A couple appeared in a French courtroom Monday to face charges of public exhibitionism at Canada's National Vimy Memorial, a site that's become a hot spot for such acts.

The middle-aged couple, who didn't comment after their court appearance, were charged with sexual exhibitionism in a public place and could face a year in jail and a $22,000 fine. They'll learn their sentence next week.

The monument is covered with 11,000 engraved names representing Canadian soldiers who died in France during the First World War, but whose bodies were never found.
(Michel Spingler/Associated Press)

There have been other arrests for similar acts at the monument.

An internet search produces websites showing dozens of sexual voyeurs and exhibitionists using the Vimy memorial for their encounters, even posting comments praising the monument's ample parking.

One photo shows a woman and man engaging in a sexual act in front of a wall inscribed with the names of Canada's war dead, while another photo shows a naked woman in the restored trenches.

Internet entries suggest the practice has been going on for at least seven years.

Local journalist Samuel Cogez said the memorial is a well-known meeting site.

"For several years, the Vimy Memorial has been known as a meeting place for exhibitionists, gays, all types," he said.

Arlene King, a spokeswoman for the Vimy Monument, said staff have stepped up patrols. She said it is important staff react immediately "to honour the memory of our soldiers who fought and died there, as well as those of our allies."

The memorial marks the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge in northern France that killed 3,598 Canadians and wounded thousands more.

Canada spent $20 million restoring the massive twin-tower limestone monument, which lists the names of Canadian soldiers who died in France and whose remains have never been found. Queen Elizabeth attended the memorial's reopening in 2007.