war. It does not separate people based on race, gender or race that they are from. It is only a few minutes' walking distance from the Notre Dame de Lorette, a cemetery worth visiting. I would definitely recommend visiting this memorial if you are around the area and appreciate the efforts made by the soldiers in the war to achieve peace."

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What People Like

Moving scale of names
Ornate church interior
Informative WWI museum

What People Dislike

Accessibility without car

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The site is best accessed by car, offering flexibility to explore nearby WWI locations. Public transport options exist but are less convenient and may require significant walking. French country roads often feature numerous roundabouts. Reddit

Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the memorial site, especially during weekdays. TikTok

While official guided tours might be limited, volunteer attendants are often present and friendly, offering helpful insights. Reddit

Absolutely! The church is located within the Notre-Dame de Lorette complex, making it easy to visit both sites consecutively. Reddit

Expect country roads that can be narrow, with frequent roundabouts. Drivers can sometimes be impatient, so stay alert. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Ring of Remembrance and the Notre-Dame de Lorette church is generally free, making it accessible for all visitors. Reddit

The memorial and church are typically open daily, but it's advisable to check for any seasonal variations or specific event closures before your visit.

No advance booking is usually required for the memorial or church as there is no admission fee. Reddit

The small private museum alongside the memorial may have a small admission fee. It's recommended to inquire about current pricing upon arrival. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted within the memorial grounds and the church, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Take your time to walk along the vast plaques, searching for surnames and reflecting on the immense scale of loss. The volunteer attendants can offer valuable context. Reddit+1

Prepare to be amazed by the incredibly ornate interior, featuring stunning murals covering almost every wall space and a majestic ceiling. Instagram+1

Yes, the museum offers excellent portrayals of life in the trenches, and the outdoor re-creations provide a tangible sense of the historical context. Reddit

Restroom facilities are usually available on-site for visitors' convenience. TikTok

The memorial is situated on a hilltop, offering great views. The grounds are generally accessible, though the cemetery may have uneven terrain. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the grandeur of the Ring of Remembrance from different angles, the intricate details of the church's interior, and the panoramic views from the hilltop. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the church, but always be mindful and respectful of worshippers and the sacred atmosphere. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the memorial and the church's interior. A good low-light camera will help with interior shots. Instagram

The sheer number of names on the Ring of Remembrance is a powerful visual. The detailed murals and ceiling in the church are also highly photogenic. Instagram+1

Morning light can be beautiful for the exterior and the views. Interior shots benefit from the natural light filtering through the windows, but can be challenging due to low light conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Notre-Dame de Lorette & Ring of Remembrance can be a powerful educational experience for families. While the memorial's scale is immense, many children find it engaging to search for familiar surnames on the plaques, making history more personal. Reddit The adjacent museum and trench recreations offer a more interactive way to learn about WWI, potentially sparking curiosity and discussion. Reddit Consider preparing children beforehand about the significance of the memorial to ensure a respectful visit. The church's vibrant murals can also capture younger imaginations. Instagram

🚗 Travelers with Private Transport

If you have your own vehicle, Notre-Dame de Lorette & Ring of Remembrance becomes a much more accessible and flexible destination. You can easily combine this visit with other significant WWI sites in the region, such as Bullecourt or Vimy Ridge, without the constraints of public transport schedules. Reddit The drive itself, while featuring numerous roundabouts, offers scenic views of the French countryside. Ample parking is available on-site, making arrival and departure hassle-free. TikTok

🤔 History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about WWI history, this site is a cornerstone. The Ring of Remembrance provides an unparalleled overview of the war's human toll across nationalities. Reddit+1 The museum and trench recreations offer detailed insights into the soldier's experience, while the Notre-Dame de Lorette church provides a unique artistic and spiritual dimension to the visit. InstagramReddit+1 Consider dedicating a significant portion of your day to fully absorb the historical context and emotional weight of this location.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ring of Remembrance: A Monumental Tribute

The Ring of Remembrance (Anneau de la Mémoire) is a profoundly moving memorial at Notre-Dame de Lorette. It features nearly 600,000 names inscribed on vast steel plaques, representing soldiers from over 40 nationalities who died in northern France during World War I. The sheer scale of the names is overwhelming and serves as a stark reminder of the war's devastating human cost. Visitors often spend considerable time searching for surnames, a deeply personal and often emotional experience. Reddit+2

The memorial's design is intentional in its inclusivity, honoring all who fought without distinction of rank, nationality, or religion. This universal approach makes it a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice and a place for quiet contemplation. The panoramic views from its hilltop location also add to the solemnity and grandeur of the site. Reddit

Notre-Dame de Lorette Church: An Artistic Sanctuary

Adjacent to the memorial stands the Notre-Dame de Lorette church, a breathtaking example of religious architecture. Unlike many historical churches, its interior is a riot of color and detail, with murals adorning nearly every available surface. These vibrant artworks depict religious scenes and figures with remarkable artistry, creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder. Instagram+1

The majestic ceiling is another highlight, drawing the eyes upward with its intricate designs and celestial imagery. The interplay of light filtering through the windows illuminates the detailed artwork, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. It's a place that truly elevates the soul and offers a stark contrast to the somber memorial outside. Instagram Visitors often describe the church as respiring peace and wonder, making it a must-see within the complex. Instagram

Exploring WWI History: Museum and Trenches

For a deeper understanding of the Great War, the private museum located alongside the memorial is highly recommended. It provides excellent portrayals of daily life in the trenches, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers. The exhibits are designed to be informative and engaging, bringing history to life. Reddit

Complementing the museum are the outdoor re-creations of WWI trenches. Walking through these reconstructed fortifications offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to visualize the conditions soldiers endured. These elements, combined with the memorial and church, create a comprehensive and impactful historical experience. Reddit

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