Étaples Military Cemetery

Cemetery near Boulogne-sur-Mer

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wernervc

Located just south of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the Étaples Military Cemetery stands as one of the most powerful and poignant reminders of the cost of war. Designed by the renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in France, containing over 11,500 graves from the First and Second World Wars. Stretching across a peaceful landscape near the Canche estuary, this vast resting place tells the collective story of courage, suffering, and sacrifice. For visitors exploring northern France, it is one of the must-see places in Étaples, both for its historical depth and quiet beauty.

During World War I, Étaples served as a major British base - a bustling network of hospitals, reinforcement camps, and convalescent depots supporting the Western Front. At its height, over 100,000 troops were stationed in the area, and the hospitals treated thousands of wounded soldiers. The cemetery became their final resting place, offering a dignified tribute to men and women who lost their lives far from home. Today, the site’s tranquility contrasts deeply with the suffering it once witnessed, making it a great place to visit for those seeking to understand the human scale of the Great War.

History and Significance of Étaples Military Cemetery
Things to See and Do at Étaples Military Cemetery
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Étaples Military Cemetery
Where to Stay Close to Étaples Military Cemetery
Is Étaples Military Cemetery Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Étaples Military Cemetery
Nearby Attractions to Étaples Military Cemetery

History and Significance of Étaples Military Cemetery

The cemetery was established in 1915 as part of the British Army’s vast medical complex at Étaples. Between 1915 and 1919, this coastal region became one of the largest hospital and transit centers of the Allied forces. Sixteen hospitals and a convalescent depot operated here, supported by a labor corps and medical units drawn from across the British Empire. Tragically, despite their distance from the front lines, Étaples was not immune to danger - German aerial raids in 1918 caused many casualties among patients and staff.

Following the Armistice, the site continued to serve as a burial ground for those who succumbed to wounds or illness. During World War II, it briefly resumed its role as a hospital center before the British withdrawal in 1940, adding 119 more graves. The cemetery also contains 662 non-Commonwealth burials, mostly German, reflecting the shared human loss of both conflicts.

Sir Edwin Lutyens' design is a masterpiece of solemn simplicity. The Stone of Remembrance bears the inscription “Their Name Liveth For Evermore,” while the Cross of Sacrifice stands tall among rows of identical white headstones - symbols of equality in death, regardless of rank or nationality. In 2023, Étaples Military Cemetery was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value as part of the Western Front memorials.

Things to See and Do at Étaples Military Cemetery

Visitors to the cemetery can walk along the carefully aligned rows of graves, each one immaculately maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative, with the symmetry of Lutyens’ design creating a sense of solemn harmony. The Stone of Remembrance and the Cross of Sacrifice form the visual and emotional focal points of the site, their minimalist beauty enhancing the sense of reverence.

Interpretive panels near the entrance explain the cemetery’s history, the role of Étaples during the wars, and the story of its design and preservation. A short path leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Canche estuary and the countryside beyond - a reminder of the landscape for which so many gave their lives. Many visitors bring poppies or flowers to place by the graves, continuing the century-old tradition of remembrance.

How to Get There

Étaples Military Cemetery is located about 27 km south of Boulogne-sur-Mer and 2 km east of Étaples town center, on the D940 road. Free parking is available near the entrance. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. The cemetery is also accessible by train: Étaples-Le Touquet station is served by regional TER trains from Boulogne, Calais, and Arras, and is about a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride from the site. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Practical Tips on Visiting Étaples Military Cemetery

Best time to visit Étaples Military Cemetery: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer visitors.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Open daily; daylight hours only.
Official website: www.cwgc.org
How long to spend: 30-60 minutes for a full visit.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access from the car park via a sloped pathway.
Facilities: Information panels and benches available; no toilets on site.
Photography tip: Capture the symmetry of the headstones during early morning or sunset light.
Guided tours: Occasional local tours and Remembrance events organized by CWGC.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants in Étaples town center and nearby Le Touquet.

Where to Stay Close to Étaples Military Cemetery

Hotel Côte d’Opale offers comfortable modern rooms within walking distance of the cemetery. Holiday Inn Resort Le Touquet provides elegant accommodation just a short drive away. Another excellent choice is Les Jardins d’Ulysse, combining rural charm with proximity to Étaples.

Is Étaples Military Cemetery Worth Visiting?

Yes - Étaples Military Cemetery is one of the top sights in Étaples and an essential stop for anyone interested in history, remembrance, or architecture. Its scale, beauty, and emotional gravity make it one of the most moving war memorials in France. Whether you come to trace family history or simply to pay respects, the experience is both humbling and unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (155)

Étaples Military Cemetery on D940 in Étaples is a large, beautifully maintained war cemetery with a striking entrance, flowered grounds and accessible parking and pedestrian crossings alongside the busy road; visitors note wheelchair access and easy parking for cars and coaches. The site commemorates thousands, including Commonwealth, German and Chinese graves, and offers a peaceful, contemplative setting where groups and individuals research and remember soldiers and medical staff interred there.

Tom Davies

5 months ago

"Wonderfully maintained and very beautiful cemetery. I always find it amazing how military cemeteries are normally located just off main roads but howpeaceful and quiet they are. Parking on both sides of the road with pedestrian crossing. Wheelchair access. A definite must visit if in the area to make sure these people and their lives are never forgotten...."

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Stanley Scholes

3 months ago

"Wow surprised at the size of it we looked to see if any of our relatives were here but not in the books ,we spent some time looking around and seeinghow it was so clean and tidy it was ,you have and are doing a Fantastic job thank you..."

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Greenockian

4 months ago

"Beautifully maintained. I was moved to see German soldiers' headstones amongst those of the British and Allies. Over 11400 people commemorated here."

FAQs for Visiting Étaples Military Cemetery

Yes, it is open daily during daylight hours throughout the year.

No, entry is free for all visitors.

Occasional tours are offered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Yes, visitors are welcome to take respectful photographs.

Yes, there is free parking next to the entrance.

Nearby Attractions to Étaples Military Cemetery

Musée Quentovic - Local museum exploring Étaples’ maritime and wartime heritage.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage - Elegant seaside resort with beaches, shops, and art galleries.
Montreuil-sur-Mer Citadel - Historic fortress with panoramic views and exhibitions.
Boulogne-sur-Mer - Home to the impressive Nausicaá Sea Centre and medieval old town.
Forest of Hardelot - Peaceful woodland ideal for walking and nature watching.

The Étaples Military Cemetery appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Calais!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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