Flanders Battlefield Tours
Flanders Battlefield Tours
Flanders Battlefield Tours
5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Flanders Battlefield Tour is well known for organising both, daily tours of the Ypres Salient and the Somme amongst other Western Front areas. Run by Jacques Ryckebosch and Genevra Charsley both are extremely passionate about the First World War. Prior to Flanders Battlefield Tour Jacques curated for many years at Talbot House (TOC H as it was known by the soldiers/veterans) meeting and becoming good friends with First World War veterans. Genevra Charsley has been a member of the Western Front Association since 1997 and assisting with the Poppy Parade on Armistice in Ieper (Ypres) since 1997, both are associate members of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and both have featured on BBC television and international television. Our guides all come highly recommended and are as equally passionate about the First World War, residing within the Ypres Salient they are always well informed and involved about the latest discoveries and development..
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
1,083 reviews
Excellent
1,035
Very good
43
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Frances36
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My husband and I, with our 2 adult sons, toured WWI Battlefields with Jacques for 2 days. In planning this trip, my communication was with Genevra, who organizes and researches information for WW1 Battlefield tours. We requested an emphasis on the Canadian participation. All our requests were met.
As Flanders Battlefield Tours is based in Ypres, we made arrangements to arrive the evening prior to our tours. Jacques greeted us promptly at our hotel the following morning, and off we went.
Throughout the 2 days of touring with Jacques, we were amazed by not only his passion and respect for the history of WWI, but to his attention to details, quickly offering precise dates of events.
At the end of Day 1, Jacques left us with suggestions as to where to stand for the Menin Gate ceremony, in addition to restaurants for dinner.
Jacques arrived the 2nd morning and our luggage was loaded into the van, as we arranged to end Day 2 in Arras. Genevra had also given us the option to pre-purchase boxed lunches, which we did for both days. The food was delicious, and we were able to save time in order to make the most of our day.
In summary, our 2 days of touring with Jacques were the best tours we have ever experienced! He was knowledgeable, passionate, considerate, and kind!!! Jacques also went out of his way to accommodate any personal needs we required.
Thank you Jacques and Genevra for the dedication you both have for ensuring that future generations remember the sacrifice of those who served in the war as well as the cost to the people who lived through it.
As Flanders Battlefield Tours is based in Ypres, we made arrangements to arrive the evening prior to our tours. Jacques greeted us promptly at our hotel the following morning, and off we went.
Throughout the 2 days of touring with Jacques, we were amazed by not only his passion and respect for the history of WWI, but to his attention to details, quickly offering precise dates of events.
At the end of Day 1, Jacques left us with suggestions as to where to stand for the Menin Gate ceremony, in addition to restaurants for dinner.
Jacques arrived the 2nd morning and our luggage was loaded into the van, as we arranged to end Day 2 in Arras. Genevra had also given us the option to pre-purchase boxed lunches, which we did for both days. The food was delicious, and we were able to save time in order to make the most of our day.
In summary, our 2 days of touring with Jacques were the best tours we have ever experienced! He was knowledgeable, passionate, considerate, and kind!!! Jacques also went out of his way to accommodate any personal needs we required.
Thank you Jacques and Genevra for the dedication you both have for ensuring that future generations remember the sacrifice of those who served in the war as well as the cost to the people who lived through it.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Gen and Jacques are inspiring, detailed and caring tour guides. They are passionate about the individuals they talk about and are actively attempting to ensure that corrections are made to graves in recognition of religious beliefs, which feels a fitting way to respect the sacrifices made. They know many already but are also seeking the individual stories to enrich our appreciation and understanding. We visited sites we could easily have missed and they explained in further detail in response to all questions. Our ages spanned 8 weeks to 74 years, all accomodated. They were able to engage our 8 year old, who stated it was a holiday highlight. We would highly recommend
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmchopak
New York City, NY2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I recently took the North Salient tour with my cousin. Our guide, Andre, was amazing. He told the story of the soldiers in such a way that you actually felt you were there and could picture the battles taking place around you. It makes such a difference to have a guide with such passion for the topic he is talking about, and also the reverence for the battlefield and those lost on it. It was an experience we will never forget, and I highly recommend this tour if you are in Belgium.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gayle L
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Both Jacques and Genevra are an absolute joy to work with. Genevra researched my Great Grandfather’s WW1 path from Scotland thru the Ypres Salient and I spent one full day with Jacques retracing my GGF’s journey thru the front until his demise in the 2nd action on Bellewaerde Sept 1915. I was so impressed with their passion of all things WW1 that I did a 2nd tour of the South Salient with Genevra the following day. I feel that I’ve met kindred spirits with these two and am already planning my next return. Highly recommend signing up for any and all tours they offer.
GDLee
San Diego, California
GDLee
San Diego, California
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John E
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Jacques picked us up at our hotel on time. He showed us his plan for the day then delivered it in a very enjoyable fashion. We have no hesitation in recommending them.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relax55396049703
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My 21 year old son and I had a full day tour of the Somme followed the next day by a tour of the Ypres Salient with our guide Jacques. I have experienced many tours in many countries with many guides over many years, none of whom appeared to have the depth of knowledge, humour and sheer passion for his subject as displayed by Jacques. With good use of maps, images and reading out written testimonies and first hand vivid accounts from solpdiers who were there, Jacques told the stories of what happened at the various sites. Our numerous questions were answered very thoroughly. Jacques also told us of his continuing involvement in restoring and maintaining WW1 sites, and that soldiers remains are still being recovered to this day, of which he spoke very poignantly.
Also a mention to Genevra for the excellent communication and sorting us out ( due to unforseen events) with a late change in date and times.
I can thoroughly recommend Flanders Battlefield Tours as a way of gaining a better understanding of WW1 in Flanders and northern France.
My only regret is that I didn't do this 8 years ago with my children, they would have learned more in a day with Jacques about the reality of war than any amount of book reading or tv watching presentations on WW1.
Mike and Ben.
Also a mention to Genevra for the excellent communication and sorting us out ( due to unforseen events) with a late change in date and times.
I can thoroughly recommend Flanders Battlefield Tours as a way of gaining a better understanding of WW1 in Flanders and northern France.
My only regret is that I didn't do this 8 years ago with my children, they would have learned more in a day with Jacques about the reality of war than any amount of book reading or tv watching presentations on WW1.
Mike and Ben.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard
Lurgan, UK4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My family and I visited Flanders Battlefields in August 2023. Our guide was Jacques Ryckebosch (Jack).
Jacks WW1 knowledge is unbelievable and clearly has a passion for the subject. He has a very natural friendly manner and makes you feel that he is part of the group. He managed to make each visit on the tour come alive and provided an idea of what they endured. I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough it was excellent.
Jacks WW1 knowledge is unbelievable and clearly has a passion for the subject. He has a very natural friendly manner and makes you feel that he is part of the group. He managed to make each visit on the tour come alive and provided an idea of what they endured. I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough it was excellent.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew C
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
A most interesting tour with Jack around the Ypres/Leper area. Very good communication in advance and all worked out perfectly. We were so impressed by Jack’s sheer knowledge of the history of the war, but also his pleasant and easy-to-understand way of delivering it. He took our personal interests and where we were from into account for the tour and this made it extra special. An amazing experience.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan N
Colston Bassett, UK1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
We had an outstanding day touring the Flanders battlefields with Jacques. All of the communication with Genevra in organising our bespoke itinerary was excellent.
Genevra of Flanders Battlefield Tours kindly helped us with some research into relatives whose graves we wanted to visit. She was able to provide us with Battalion war diaries which brought to life the history of the actions in which our relatives fought and died.
Jacques knowledge was immense and his patience and help with our many questions really enabled us to get the most of the time we had on the Ypres Salient. Through facts, maps, stories and anecdotes, Jacques was an excellent guide.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Flanders Battlefield Tours and we would certainly choose them again on our next visit.
Genevra of Flanders Battlefield Tours kindly helped us with some research into relatives whose graves we wanted to visit. She was able to provide us with Battalion war diaries which brought to life the history of the actions in which our relatives fought and died.
Jacques knowledge was immense and his patience and help with our many questions really enabled us to get the most of the time we had on the Ypres Salient. Through facts, maps, stories and anecdotes, Jacques was an excellent guide.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Flanders Battlefield Tours and we would certainly choose them again on our next visit.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzie072
Uttoxeter, UK19 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Excellent guide, hugely knowledgeable and with both humour and appropriate respect for the human cost of the battles. Jack had many stories from veteran soldiers he had talked to over the years.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine N
3 contributions
Hi how can we contact you directly to arrange a tour tomorrow please ?
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
If you email us directly via our website and let us know how many people are accompanying you. We have availability in the morning from 9am until 12pm, or on Thursday the whole day. Kind regards Flanders Battlefield Tour
Gracie42
County Durham, England122 contributions
Hi,
Visited Ypres 4 times and been to all the larger/well known sites and cemeteries. Would love to visit some of the smaller,more out of the way sites,open to suggestions anybody. Looking at 2020 btw
Kate W
Heswall, UK48 contributions
Hi, we did a ‘standard tour’ of the larger cemeteries, however our guide was extremely knowledgeable and I know they do more niche/bespoke tours including ones individually tailored for relatives of the fallen. Recommend getting in touch with Gen to see if she can arrange what you’re looking for.
Jean R
2 contributions
Hi, I am really interested in the battlefields and bunkers/trenches of Flanders area. We are staying in Ypres. My spouse has some difficulty w/ walking, using a cane. Who did you use as the tour? We have been doing private tours lately in Europe & very satisfied with the slower pace & ability to converse w/ guide.
thanks, jean
Julia G
Norwich, UK56 contributions
So sorry that I didn't answer before, I only just saw the question! I have been with Flanders Battlefield Tours quite a few times. This answer box won't let me put the website address, so google Flanders Battlefield tour and you can email them.
I can't recommend them highly enough. They will take you anywhere, and are very considerate of people with limited mobility. And they will talk to you at great length.
DebraB_SoCal
Long Beach, CA6 contributions
So I feel pretty dumb asking this... but I cannot FIND a link to your website on this TripAdvisor page... I want to ask about booking, cost, etc. but have no idea how to contact you other than posting here. Thank you.
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry, and thank you mjharris3 (Worcestershire) for posting a reply, we've been busy yesterday with the 90th Anniversary of the Last Post Association. Yes Debra, unfortunately T/A will not allow links of websites and email addresses to be posted. If you follow the above instructions you should locate our website. Kind regards Flanders Battlefield Tour - Genevra Charsley
We are from Australia and are arriving in Lille via London at 11.30 am Wed 25/7 and returning to London at 9.30am from a Lille on Sat 28/7. We planned to hire a car. We want to do Victoria School, Franco/ Australian Museum and John Monash Centre at Ville-Bretonneux and then Ypres inc cemeteries, Meningate ceremony , Cloth Hall museum etc then visit Mons where first battle of WW 1was fought ( Grandfather involved!). We are wondering how we could use Flanders Battlefields Tours for this and just stick to train travel and forget the hire car. Any ideas how wh can combine all? Want to stay at Ypres at least 1 or maybe 2 nights. Kind Regards,
Alison Lumsden
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
Hello Alison, Thank you for your enquiry with Flanders Battlefield Tour we do have availability for a two day tour commencing and concluding from Ieper. Would it be possible for you to email us direct via our website so that I can provide more information? Kind regards Genevra Charsley - Flanders Battlefield Tour
I am very interested in a tour for July 27, 2018. Do you have any options for this date?
Evan Price 214-686-4313
charlenem649
Ottawa, Canada12 contributions
You need to contact the tour company directly. I did all my correspondence by email and they were very prompt in their replies.
Do you do trips to pozier cemetry
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry, yes we do cover Pozieres, however it’s best that you email us direct so that we know the number of people accompanying you and the date that you’re looking to do the tour. Kind regards Flanders Battlefield Tour
Martin M
Shoreview, MN5 contributions
Do you have tours going out on June 25th 2018, and how much does it cost?
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
Hello Martin, We have the Grand Tour North Salient going out from Ieper at 13.00pm until 17.00hrs, priced 38,00 euros per person. Should you wish to confirm a seat please book online via the relevant tour page within our website, upon receipt final confirmation will then be sent. I trust that this is of some assistance. Kind regards Flanders Battlefield Tour
restofan2018
Barcelona, Spain
Hola, visitaré Ypres en julio y me gustaria saber si hay excursiones del Flanders Battlefield Tours con guia de habla hispana. Muchas gracias.
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
Gracias por su consulta con Flanders Battlefield Tour, desafortunadamente nuestros tours son en inglés u holandés. Perdón por no poder ayudarlo en esta ocasión.
TonyD7777
Bunbury, Australia507 contributions
We would like a personlized full day tour of the battlefields and the highlights pick up and drop off in Brugge. What sort of price would we be looking at? We shall be there early May. Thanks Tony
GenevraYpres_Belgium
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium24 contributions
Hello Tony, I have responded directly to your email that we received earlier this morning, unfortunately we are completely fully booked over the dates mentioned in your email. Kind regards Flanders Battlefield Tour