Septentrion Tours - The Anzac Day in Northern France

Do you know that Anzac Day is also commemorated in Northern France?

Anzac stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It refers to the troops from Oceania who fought alongside the British during World War I. Anzac Day is held every year on April 25 in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Niue. It commemorates two major WWI battles: Gallipoli (1915) and Villers-Bretonneux (1918).

Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux

The Battle of Gallipoli, on April 25, 1915, took place in Turkey. It was a painful defeat, with 8,141 Australians killed.
Three years later, during the night of April 24 to 25, 1918, the town of Villers-Bretonneux—occupied by German forces—was retaken by Australian troops in a decisive victory.

Anzac Day 2025 poster — Anzac Day 2025 Poster

Every year, Anzac Day commemorates the bravery and sacrifice shown during these battles.

Anzac Day in Hauts-de-France and Belgium

Villers-Bretonneux (Somme)

A national Australian memorial honors the “Diggers” (Australian soldiers) who died in France and Belgium. Each year on April 25, at 5:30 a.m., a Dawn Service is held, attracting nearly 4,000 people. Advance registration is required.

Longueval (Somme)

Home to the New Zealand National Memorial, which also holds an annual ceremony.

Bullecourt (Pas-de-Calais)

An important place of remembrance: 10,771 Australians died here during the Battle of Arras. A museum dedicated to their memory was inaugurated in 2012, on Anzac Day.

Le Quesnoy (Nord)

This town was liberated by New Zealand troops on November 4, 1918. A monument was erected in 1923 with an inscription in English and French:

“In honor of the men of New Zealand, through whose valor the town of Le Quesnoy was restored to France on 4 November 1918.”

Fromelles (Nord)

A ceremony is held in tribute to the Australian soldiers who fell in 1916.

Ypres (Belgium)

In Belgium, a commemorative ceremony takes place every year at the Menin Gate.

Anzac Day with children

On April 26 and 27, 2025, the underground city of Naours is offering a family-friendly program for Anzac Day. Tours, readings and workshops are available for children aged 7 and up. It’s a meaningful way to pass on the memory of the soldiers’ sacrifice to the next generation.