'''Ypres''' (Flemish: '''''Ieper''''', both pronounced "eeper") [http://www.ieper.be/] is a friendly Belgian Flanders town endowed with wonderful architecture and a troubled past. Ypres is best known as the site of three major battles of the First World War, the most famous being the Battle of Passchendaele from July?November 1916. The many memorials and cemeteries of the fallen in and around Ypres draw thousands of visitors each year. Population 36,000 (2005).
Understand
Town Name and Languages
The official Flemish name for the city is '''Ieper''' - this is the version of the name you will see most commonly in and around the predominately Flemish-speaking town. Most native English speakers, however, will know the town by its French name '''Ypres''', as popularised in media and history texts during and immediately after the First World War.
History
The town of Ypres formed the centre of the so-called "Ypres Salient" during most of the First World War?an area of Allied (British and Belgian)-held land surrounded on three sides by the German front line that formed the northernmost section of the Western Front. Holding Ypres was vital for the Allies in their bid to prevent the Germans gaining control of all the Channel ports, vital for the transport and supply of the British Expeditionary Force. As a result, the city became the focus of several major battles to break in / out of the Salient and was subjected to fairly continuous bombardment by German artillery for most of the war. By 1918, little remained of the town but shattered ruins surrounded by muddy shell-pocked fields.
After the First World War, most of central Ypres was rebuilt with German reparations (war debt) money. This was a lengthy process: the famous Cloth Hall was not completed until the 1960s.
Get in
Get around
Ypres city centre is best approached on foot.
For visiting the war graves and memorials, one could use a car or cycle. Take the guided "Battle field tour" -bus, or buy an audio tour on the internet - same sites, but a lot cheaper if you have your own transport
Ypres itself is easily reachable by train, or by car - highway to Kortrijk, then follow directions for Ieper (A19).
From the ports of Calais or Dunkerque, take the A16 East, turning off at junction 28 (A25 towards Lille). Get off at Junction 13 and follow the signs for Ypres (Ieper).
See
Landmarks and Memorials
the '''Menin Gate Memorial''' [http://www.lastpost.be/] - dedicated on 24 July 1927 as a memorial to the missing British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in Belgium during World War One. Has a Last Post Ceremony each night at 8.00 pm to remember those who died for our freedom, by the buglers.
the '''Cloth Hall''' - originally built around 1200 as a center of Flemish wealth, completely destroyed by German artillery shelling in 1916, the Cloth Hall was rebuilt, the project completing in 1962 and the symbol of a resurgent city. Contains the ''In Flanders Fields'' Museum (see below).
This memorial contains, inside and out, huge panels into which are carved the names of the 54,896 officers and men of the commonwealth forces who died in the Ypres Salient area and who have no known graves.
The names recorded on the gate's panels are those of men who died in the area between the outbreak of the war in 1914 and 15th August, 1917. The names of a further 34,984 of the missing - those who died between 16th August, 1917 and the end of the war, are recorded on carved panels at Tyne Cot Cemetery, on the slopes just below Passchendaele.
Museums and Galleries
'''In Flanders Fields Museum''' [http://www.inflandersfields.be/],located in the Ypres Cloth Hall,right in the center. This museum gives an excellent over-view of WW1. It is more like an experience that takes you right into the daily life during the war. At times it can be a quite strong experience that will have a profound impact on you. Open daily April - September 10am-6pm, open Tu-Su October - March 10am-5pm, last entry 1 hr before closing, admission adults ?8, children 7-25 yrs ?1 !
'''Ramparts Museum'''.
'''de Kattenstoet''' only once every 3 years (used to be annually), the town produces a town parade around the them of "cats throughout history", this is always one of the first weekends in may, last one was may 2006
Further afield
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Museum in a beautiful setting, telling the story of the Great War in chronological order. Lots of information on the different battles and a large selection of authentic artefacts on display. The big bonus of the museum in a reconstructed dug-out which lets you to experience what life under Flanders Fields must have been at the time. Open daily (February till end November) from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Admission : 5?, groups ?3.
Tyne Cot Commonwealth cemetery
The largest Commonwealth Wargraves Commission cemetary in the world. There are many more smaller Commonwealth cemetaries dotted around the region,
Langemark German Cemetery
Vladso German Cemetery
Do
Attend the Menin Gate ceremony at least once while in Ypres - held at 8 pm each evening [http://www.lastpost.be/ details]
Wonderful countyside.
Good Walking and Cycling Routes. Haven for wildlife.
Buy
Lovely shops and cafes selling Belgian chocolates and beer.
Things from the WW I period in dedicated shops, located for example near the Menin Gate.
Eat
The marketplace has several restaurants, pubs , and in summer, places to sit outside...
Tuesdays usually hosts music night outside, organised by "'t Klein Stadhuis" right next to the cloth halls, and the city hall...
Trattoria Alloro. atersstraat 2. 50 metres from the groote markt direction the train station. 57467998. ww.trattoriaalloro.be. ri & sat evening Sun lunchtime. /- ?40 for 3 courses. Ypres first true Italian Restaurant opening in Febuary
Trattoria Alloro.
A very pretty family run Italian restaurant situated about 150 metres from the Grande Place.
Opened in February and well reviewed in various magazines and on web-sites.
All fresh food is locally sourced and prepared individually. The pastas and condiemnts are of the top Italian quality and already the restaurant is booked most weekends.
At present open Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtime only
A true taste of Italy with friendly service, great food and a terrific choice of wines and spirits with Nastro Azzuro and Peroni gran reserva (exclusive , only outlet in Belgium)
Sleep
'''Varlet Farm''', [http://www.varletfarm.com]. Bed and breakfast, on the old Passchendaele battlefield, named by British soldiers of the Great War. It was taken by the Royal Naval Division on October 1917. Close to all major memorials. Maps, guidebook, and tour guide available. 7 rooms. Small groups up to 18 people. Private collection on the farm showing artifacts dug up in the fields.
'''Cherry Blossom B&B''', [http://www.cherryblossom.be]. Find your home from home on the Ypres Salient at this lovely friendly, English family run B&B at Brandhoek. (Noel Chavasse- Double VC is buried locally), Short distance from Ypres and Poperinge. 40 mins drive from Brugge/Ghent. Motorcyclists and Children are welcome. Good home cooking. Battlefield Tours arranged with local tour guides, can be tailored to suit your needs. Motorcycle tours also arranged. Garden and Bar Area. Evening Meals and Packed Lunches by arrangement. Tea and Coffee making facilities/TV in all rooms. Small collection of artifacts to view.
Budget
'''Vrienden op de Fiets''', 4 adresses for members making a cycling or walking tour through Belgium, [http://www.vriendenopdefiets.nl].
Stay safe
Ypres is generally very safe.
Get out