The Église Saint-Vast has been listed as a protected Monument historique under a decree dated November 4, 1994. Since the 11th century, Gavrelle was a seigneurial estate of Saint-Vaast Abbey in Arras. Those choosing Gavrelle as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment for their stay.
Culture and History
The memorial sites of the First World War are present in the village and its surroundings. In 1991, a memorial depicting a destroyed house with a ship’s anchor lying on it was erected in Gavrelle to commemorate the Royal Navy Division fusiliers who fell during the liberation of Gavrelle in April 1917. Beneath the church porch of Gavrelle church is a wooden cross bearing the names of 57 British officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers who died during the liberation of the commune in April 1917.
At the entrance to the village, the Parc de la paix et du souvenir contains a memorial depicting a destroyed house with a large ship’s anchor. Gavrelle was captured and recaptured 17 times. The Naval Trench Cemetery near Gavrelle contains 59 First World War burials, including two unidentified burials, as well as one Second World War burial. The Chili Trench Cemetery near Gavrelle contains 197 First World War burials and commemorations, including 19 unidentified burials, as well as the grave of an airman from the Second World War.
Landscape
Gavrelle is located in an agricultural area and offers a peaceful rural setting surrounded by nature. The village has a rural character and is known for its small farms, green spaces and sociable atmosphere.
Geographical Setting
Gavrelle is located at a road junction connecting the RN 50, A1 and A26; the Fresnes-les-Montauban toll plaza is 2 kilometres away. Naval Trench Cemetery lies approximately 0.75 kilometres southwest of Gavrelle on the D42E and can be reached via a 1-kilometre-long road. Chili Trench Cemetery is located 1.5 kilometres southeast of Gavrelle, on the northeast side of the minor road to Fampoux.
Local Produce
Brasserie Paysanne de l’Artois is a microbrewery on an organically farmed mixed-crop holding in Gavrelle. It sells organic beers directly to customers, made entirely from its own agricultural production. Brasserie Paysanne de l’Artois offered tours on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Les Fermiers de l'Artois is a farm shop for agricultural produce founded in 2004 and run by four farmers and several employees. At Les Fermiers de l’Artois’ producer events, visitors can sample agricultural products and speak with the producers.
