Visiting the Somme Battlefields - The Remembrance Trail of the Great War

Travel back in time to pay homage to the enduring legacy of the Great War while exploring the historic Somme Battlefields. Follow the Remembrance Trail, a poignant journey of reflection and remembrance.

I've already mentioned this before in previous posts, but for those of you who are new to our blog, Thomas comes from the northern part of France, more precisely from a department called Somme. Due to its location near the UK and the English Channel, this area has seen centuries of conflict — from Viking invasions to World War II. However, no event shaped the region more than World War I. The Somme was the site of several major battles, the most infamous being the Battle of the Somme, which left a lasting mark on the land and its people.
 

INTRODUCTION

The Battle of the Somme took place from July 1 to November 18, 1916, during World War I. It was fought between British and French forces against the German army in northern France. The goal was to break through German lines and help the French, who were struggling at Verdun. However, the battle led to huge losses, with over one million soldiers killed or wounded. The first day alone saw nearly 60,000 British casualties — the worst day in British military history. Although the Allies gained some ground, the battle did not bring a clear victory. Still, it weakened the German army and changed how future battles were fought.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

World War I began in August 1914 with a fast German attack on Luxembourg, Belgium and northern France. The German plan aimed to surround and defeat the French Army quickly, trapping it on the German border and rapidly neutralizing the French forces on the west to focus on the eastern threat from Russia. However, when the German Army was almost reaching Paris, the French and British troops were able to bring it to a halt at the First Battle of the Marne in September 1914, forcing a German retreat which defined the next 3 years of war.

To defend their position, the Germans built strong defensive lines, while the Allies extended their own trenches in an effort to counterattack. This phase, known as the Race for the Sea, resulted in a continuous trench system stretching from the Swiss border to the North Sea by late 1914. From then on, trench warfare dominated the Western Front, with both sides launching deadly offensives to gain small amounts of land.

The Battle of the Somme was planned as a way to relieve pressure on the French forces defending Verdun from German attacks. British forces took the lead in attacking German lines along a 40-km front near the Somme River in a massive offensive involving over 3 million soldiers. The plan was to weaken German defenses with several days of heavy artillery bombardment before launching a large infantry advance. However, the Germans had strengthened their positions, and when British troops moved forward on 1 July 1916, they were met with relentless machine-gun fire. The battle lasted over four months, resulting in 1.2 million casualties on both sides, with only minor territorial gains. The British suffered their worst single-day loss in history on 1 July 1916.

By 1917, the war began to shift in favor of the Allies. The British developed large-scale tank warfare, improving their ability to break through enemy lines. Meanwhile, the United States entered the war, providing fresh troops and resources that strengthened the Allied forces. Despite Germany signing an armistice with Russia in March 1918, freeing up troops for the Western Front, their army struggled to hold its ground. The Hundred Days Offensive in late 1918 pushed German forces into full retreat, leading to the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918, later known as the Armistice Day.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit the Somme battlefields is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. These seasons offer a comfortable balance between pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is also a good option, providing longer daylight hours, though some sites can be busy. Winter visits, while possible, can be more challenging due to colder, wetter conditions and shorter days.

For those interested in attending remembrance events, Anzac Day (April 25th) is particularly significant at Villers-Bretonneux, where ceremonies honor Australian and New Zealand soldiers. July 1st, marking the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, sees major commemorations at Thiepval Memorial, drawing visitors from around the world. Armistice Day (November 11th), which marks the end of World War I, is another key date with ceremonies held across the region. While these events offer a deeply meaningful experience, they also attract large crowds, so planning accommodation and transport in advance is recommended.

ROUTES & ACCESS

The Somme battlefields are located in northern France, near towns like Amiens, Albert, and Péronne. While the region is accessible from major cities, having a car or joining a guided tour is essential, as public transport options to the battlefields are extremely limited.

From Paris: If you're visiting from Paris, here’s some useful information:

• By train: The fastest option is taking a train from Paris Gare du Nord to Amiens (1h15), then connecting to Albert (2h total). However, there is no direct train from Paris to Albert, so a transfer in Amiens is necessary. Once in Amiens or Albert, reaching the battlefields requires a taxi or a pre-booked tour, as public transport options are very limited.
• By car: Driving is the most convenient way to explore the battlefields. From Paris, the journey takes around 2 hours via the A1 or A16 motorways. From Lille, it’s about 1.5 hours, and from Amiens, just 40 minutes. Renting a car is highly recommended, as most battlefield sites are in rural areas with little to no public transport.
• By tour: Several companies offer guided day trips from Paris, making it easy to visit key battlefield sites without the hassle of transport. A great option is this Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris, which includes stops at major memorials, trenches, and museums, providing expert insights along the way.

From London & the UK: Travelers from England have several options to reach their destination:

• By Eurostar & train: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille (1h30), then transfer to a regional train to Amiens or Albert (about 1 hour). Onward travel to the battlefields still requires a car or taxi.
• By ferry & car: If driving, take the Dover-Calais ferry (90 minutes) or Eurotunnel from Folkestone (35 minutes). From Calais, it’s a 2-hour drive to the Somme battlefields via the A16 and A28 motorways.
• By flight: The nearest airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). From there, you can take a train to Amiens (1h) or rent a car for a 90-minute drive to the battlefields.

Once in the Somme region, having a car, as public transport options to the battlefields are extremely limited:

• By car: The best way to explore the Somme battlefields is by car. Roads are well-maintained, and driving allows you to visit multiple sites at your own pace. Car rentals are available in Amiens, Lille, and Paris. Parking is generally easy at memorials and museums.
• By public transport: Public buses are rare, and most sites have no direct transport links. Trains can take you to Amiens or Albert, but from there, taxis or tours are the only way to reach key locations.
• By taxi: Taxis are available in Amiens and Albert, but they can be costly, especially for visiting multiple sites. Booking in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability and avoid high last-minute fares.
• By guided tour: If you prefer not to drive, a guided tour is the best option. A few operators offer full-day tours covering major sites like Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel, and Lochnagar Crater, with expert commentary and hassle-free transport.

For visitors attending major remembrance events like Anzac Day (April 25th), the Battle of the Somme anniversary (July 1st), or Armistice Day (November 11th), it’s crucial to plan ahead as tours, taxis, and rental cars can book out quickly

VISITING THE SOMME BATTLEFIELDS

Exploring the Somme battlefields is best done by following established routes that highlight key sites while providing historical context. One of the most well-known is the Remembrance Trail, a 40-km route connecting major battle sites, cemeteries, and memorials, including Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel, and the Lochnagar Crater. Marked with informative signs, this trail offers a structured way to explore the region while reflecting on the history of the battle.

For those who prefer cycling, the Memory Cycle Route is a great alternative. Stretching over 90 km, it takes visitors through both famous and lesser-known battlefield sites, providing a more immersive experience of the Somme’s landscapes. Whether traveling by car, bike, or on foot, using detailed maps ensures a smooth and enriching journey through this historic region.

- 1-Day Trip: Focus on the main sites, including Thiepval Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Ulster Tower, and the Lochnagar Crater, with a stop at the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert.

- Weekend Trip: Cover all key sites at a relaxed pace, including Péronne’s Historial de la Grande Guerre, the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, and additional battlefield locations such as High Wood and Mametz Wood.

KEY BATTLEFIELDS & MEMORIALS

Prepare yourself to visit Canada without taking a plane. Back during the war, Newfoundland was a British Empire dominion and, when the UK declared war on Germany, regiments from all the Commonwealth were brought to fight the war too as British units. After a hasty training and a brief experience in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey, the Newfoundland Regiment was sent to the Western front to help with the "Big Push" planned by the Allies for 1916.

On July 1st, in Beaumont-Hamel, the Allies troops began their advance across the No Man's Land hoping to gain German territory and force a retreat in what was considered the opening of the Battle of the Somme. However, due to Germans having intel on the coming attack and the Allied bombardment failing to properly damage German defences, the Allies troops advancing on broad daylight were an easy target to German gunfire and this first attack was a slaughter to Allies army. The Newfoundland Regiment was practically wiped out on this day: from the 800 men, only 68 were able to present themselves the next day.

For their bravery and sacrifice, the people of Newfoundland purchased a terrain of the battlefields site in 1921 and built the Newfoundland Beaumont-Hamel Memorial Park to honor the memory of their Newfoundlanders compatriots who lost their lives in the First World War. The park is the largest preserved area of Somme battlefield and one of the most fascinating WWI memorials in Europe.

| Opening hours - from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |

| Admission - free of charge

(guided visits with Canadians volunteers possible) |

The Newfoundland Memorial is one of the few still well preserved scenarios of WWI where we can still witness some typical battlefields of this war. The main highlights are:

• The Caribou Monument and the Newfoundland Regiment Memorial: This is the most touching homage to the Newfoundlanders who fell during the Battle of the Somme. The bronze caribou statue was chosen because it was the regiment's emblem and it stands defiantly at the top of a 15-meter Newfoundland granite monolith and surrounded by native Newfoundland plants. From the top, there is a vantage point to observe the battlefield where many of the honored soldiers fell. At the base of the monolith, there are three bronze panels listing all the Newfoundlanders missing.
• The preserved trenches and the battlefields: It is still possible to  clearly see and even walk through the Allies war trenches and have an idea of how the trench warfare was. The trenches were actually built out in as a zigzagging path so if a bomb was to fall in the trench, the explosion could be contained and not cause big damages. There is also a marked path taking us across the No Man's Land (and ending on the German front on the Y Ravine) where we can spot all the metal structure which used to support the barbed wire for the defense of the trenches.
• The Danger Tree: The battlefield here was downhill, exposing the Allies troops to the German gunfire as they were running down trying to gain terrain. Midway down the No Mans' Land, there was a tree where many of the Newfoundlanders found their end on the disastrous battle on July 1st 1916. This tree is thought to still be standing to this day and is known as the Danger Tree.
• The War Cemeteries and other memorials: Besides the Caribou Monument, there are four other memorials and cemeteries dedicated to the memory of the men who died in this battleground, many of them buried as unknown soldiers.

One of the first memorials built on the Western Front, this 20-meter stone tower honors the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, who came from Ulster, Northern Ireland. The tower is a replica of Helen's Tower, located on the Clandeboye Estate in Northern Ireland, where many soldiers of this division trained before heading to war.

On 1 July 1916, the 36th Division played a key role in the Battle of the Somme, successfully capturing Schwaben Redoubt, a heavily fortified German strongpoint near Thiepval. However, without sufficient reinforcements and under relentless counterattacks, they were ultimately forced to retreat, suffering over 5,000 casualties in a single day.

The memorial stands on the very ground where they fought, and its surroundings hold deep historical significance. Inside the tower, visitors can find war-related artifacts recovered from the battlefield. The avenue of trees leading to the memorial was planted by surviving members of the division, serving as a living tribute to their fallen comrades.

| Opening hours |

from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

| Admission - free of charge |

This is definitely the most impressive war memorial of the region. Thiepval is a town which was taken by the Germans in 1914 and transformed since then into a stronghold in the Somme front with multiple machine guns and a heavy defense system protecting their trenches. On the first day of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, British forces aimed to defy those defenses in order to relieve the pressure the French army was suffering on the Verdun front.

However, they did not expect it to be as difficult as it was and July 1st ended up to be the bloodiest battle day with almost 60.000 casualties for the British army on a single day. The plan to take the German post on one day ended up lasting more than two and a half months as the Allies only succeeded to occupy the area in September 1916 and the Battle of the Somme officially ended only in the following November.

| Opening hours - open 24/7 |

| Admission - free of charge |

The Thiepval Memorial, also know as the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, is composed of a massive arched structure with 16 thick pillars depicting panels with the names of more than 72,000 men of the United Kingdom and South African regiments who died in the Somme area and have no know grave: the missing, 90% of them have fallen during the Battle of the Somme. This is the biggest and maybe the most touching of the Memorials of the Missing and visiting it is definitely a moving experience while beholding the battlefields laying below it, the place of so many deaths.

In front of the Memorial, lays a joint British-French Cemetery with 300 burials for each army in recognition of the joint efforts of these two nations in the Western front (looking down on the cemetery the French graves are on the left while the Commonwealth ones on the right). The cemetery was made after the Memorial had been constructed on the very own hill that was the site of the death of many of these soldiers who were trying to reach the German outpost located at the top, where the Memorial majestically stands nowadays.

There is a Visitor Centre with more information about the war, Thiepval and the missing soldiers immortalized by the Memorial. The displays, audio-visual presentation and photographs help us to picture how the site looked during the battles and to understand a bit of the history of the battles on the Western front.

This is one of the most shocking sites of the First World War giving the dimensions of how it wiped down the landscape of the Western front area. This is the largest man-made mine crater of the Western Front, measuring 91 meters in diameter and 21 meters deep; it is also the only mine crater still accessible to visitors. The British Army's 179th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers laid a mine underneath a German strongpoint known as Schwaben Höhe which exploded two minutes before Zero Hour of the launch of the British offensive on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The bodies of German soldiers probably still lay on this area.

The terrain where the crater is located was bought and turned into a private-owned memorial for all the people whose lives were affected by the Great War. It is possible to walk around the crater on a pathway installed on its edge and read about the history of this dramatic site on the plaques available. Be careful to stay on the path since there is still danger of explosion of unknown artifacts.

| Opening hours - open 24/7 |

| Admission - free of charge |

KEY MUSEUMS

If exploring the battlefields and memorials isn’t enough to fully immerse yourself in the history of World War I, the region’s museums provide deeper insight and a more interactive understanding. Two of the most significant are:

During World War I, Albert served as a crucial Allied stronghold just behind the front lines of the Somme. This made it a key target for German forces, who briefly captured the town. As a result, Albert endured relentless attacks from both sides and was nearly completely destroyed. One of the most haunting images of the war is the famous photograph of the Golden Virgin statue, which once stood atop the town’s basilica, left precariously hanging after the bombardments.

For those wanting to experience what life was like in the trenches, the Somme 1916 Museum is a must-visit. Located 10 meters underground, the museum is housed in historic tunnels dating back to the 13th century, later used as air-raid shelters during World War II. The exhibits bring history to life, immersing visitors in the harsh realities of trench warfare through real artifacts, sound effects, videos, and recreations of soldiers’ daily lives. The attention to detail makes it one of the most immersive World War I museums in the region — a visit here is an unforgettable experience!

| Opening hours - from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |

| Admission - 8 EUR |

Péronne, heavily damaged during World War I, was a key battleground due to its strategic position near the front lines. Today, it is home to the Historial de la Grande Guerre, housed in the Château de Péronne. Unlike traditional war museums, it explores the war’s social, cultural, and psychological impact, presenting French, British, and German perspectives side by side. Through a vast collection of uniforms, letters, and personal items, the museum highlights not just military events but also the daily lives and emotions of those affected by the war.

Immersive exhibits, including trench reconstructions, firsthand testimonies, photographs, and multimedia displays, bring the realities of the conflict to life. The museum also examines the war’s aftermath, showing how it reshaped Europe and influenced future generations. Visiting the Historial before exploring the battlefields adds valuable context, deepening the understanding of the war’s far-reaching consequences.

| Opening hours - from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |

| Admission - 10 EUR |

FINAL THOUGHTS

For those deeply interested in World War I history or with family connections to the war, the Somme offers a profound and personal journey through one of the Western Front’s most significant battlefields. While the topic is undeniably somber, walking the Remembrance Trail is both a tribute to those who fell and a powerful reminder of the horrors of war. Visiting these sites not only brings history to life but also encourages reflection on the sacrifices made and the importance of remembering the past.

And now it's your turn to let us know what you think about the Remembrance Trail in the Somme. Have you every visited one of the sites? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.

Tags: France