Attractions and Places To See around Estaires - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Estaires include a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural experiences. Located in the Nord department of France, the town reflects its post-World War I reconstruction with distinctive Flemish Neo-Renaissance architecture. The area offers opportunities to explore significant WWI memorial sites and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lys River banks.
Best attractions and places to see around Estaires
- The most popular attractions is Australian Memorial Park Fromelles, a man-made monument that commemorates Australian soldiers who died during the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916. It features the "Cobbers Australian Memorial," depicting Sergeant Simon Fraser carrying a wounded comrade.
- Another must-see spot is Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, a cemetery established in October 1914 by British soldiers. This cemetery contains over 350 graves, many of them unknown, and is notable for its rural setting surrounded by a narrow moat and weeping willows.
- Visitors also love Chartreuse Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs de la Boutillerie, a historical site that was once a grand monastery founded in 1618. Though largely destroyed during the First World War, its history includes a monumental entrance, a library with over 2,300 books, and a 92-meter-long vaulted cloister.
- Estaires is known for its historical sites, WWI memorials, and natural features. Visitors can explore reconstructed town architecture, significant battleground cemeteries, and pleasant river walks.
- The attractions around Estaires are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 230 upvotes and 61 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Australian Memorial Park Fromelles
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Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery
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The cemetery initially contained 123 graves, but was expanded after the war. It now contains over 350 graves, of which over 200 are unknown. The cemetery commemorates soldiers who died in a number of battles, including Le Maisnil (October 1914), Aubers Ridge (May 1915), Loos (September–October 1915), and Fromelles (July 1916).
A special feature of the cemetery is its rural setting, surrounded by a narrow moat and sheltered by a grove of weeping willows. Visitors reach the cemetery via a footbridge and enter through a delicate cottage-style gate.
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Armentières
Highlight • Settlement
During World War I, Armentières was an important location due to its proximity to the front lines. The town was badly damaged during the war and was occupied by German troops from April to October 1918. It was also the site of the Battle of Armentières in October 1914. After the war, the town was rebuilt, and the red brick buildings give it a distinctive appearance.
Armentières is also remembered in popular culture for the song "Mademoiselle from Armentières," which was sung by Allied soldiers during World War I.
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Chartreuse Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs de la Boutillerie
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The monastery was very visited. Behind a monumental entrance gate and thick surrounding wall stood two towers housing the clock and the carillon. The library housed more than 2,300 books. The 92 meter long vaulted cloister was glazed and paved. The church, paved with white and black marble, was decorated with paintings by Arnoult Vuez. The altar was topped by a painting by Rubens.
With the revolution, the Chartreuse was delivered into the hands of demolitionists. Postcards from the beginning of the 20th century still showed the monumental entrance gate in neoclassical style and the surrounding wall.
During the First World War, the remains of the Chartreuse were marked by the conflict which was only a few hundred meters from the front line. The destruction caused the abbey to disappear, leaving only a few vestiges of the surrounding wall.
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Calvary of Captain Paul Adrian Kennedy
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Capt P A Kennedy, 2/Rifle Brigade
Killed in action 9 May 1915.
No known grave. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
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Tips from the Community
The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to warfare on the Western Front. Soldiers of the newly arrived 5th Australian Division, together with the British 61st Division, were ordered to attack strongly fortified German front line positions near the Aubers Ridge in French Flanders. The attack was intended as a feint to hold German reserves from moving south to the Somme where a large Allied offensive had begun on 1 July. The feint was a disastrous failure. Australian and British soldiers assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from the German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in action or died of wounds and some 400 were captured. This is believed to be the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours during the entire First World War. Some consider Fromelles the most tragic event in Australia’s history. https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/fromelles
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Armentieres is a nice place to go and visit at least once. Too bad the path along the Leie are not maintained, they are in so bad state...
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Imposing monument and beautiful town hall.
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Near the front line in 1916, a fierce battle was fought between the British (Australians) and the Germans. To commemorate 'la bataille' and the wounded who were brought back from the battlefield, a monument/statue was erected here.
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Attacking in a southerly direction, Capt Kennedy was shot while leading 'B' Company in the Battle of Aubers Ridge. He and his men had got well beyond the German line which ran roughly east-west where the preserved bunkers are today. His mother later wrote "He had crossed the road and was on the Fromelles side of it when he was shot by a sniper. His men tried to carry him back but he was terribly wounded and after they had carried him back across the road he told them to put him down..." Capt P A Kennedy, 2/Rifle Brigade Killed in action 9 May 1915. No known grave. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
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Anecdote: During the battle, Sergeant Simon Fraser heard a wounded soldier cry out, "Don't forget me, cobber!" Despite the danger, Fraser returned to the battlefield to save the man, an act of bravery that was later immortalized in the statue. This event emphasizes the sacrifice and strong bond between soldiers during the horrors of war.
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The Cobbers Australian Memorial is located in the Australian Memorial Park near Fromelles. This memorial commemorates the Australian soldiers who died during the Battle of Fromelles on 19-20 July 1916. The statue, designed by Peter Corlett, shows Sergeant Simon Fraser carrying a wounded comrade out of no man's land. The name "Cobbers" comes from a letter Fraser wrote, describing the bravery and camaraderie of the soldiers.
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Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery was established in October 1914 by British soldiers of the 19th Infantry Brigade during the First Battle of Ypres. The cemetery initially contained 123 graves, but was expanded after the war. It now contains over 350 graves, of which over 200 are unknown. The cemetery commemorates soldiers who died in a number of battles, including Le Maisnil (October 1914), Aubers Ridge (May 1915), Loos (September–October 1915), and Fromelles (July 1916). A special feature of the cemetery is its rural setting, surrounded by a narrow moat and sheltered by a grove of weeping willows. Visitors reach the cemetery via a footbridge and enter through a delicate cottage-style gate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites related to World War I can I visit near Estaires?
The region around Estaires is rich in WWI history. You can visit the Australian Memorial Park Fromelles, which commemorates Australian soldiers and features the 'Cobbers Australian Memorial'. Another significant site is Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, a moving military cemetery established in 1914, known for its rural setting and weeping willows. Additionally, the Calvary of Captain Paul Adrian Kennedy marks a poignant memorial to a fallen officer from the Battle of Aubers Ridge.
Are there any significant historical buildings or cultural sites in Estaires itself?
Yes, Estaires features several notable buildings reflecting its post-WWI reconstruction. The Estaires Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is a prominent Flemish Neo-Renaissance style building, and the Saint-Vaast Parish Church, also rebuilt in 1930, shares a similar architectural spirit. You can also explore the historical site of Chartreuse Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs de la Boutillerie, a former grand monastery founded in 1618.
Where can I enjoy nature or go for a walk in Estaires?
For nature walks, the Watine Municipal Park in the heart of Estaires offers a wooded environment with playgrounds and sports facilities. The banks of the Lys River, bordering Estaires to the south, provide pleasant opportunities for walks and hikes, including a nautical stopover. The wider Lys Valley is also part of an extensive cycling network, perfect for enjoying the natural landscape.
Are there cycling routes available around Estaires?
Yes, the area around Estaires is well-suited for cycling. You can find various routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and general touring. For example, there are routes like the 'Mont des Cats Abbey – Mont des Cats loop' for road cycling or 'The Aire canal – Hinges church loop' for touring. You can explore more options on the dedicated komoot guides for Gravel biking around Estaires, Road Cycling Routes around Estaires, and Cycling around Estaires.
What is the historical significance of Armentières, located near Estaires?
Armentières, historically known for its textile industry, played a crucial role during World War I due to its proximity to the front lines. The town was heavily damaged and occupied, leading to its distinctive red brick architecture from the post-war rebuilding efforts. It's also remembered in popular culture through the song "Mademoiselle from Armentières."
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Estaires?
Families can enjoy the Watine Municipal Park with its playgrounds. The Centre Aquatique L'ondine in Estaires offers swimming and water-based recreation. For a natural outing, Les Prés du Hem, located about 11.7 km away, is a significant natural attraction with various activities. The Australian Memorial Park Fromelles is also considered family-friendly and offers an educational experience.
Where can I learn about the region's rural history?
To delve into the region's rural past, you can visit the Museum of Rural Life of Steenwerck, located approximately 7.1 km from Estaires. This museum provides insights into the traditional life and heritage of the area.
What are some unique local experiences or events in Estaires?
Estaires hosts various local events throughout the year. You can experience the traditional cavalcade with the giant Aliboron on Pentecost Monday, enjoy a ball and fireworks on July 14th, or attend the 'Estaires Retro' party in mid-August. A weekly market also takes place every Thursday morning on Place Foch, offering local products.
Are there other natural sites or water-based activities near Estaires?
Beyond the Lys River, you can explore Les Prés du Hem, a natural attraction near Armentières. For water-based activities, Base Nautique de Loisinord, about 18.7 km from Estaires, offers various options. The wider region also includes nature reserves like the Réserve naturelle du Jardin écologique du Vieux-Lille and the Réserve naturelle nationale des étangs du Romelaëre.
What is the architectural style of Estaires?
Due to extensive destruction during World War I, many of Estaires' current buildings date from the post-war reconstruction period. This gives the town a distinctive Flemish Neo-Renaissance architectural style, evident in prominent structures like the Town Hall and Saint-Vaast Parish Church.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites accessible from Estaires?
While not directly in Estaires, several Belfries of Belgium and France, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are easily accessible in nearby towns. These include belfries in Bailleul (10km), Armentières (12km), Béthune (14km), and Lille (24km), offering a glimpse into the region's rich architectural heritage.
Where can I find more information about tourism in the Estaires area?
For additional information on activities and attractions in the Estaires area, you can visit the local tourism website: tourisme-flandrelys.fr.
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