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Somme Battlefield Tour from Paris

with Villers-Bretonneux Cemetery & John Monash Centre

Small Group Tour

Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux

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  • Description •
  • Tour Highlights •

Explore the Somme Battlefields

Visit the Somme battlefields where some of the bloodiest battles of WWI were fought. On this small group tour you’ll learn about the Great War and the many struggles faced by the Australian, British, and Canadian soldiers who fought in it. As you walk on the still scarred battlegrounds of the Somme region on this fascinating day trip from Paris.

You’ll walk in the trenches at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, visit the Sir John Monash Center, marvel at the huge Lochnagar mine crater. You’ll also pay your respects to the fallen soldiers in Pozieres at the Windmill, the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, and at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. Finishing off the day with a visit to the 13th century Cathedral of Amiens, the largest Cathedral in France.

We focus on providing a personal and in depth experience of the Somme region in order to help the memory of these brave men live on. As such we limit the size of our groups to no more than 8 people. This means we can avoid the confusion, and delays, that are caused during big group tours and share more important places and historical moments of interest with you.

Trenches at Beaumont-Hamel

War of the Trenches

Your day of exploration will start with a pleasant drive through the French countryside from Paris to the Somme region. The first historical stop on this tour is the massive Lochnagar Mine Crater. On July 1st 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 30 tons of explosives were tunneled under and used to obliterate German dugouts creating this crater. On that day alone more than 72,000 casualties occured on all sides of the battle lines.

To honor these men, you’ll visit the massive and very moving Thiepval Memorial of the Missing, where row after row of tombs are marked with only: “A soldier of the Great War, known unto God”. The stories shared by your guide and the grandiose nature of this memorial will impress on you the great sacrifices of the soldiers it commemorates.

Afterwards you’ll discover the largest Somme battlefield site that has been preserved: The Newfoundland Memorial at Beaumont-Hamel. Your guide will explain the hardships faced by the men who lived and fought on this battlefield as you walk in the original trenches, dug out by hand back in 1916.

Lochnagar Mine Crater

The Great War

Then your guide will take you to the crash site of the infamous “Red Baron” who shot down more than 80 allied planes before he himself was shot down in 1918. Following that you’ll explore the little town of Pozieres where the heaviest Australian casualties occurred. In Poziere you’ll visit the site of “the Windmill”, “Mouquet’s Farm”, and also the 1st Australian Division Memorial.

Then you’ll have about one hour of free time to eat lunch at “Le Tommy”. This restaurant is owned and operated by a man named Dominique who is a local legend for his strong character and his passion for the history of the Somme during WWI. He serves good, classic, meals at very reasonable prices and will let you explore his private collection of artifacts from the Battle of the Somme.

After lunch you’ll visit the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux and learn even more about the soldiers who travelled farther than any others to fight for freedom in Europe, the brave men from Australia. Between 1916 and the end of WWI almost 11,000 Australian men were killed and their graves are still unknown today.

The War to end all wars

Then your explore the fascinating Sir John Monash Center. There video testimonials and interactive displays will help you to be immersed in the personal stories of how other brave men lived through the hardships and horrors of the Great War first hand.

On your drive back to Paris your guide will make a special stop for the stunning 13th century Cathedral of Amiens, the largest Cathedral in Europe. You’ll learn about the Cathedral from your guide and then have free time to visit inside of it. Then you’ll continue your trip back to Paris arriving around 7:30pm.

WWI was massive and horrific. Those who lived through it called it: The War to End all Wars because it marked them deeply. Our day trip from Paris will also mark you, but in a good way. As you explore the most important historical sights of the Somme and learn about the true stories of the soldiers who fought here, their stories will become a part of your own life story and continue to be remembered for years to come.

Australian National Memorial

Good to Know:

  • Our easy to find meeting point is next to the Arc de Triomphe. We’ll send you more details in a confirmation email once you book the tour.
  • It takes less than 2 hours to drive to the Somme region from Paris.
  • You can expect to be back in Paris around 7:30pm depending on traffic conditions.
  • There will be frequent opportunities to use restrooms during this day trip.
  • The lunch stop in Poziere is at your own cost. So make sure to bring a little cash to pay for it. The food is down to earth dinner style food. So bring between 10€-20€ for your meal.
  • Gratuities aka "tips" are not included but welcomed by our guides.

Max. 8 pers. per tour

All day Back in Paris around 7:30PM

What's Included

  • Transportation by luxury A/C minibus
  • Friendly & Knowledgeable guide
  • Somme Trench Museum tickets

somme battlefield tour from paris

All of our tours are commented in English

Dates & Times

April to October 7AM

Meeting point

12 Avenue des Ternes

Click here for picture Reservation required

For the Somme WWI Battlefields Day Trip from Paris you will meet with your driver-guide outside of 12 Avenue des Ternes in Paris.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Tour Highlights

somme battlefield tour from paris

Thiepval Memorial

Thiepval Memorial of the Missing has the names of more than 72,000 United Kingdom and South African men who died and have no known grave.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Lochnagar Mine Crater

Lochnagar Crater was blown into existence on, July 1st 1916, the first day of the battle of the Somme. It’s 30m deep and 100m wide!

somme battlefield tour from paris

Newfoundland Memorial at Beaumont-Hamel

The Newfoundland Memorial at Beaumont-Hamel is the largest Somme battlefield site that has been preserved. You can still see & walk in the trenches.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Admire the delicate arched ceiling in this beautiful Gothic church.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux

This memorial commemorates 10,738 Australian servicemen with no known grave who died on the Western Front. Anzac Day celebrations take place at the memorial every April 25.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Paris largest and most celebrated Church, built in a true Gothic fashion it has the most beautiful Rose windows and flying buttresses.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Once the Royal Palace, now the largest and most visited museum in the world. The Louvre is home to the mysterious Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the famous glass Pyramid.

somme battlefield tour from paris

The Musée d’Orsay

Home to some of the most beautiful paintings in the world, the Musée d’Orsay has several works of Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Rue Cler market

Parisians have been coming to rue Cler market street since 1826! Taste some of the best of Paris here when you stop for the 30 minute break.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Seine River banks

The banks of the Seine River, in Paris, are so enchanting that they have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll ride along them and behold the beauty of the river life.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the place where Marie-Antoinette lost her head! Today is has a 2,000 year old Egyptian Obelisk at its center.

somme battlefield tour from paris

The Grand Palais

Constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais is a magnificent architectural feat with its glass, iron and steel beautifully combined.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Champs-Elysées

Known to many as « The most beautiful avenue in the world » you'll have a wonderful view all the way up this avenue to the famous Arc de Triomphe.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb)

Les Invalides was once a hospital for wounded soldiers, and is currently a military museum that is home to the tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Frequently Asked Questions

We allow you to cancel, for any reason, up to 24 hours before the start of your tour. It’s easy to cancel just send us an email then we’ll give you a full refund.

If you fail to email with your cancellation at least 24 hours before the tour starts then we will not be able to provide you with a refund.

We accept children that are at least 7 years old on this tour. While this tour’s content was not planned out with kids in mind we do allow children that are aged at least 7 years old to join it with one of their parents. Kids younger than 7 years cannot join this tour as we do NOT have the suitable baby/child seats for them to ride in that are required by European law.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Book More - Save More

We appreciate and reward fidelity!

Planning on booking multiple tours with us? Contact us to receive a 10% discount . Discount only apply when booking 2, 3 or 4 tours on different dates.

Free Cancellation

We understand that unexpected events can change your travel plans; for this reason Blue Fox Travel offers a full refund, for any reason, if you cancel more than 24hrs before your reserved tour is scheduled to start.

Small Groups

Small Group = Better Experience

We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal and higher quality experience for you.

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These are the Terms & Conditions that apply to any tour run by BLUE FOX TRAVEL in France under the brands BLUE BIKE TOURS or BLUE FOX TRAVEL. In this document, BLUE BIKE TOURS might be abbreviated as BBT and BLUE FOX TRAVEL as BFT.

BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée - Limited Liability Company) at the Paris Chamber of Commerce under the number : 534 151 576 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French Travel Operator under the licence : IM075160040 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered Public Service Vehicle Operator under the Licence : 2016/11/0007784 Because BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French company, and all of our tours take place in France, only the French Law will apply in the case of any conflict. Last updated : January 2019. Valid until : the end of the world.

I - Cancellation Policy

BFT offers a 100% refund if a reservation is cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start of the tour. The notification must be made by email. No refunds are given for ANY reason once within the 24 hrs prior to the scheduled tour. All of our tours run Rain or Shine. We do not issue refunds if you choose to skip your tour because the weather doesn’t suit you. You can always wait until the last minute to book your tour to ensure the weather suits you that day. BFT reserves the right to cancel any of its tours last minute in case of an Act of God or crazy act from a large group of people. Flooding, hail, dangerous weather conditions, riots, etc. In such instances full refunds will be given to anyone who had their tour cancelled.

II - Satisfaction Guarantee Policy

If the tour you took with us didn’t live up to what we promised you on our website and failed to meet your expectations, we will be heartbroken. We will also give you a 100% refund so long as you do all of these things: You remember that we we are in no way responsible for the weather and that our guides actually have to give 110% of themselves to you on days when the weather is not as nice in order to help you enjoy the tour. You participate in the entire tour from: being on time at the meeting point until the “goodbyes” at the very end of the tour. You can’t leave a tour half-way and ask for your money back. At the end of the tour you tell your guide, in person, that you were not satisfied with the tour you took. You provide your tour guide with the reasons you were not satisfied with the tour itself.

III - Payment Policy

A valid credit card is required to secure your booking. All reservations must be prepaid online prior to the tour. We accept Visa, Mastercard. None of your personal credit card or billing information is stored by BFT.

IV - Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Your personal informations will never be disclosed to any third parties.

V - Child Policy

All reservations made for children under the age of 18 years old must be made by an adult and we must be informed at the time of booking exactly how many children are in your party and their ages. This is vital information as it allows our guide to prepare the proper child sized equipments for the bike tours and the booster seats for all day trips/excursions that use one of our vans. All reservations made for a minor under the age of 18 years old must also include the reservation for an adult who will be 100% solely responsible for the safety and well being of the child while on the tour. Every child, under the age of 12 years old, partaking in a bicycle tour will be required to wear a helmet and a reflective vest as per French Law. The adult who accompanies the child agrees to the responsibility of choosing a properly sized helmet, adjusting the helmet, and keeping the helmet on the head of the child during the whole tour. Blue Fox Travel has helmets in multiple sizes for you to choose from at no cost. Don't forget: Children who will be riding in a baby/child seat, on a tandem attachment bike, or in a booster seat in one of our vans absolutely MUST have their seat reserved beforehand. We NEED to know exactly what your child will need before they show up. Please make it clear in the “Special Requirements” section of our booking form.

VI- Child Bike Policy

Children who will be riding on their own may be subject to a very short test run before the tour starts in which they will be expected to demonstrate: that they are well suited for their bike’s size and settings, that they know how to brake properly and that they are, in general, good cyclists who can be trusted to follow their tour guide in a safe manner. We own 20” and 24” kids bikes (size of the wheel). Adult bikes are 26”. If the guide, or manager, finds that the child is not, for any reason, a good enough cyclist then the guide, or manager, has the right to refuse to let the child follow the tour on a personal bike. This means they will either be asked to ride on one of our ‘tandem attachments’ which is attached to the back of a parents bike OR asked to ride in a child seat attached to the back of a parents bike. If the child refuses the change, then the guide or manager has the right to cancel the reservation, and not allow you and your child on the bike tour. Refunds will not be issued if your reservation is cancelled because of your child not being able to cycle and their refusal to ride attached to you. Baby seats are for kids that are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old (max weight 22 kg (48 lbs)). We also have some cool Burley™ tandem attachment bikes that are suitable for little kids who are too big for the baby seat but too small to cycle on their own (max weight 38 kg (85 lbs) - max height 137 cm (4 ft 6 in)).

VII - Damages to Blue Fox Travel Property

If you or anyone in your party damages a vehicle, a Blue Bike™, a vehicle, a child's bike, a helmet, a baby/child seat, a tandem attachment bike, any bike attachments, or a booster seat in such a way that it becomes badly disfigured, broken, or unusable, then BFT reserves the right to claim a fee of up to the cost of repair of the damaged bike/vehicle or object.

VIII - Miscellaneous

  • Trip Advisor

Amiens Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral Somme Tourisme - F. Leonardi

Self-Drive Somme Battlefield Tours

Amiens & the somme region.

North of Paris, the Somme region is at the crossroads between Flanders and Paris , the capital of France. During World War I , the Somme region was turned into battlefields , where many countries fought as part of the Allied effort. It is a moving experience to visit these sites: Thiepval Memorial, the American Cemetery near Bony, Beaumont Hamel Canadian site, the Pozières Memorial with British, Australian and Canadian tombs . . .

The lively town of Amiens beckons with its magnificent lady : the Cathedral of Amiens, which is the largest cathedral in France. You may also stroll the Hortillonnages floating gardens located in the Saint Leu district or return to childhood by visiting Jules Verne's house .

The Picardy area is also famous for the Bay de Somme , the natural flora and fauna reserve where the Somme river empties into the English Channel.

Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made …

Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November. They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the arrangements they made worked out just as represented. The rental car process was easy (we can't blame them for Paris traffic), and the places they arranged for us to stay as well as the activities arranged were outstanding. We feel we really got a sense of the beauty of France and met some very nice people along the way. The tour book was terrific and very helpful. They made the trip almost effortless and truly enjoyable. Thank you Laura and Emile for making this a memorable vacation. We wish you did "Italy Just for You" too!

Our Self-Guided Tours in Somme

From the battlefields to Amiens cathedral.

Colleville American Cemetery in Normandy

Colleville American Cemetery in Normandy Vincent Rustuel - Calvados Attractivité

World War History Tour of France

Many of us are related in some way to the World Wars' history : a father, uncle, grandfather, family friend, or a famous soldier we admire, who fought amongst the Allied troops on French soil. We are very happy and proud to plan itineraries for you to learn more about the history of the two World Wars of the 20th century. The below tour is a sample and we will craft your own trip based on any information you may have available or are willing to discover.

somme battlefield tour from paris

Obernai in Alsace Lez Broz - Visit Alsace

Northern France from Paris to Alsace

In 13 days, this tour will take you from Paris to the Somme region, and on to Lille at the Belgium border. You will then drive your way south-east to the Verdun area and the surrounding WWI sites. You will end your journey in Alsace, on the border with Germany. A great way to discover Northern France !

somme battlefield tour from paris

The Somme & Picardy Sites

The Somme and the Picardy region were the theater for several battles mostly during World War I.  Our Somme Battlefield tours include visits to key sites, and we can customize each tour based on your nationality and your interests relating to the Great War. You may also wish to combine tours of the S omme and Ypres battlefields (across the border in Belgium.

World War I in the Somme - France

The Battle of the Somme sites can be visited by following the Remembrance Trail, between Albert and Péronne. 

The Thiepval Memorial

The memorial bears the names of 72,194 British and South African servicemen who died in the Battle of the Somme. Very nearby is the Ulster Memorial Tower , which commemorates the men of the 36th Ulster Division and is a copy of Helen's Tower in County Down.

Thiepval museum

Thiepval Museum  ©Somme Tourisme

The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

This site, which consists of several areas, commemorates the efforts of the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Newfoundland Regiment and is the best surviving trench system from WWI. It's a key place to visit on  tours of the Somme battlefields.

beaumont hamel memorial

Beaumont Hamel Canadian Memorial  ©Somme Tourisme

The Somme American Cemetery

Located near Bony in Picardy, the cemetery contains 1,844 graves of American soldiers who lost their lives in operations near Catigny or while serving in American units attached to British armies in the area.

Our self-guided tours in Somme can also take you to Longueval, where there are  three memorials. The Delville Wood South African Memorial, the Pipers Memorial and the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial.

Longueval memorial

Longueval New Zealand Memorial  ©Somme Tourisme

The Australian National Memorial and Villers-Brettoneaux Military Cemetery

These sites honor the Australian soldiers who fought in France and Belgium, with 2,100 Commonwealth soldiers buried in the cemetery.

villers bretonneux

Villers Bretonneux Australian Memorial  ©Somme Tourisme

Vimy Ridge (North of the Somme)

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial sits upon the spot from which the Canadian Corps make their assault during the initial Battle of Vimy Ridge offensive of the Battle of Arras.

The best way to visit these sites is with a private guide that we will plan for you, based on your nationality, your specific interests, etc. They will bring this history alive for an experience you will never forget.

The Bay of Somme

Our self-drive tours of the Somme can also take you beyond the battlefields to discover some of the region's natural beauty. The Bay of Somme, where the Somme rivers empties into the English Channel, is a natural wildlife reserve made up of dunes, marches and salt fields. This is a major resting stop for migrating birds, and surprisingly is the home to a rather large seal colony. The towns of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer are charming to visit.

Ault C.Pegard

Cliffs in Ault in the Somme Bay "Baie de Somme"  ©C.Pegard-Somme Tourisme

Amiens is a very pleasant little city which you can easily explore on foot.

Amiens Cathedral

  • Amiens Cathedral is the largest Cathedral in France - about twice as big as Notre Dame in Paris. It is classical Gothic architecture.
  • Also, the shell of the building was made in 68 years - unbelievable, especially during the XIIIth century
  • There is a 234 meter-long labyrinth which pays tribute to the builders of the Cathedral
  • The 2 towers of the Cathedral are not symmetrical. While Notre Dame de Paris has 2 identical towers, many other Cathedrals in France do not. This is often because of budget or building issues. 
  • There are 307 steps to the North tower. If you reach the top, the views are great.

F.Leonardi

Amiens Cathedral -  ©F.Leonardi-Somme Tourisme

The Hortillonnages

With over 100 floating gardens divided by 40 miles (65km) of canals, the Hortillonnages are a unique site in Amiens. On foot or in a small boat, this is a relaxing and charming way to discover a different side of Amiens.

Somme Tourisme

Hortillonnages in Amiens -  ©Somme Tourisme

Accommodation & Gastronomy in the Somme

We have selected charming B&Bs that are perfectly located so that you may visit all the WWI sites, Amiens and the nearby Bay of Somme, allowing you to make the most of your time in the area.

We will share with you our favorite selection of restaurants where you will be able to try some of the local cuisine: duck paté, the ficelle picarde (a savory crepe with ham, mushrooms, scallions and cream), macarons d'Amiens made from almonds and honey, and salicorns from the Bay of Somme. However, instead of washing it down with French wine, the beverage of choice here is locally-made beer - either classic "blondes" to spice or fruit infused brews; the choice is endless.

Amiens Macarons

Macarons from Amiens -  ©Somme Tourisme

How to get to the Somme region

The Somme region and its main city Amiens are just a 1hr30 drive from Paris or CDG airport. This is very easy to reach, even on the day you land in France if you don't plan to stay in Paris to recover from jet lag.

Being located at a crossroads makes the Somme region very accessible from other French regions:

From the East

The Champagne vineyards and Reims are less than a 2hr drive, while Verdun is about 3hrs.

From the West

Normandy with   Etretat cliffs, famous for Arsène Lupin, are also a 2hr drive, while Rouen is a 1hr30 drive and Bayeux is 3hrs.

From the North

Lille and the Flanders region  (where the Ypres battlefields are located, just across the Belgian border) is about a 2hr drive.

From the South

Paris is 1h30 away when driving.

We do not recommend taking a train from Paris to Amiens: the hassle of the train (carrying the luggage, etc) isn't worth the time you will save compared to driving. 

FAQs about the Somme

The Somme is most associated with one of the largest and most devastating battles in human history, the Battle of the Somme. The battle took place between July 1, 1916 – November 18, 1916, during World War I.

The WW1 battlefields of the Somme are located in the rural region of Picardie, a beautiful part of northern France. The Somme department stretches from St Quentin in the east, through the city of Amiens, all the way to the coast. Amiens is about a 90-minute drive from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

The nearest town to the Somme battlefields is Albert, but we love having our travelers stay in the beautiful town of Amiens, which is about 30 minutes' drive from Albert.

More than 300,000 people died in four and a half months. There were more than a million casualties in total, including 420,000 among British troops, 200,000 French soldiers and 500,000 German soldiers.

We recommend starting a tour of the Somme in the beautiful town of Amiens, which is about 90 minutes' drive from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. From Amiens, it's a 45-75 minute drive to the key Somme battle sites, cemeteries and memorials.

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Our travelers’ reviews.

When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more …

When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more than accommodating to our wishes, both before and during the trip. For example, my sister and her husband experienced travel delays, and Emilie immediately offered to arrange alternative travel from Paris to our first destination in the Loire Valley. Before our travels began, Emilie sent us keepsake book, detailing our daily itineraries, replete with scheduled activities, restaurant suggestions, and optional excursions.Traveling through the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris for 12 days, each day was more spectacular than the previous one. The B&B near Chenonceau was a fantastic introduction to quintessentially French hospitality, charm, food, wine, and culture. From there we experienced true luxury in a serene setting in a chateau, where unexpectedly dinner was served (complete with vegetables from the castle's organic gardens). The B&B in Normandy was most memorable for the genteel hospitality of our host, Comte, who shared tales of his family through the centuries, including the arrest of his father in the foyer of the chateau due to his resistance activities against the Gestapo during WWII. The Count's son and his girlfriend served us a lovely meal around a stone fireplace in their charming apartment on the gorgeous chateau grounds. Thinking we had already experienced the best that France had to offer, we were blown away when we arrived at the B&B near Bayeux, warmly and creatively appointed. Finally, while less extravagant, the Hotel in Paris was equally as charming as our previous accommodations, located in a neighborhood teaming with cafes and shops in close proximity to all of the amazing sites that Paris has to offer! All of our hosts were extraordinarily gracious, serving us homemade French delicacies each morning and offering us helpful suggestions for making the most of each day. All in all, due to Emilie's fastidious planning, the trip was beyond perfect and exceeded our wildest dreams of a French vacation.

Travelers wanting to experience France need look no further than France Just for You. Emilie works very hard to make sure travelers have a care-free, positive, unique experience that they could have never found on their own or with a bus tour group. If you dislike prefabricated group tours, and/or feel unconfident about traveling in a foreign …

Travelers wanting to experience France need look no further than France Just for You. Emilie works very hard to make sure travelers have a care-free, positive, unique experience that they could have never found on their own or with a bus tour group. If you dislike prefabricated group tours, and/or feel unconfident about traveling in a foreign country, Emilie will do all the work for you and you can just enjoy the experience. I wish I could find a similar website for other countries I wish to visit. The guidebook is invaluable, user-friendly, and thorough. All the "off the beaten path" recommendations are great, and the B & Bs that Emilie works with are truly wonderful - which adds so much to a trip. Do NOT HESITATE to use the services of France Just For You.

The organisation and friendliness of the places we stayed was outstanding. We travel a lot and this was a delightful experience that we can't wait to do again. I could not recommend more highly the professionalism in the booklets which are a long term reminder of a most memorable time. We travelled from NZ a long way for just two weeks but it was …

The organisation and friendliness of the places we stayed was outstanding. We travel a lot and this was a delightful experience that we can't wait to do again. I could not recommend more highly the professionalism in the booklets which are a long term reminder of a most memorable time. We travelled from NZ a long way for just two weeks but it was worth it every step of the way

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Day trips from Paris | Visiting the legendary Somme Battlefields

Things to do in Paris Day Trips from Paris Paris to Somme Battlefields Day Trip

The Battle of the Somme is widely regarded as one of the most brutal battles in the history of World War I. The consequence of such a bitterly contested battle was more than one million casualities.

Even though more than a hundred years have passed since the tragic battle, the authorities have preserved the area as it was. In many regions, visitors can witness the trenches used by the troops. In some cases, even the crevices left behind by deadly shells can be clearly seen!

If you are a history buff wanting to learn more about World War I , a visit to this beautiful region is mandatory. Located at a convenient distance of 120 km from the heart of Paris, a day trip to this historically relavant site will make the perfect addition to your Paris itinerary.

Navigation Table

Why take a day trip from paris to somme battlefields.

  • Somme Battlefields: Ticket Options

Visiting Somme Battlefields: The Experience

Visiting somme battlefields: attractions you can't miss, visiting somme battlefields: self guided vs guided tours, visiting somme battlefields: tips, guidelines & more.

somme battlefields

As if paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic war was not enough, Somme offers plenty of reasons for you to visit the French department. From historic sites to nature trails, Somme has something for everyone. Here are a few reasons why a visit to the Somme Battlefields will make the perfect addition to your trip to Paris .

  • Beautiful drive: The drive from Paris to Somme Battlefields is filled with beautiful sights. The winding roads are generally devoid of traffic, allowing you to truly enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
  • Guided walks: Somme Battlefields offers plenty of guided walks where you can visit all the major battlefields and memorials.
  • The great war: Experience the history of World War I on your visit to the Somme Battlefields and pay your respect to those who lost their lives in the war.
  • Adventure activities: Somme has more to offer than just battlefields and memorials. Indulge in sand-yachting, horse-riding, kayaking and hiking, along with other interesting outdoor activities.
  • Somme Bay: Visit Somme Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is rich in wildlife and is most famous for the colony of seals that can be spotted at any given time.

Somme Battlefields - Ticket Options

Somme battefields day trip from paris.

  • Travel from Paris to the Somme Battlefields and back in an air-conditioned minibus.
  • Visit key battlefields, trenches, and monuments and learn intimate details about the First World War.
  • Visit Somme battles, including the Villers-Bretonneux battlefields, Pozières battlefield, and the Lochnagar Crater.
  • Pay homage to the soldiers who lost their lives at the Australian Memorial & the Thiepval memorial.
  • This small group tour that contains a maximum of 16 people will ensure a more wholesome and immersive experience.

Your experience will start in the center of Paris and will see you through a two-hour drive to the Somme battlefields. The picturesque drive will give you time to relax as your guide regales you with fascinating tidbits of information.

Memorials and battlefields

Visit the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and pay tribute to those who laid down their lives for their country. Head over to the John Monash Center, and learn more about the battles. Marvel at the impressive size of the Lochnagar Crater that was created when the British sprung a mine under a German fortified site. Visit other important and historically relevant sites such as the Pozières battlefield, the Thiepval Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.

Heading back

Before you head back to Paris, stop at the Museum of the Great War in Perroné and learn more about the history of the Battle of the Somme, along with the other significant battles fought in the region.

Key Battlefields, Trenches and Memorials

Somme battlefield is liberally scattered with various battlefields and memorials. Some of the original trenches used by the troops can also be observed. While you may not be able to cover each and every one of them, no trip to Somme is complete without visiting atleast the key battlefields, trenches and memorials.

John Monash Centre

A trip to the John Monash Centre will tell you Australia's story during the tragic war. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this centre is that visitors get to hear these war stories in the form of letters, images and diary entries. The experience is an immersive and interractive one, allowing you to gain a better understanding of the war and its consequences.

Museum of the Great War

Located at the heart of the Somme battlefield, the Museum of the Great War is one of the largest war museums in Europe. Two of its most famous permanent exhibits, Prisoners of War and Children in World War I are truly worth seeing. The Museum of the Great War offers a clear insight into all the battles fought at Somme and provides information on all the nations that fought.

Historial of the Great War in Péronne

An international museum that attracts thousands of visitors every year, the Historial of the Great War depicts the lives of soldiers behind the trenches. The museum also has a collection of interesting documentaries and films that lets us know more about the war and its consequences.

Hassle-Free and Convenient

Although self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore the battlefields at your own pace, a guided tour offers a hassle-free and convenient experience that allows you to sit back and relax.

Covers all the Key Attractions

Since the battlefields, memorials and other attractions are scattered across the area, you might find it hard to move from one attraction to the next. Similarly, it is almost impossible to cover all the historically relevant attractions at Somme. A guided tour will let you visit all the key attractions, making sure that you do not miss out on anything important.

Expert English-Speaking Guide

With a guided tour, you will be in the company of an experienced English-speaking tour guide. Your guide will take you through the region, allowing you to make the most of your day trip to Somme battlefields.

  • When to visit: The best time to visit the Somme battlefields is during the mornings. The museums and memorials around the area tend to be less crowded during this time. As the day progresses, you will find more and more people visiting these attractions.
  • What to wear: Visitors should wear comfortable clothes and shoes as a tour of the battlefields include a lot of walking. If you are visiting during the winter, do not forget to carry a thick jacket or shawl.
  • Language: Almost everyone around the major tourist spots speak English. The area sees many British expats running B&Bs and local tours, so one can easily communicate using English. However, you might find that the locals living in nearby villages do not understand English.
  • Money: ATMs in and around Somme are aplenty, so visitors need not worry about carrying enough cash with them. However, it should be kept in mind that some establishments do not allow the use of American and British cards.

How far is Somme from Paris?

Somme is located at a distance of 120 km from Paris and takes around 2 hours by car.

Are there direct trains from Paris to Somme?

No, there are no direct trains from Paris to Somme.

At Somme, can I visit WW I trenches?

At Somme, you will get to witness some of the original trenches used by the troops during the World War I.

Are tickets to the Somme battlefields refundable?

Headout offers Somme battlefield tickets that are refundable.

How long does it take to visit Somme battlefields?

It takes around 10 to 11 hours to cover all the key battlefields and memorials.

​Are transfers included in Somme battlefield tours?

Headout offers Somme battlefield tours that include transfers to and from Paris.

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WW1 WW1 Australians in the Somme battlefields -Villers Bretonneux, Le Hamel, Pozieres, Péronne

Tour code : somme1 ww1 australians in the somme battlefields 1916 - 1918 tour.

Day trip from Paris in a small group aboard a Minivan (max 7 pax)

  • Information
  • Tour Description
  • Similar Tours

HIGHTLIGHTS

  • Day trip from Paris to the Somme in France’s Picardy region.
  • Follow the footsteps of the braves australians soldiers who fought in the Somme in WW1.
  • Walk along the graves and pay your respect in front of the wall of the missing australians soldiers at the Australian Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux
  • Discover the “Sir John Monash Centre” in Villers-Bretonneux
  • See the huge landmine « Lochnagar Crater »
  • Walk along the original WW1 trenches at Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park
  • See the Digger’ statue standing on top of the mount saint quentin ridge in Péronne
  • Browse thousands of war-objects collected and displayed at the Historial of Peronne

THE PRICE INCLUDES

  • Small group tour (Max 7 participants)
  • Travel aboard an air-conditioning Minivan vehicle
  • Guided sightseeing tour with English-speaking guide
  • Visit of the John Monash Centre
  • Admission to the Historial of the Great War in Péronne

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDES

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Not guided inside the Museum of the Great War in Péronne
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Pick up in central PARIS
  • INTRODUCTION
  • STOP 1 - Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux (30mn)
  • STOP 2 - Sir John Monash Centre in Villers- Bretonneux (30mn)
  • STOP 3 - Australian Corps Memorial - Le Hamel (30 mn)
  • STOP 4 - The « Red Baron » crash site (05 MN)
  • STOP 5 - « Lochnagar Crater » site in La Boisselle (10 mn)
  • STOP 6 - AUSTRALIAN MEMORIAL, POZIERES WINDMILL (15 MN)
  • STOP 7 - Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park (01 hour)
  • STOP 8 - Lunch Time in Péronne (01 hour)
  • STOP 9 - MEMORIAL OF THE 2ND AUSTRALIAN DIVISION OF MOUNT ST QUENTIN, PERONNE (15 MN)
  • STOP 9 - Historial of The Great War in Péronne (01 hour)
  • RETURN TO PARIS

In the morning the driver guide will pick you up at 06:25 am at the following adress : UGC CINEMA NORMANDY 116 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

(Easy to access by metro Line 1 and to get off at Metro station « George V »)

The tragedy of the Somme in 1916, even nowadays is remembered by all commonwealth countries as the bloodiest battle ever. At the end of the fisrt day (1st July 1916) of the attack, casualties  went up to 56,000 and among them at least 19,000 commonwealth countries'soldiers got killed. By the end of the offensive in November 1916, more than 1 million soldiers would have been wounded, captured or killed.

Come and join us for a day of remembrance and discover this large and very flat areas of farming lands. War cemeteries are standing everywhere in the fields and forever will testimony of the violence and bloody battles of the Great War.

To start your trip, you will be pickup by the driver guide in central Paris near « Place de la Concorde » at 06H40 in the morning aboard a comfortable minivan. Leaving Paris, we are now heading north towards the county of Somme wich is Located at only 1h40mn drive away from the french capital.

This tour wil also give you the opportunity to see both the front line of the battle of the Somme 1916 (July to November) and also the front line of the battle of the Somme 1918 (March to September).

Your full-day history’ tour will begin in the areas of the Somme 1918 battlegrounds.  First stop to visit the «Australian War Memorial » at Villers- Bretonneux who stands on top of a ridge overlooking the town.

The Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux is the main memorial to Australian military personnel killed on the Western Front during World War I . It is located on the Route Villiers-Bretonneux (D 23), in the Somme département , France . The memorial lists 10,773 names of soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force with no known grave who were killed between 1916, when Australian forces arrived in France and Belgium, and the end of the war. The location was chosen to commemorate the role played by Australian soldiers in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (24–27 April 1918).

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens , the memorial consists of a tower within the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery , which also includes a Cross of Sacrifice . The tower is surrounded by walls and panels on which the names of the missing dead are listed. The main inscription is in both French and English, on either side of the entrance to the tower. The memorial and cemetery are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

In addition you will have time to discover the new visitor centre "Sir John Monash", unveiled on the 25th of April 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Villers Bretonneux and the recapture of the town by 2 australians brigades.

The Sir John Monash Centre tells Australia’s story of the Western Front in the words of those who served.Adjacent to the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, the Sir John Monash Centre is the hub of the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front.

This cutting-edge multimedia centre reveals the Australian Western Front experience through a series of interactive media installations and immersive experiences.

A cinema offers you a 20 minute modern film which broadcasts impressive sounds system and 3D special effects that will plunge you directly into the heart of fierces fightings alongside the Australian soldiers during the battles of the Somme between 1916 and 1918.

The Australian Memorial Corps of the Hamel was built at the initiative of the Australian government.   It is dedicated to the memory of Australian soldiers who served in the Australian Corps in France during the Great War.   Created in 1917, this corps was composed of five divisions that had served in France and Belgium since 1916.

On July 4, 1918, with the support of American troops, General John Monash launched a large-scale victorious attack combining infantry, artillery, aviation, armoured and parachute for the first time, thus foreshadowing the tactics of modern warfare.

The Memorial Park is located on the plateau east of the village, on the site of the final goal of the Battle of the Hamel.   It was inaugurated on July 4, 1998, eighty years after the Battle of the Hamel.   It commemorates the sacrifice of more than a thousand Australian soldiers during the First World War.

On 21 April 1918, exactly a month after von Hindenburg and von Ludendorff launched their last offensive, the  Kaiser's Battle, the Canadian pilot, Captain Roy Brown, claimed to have shot the Red Baron down, in a field, near Vaux sur Somme.

Von Richthofen was involved in an active dogfight with British RE 8s and Camels led by Captain Arthur Roy Brown. During the last stage of this pursuit, Von Richthofen was hit by a single bullet that caused massive damage to his heart and lungs, resulting in rapid death.

In the last seconds of his life, he managed to make a hasty but controlled landing in a field, just north of the village of Vaux sur Somme, in a sector controlled by the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). His Fokker was not damaged by the landing, but Australian souvenir hunters stripped most of it.

Leaving the « Red Baron » crash site, then the ride will takes you 20km north more far away to discover the most importants sites of the battle  of the somme in 1916.

Impressives sites such as the huge mine crater in « La Boisselle » detonated by the british tunneling companies in July 01th 1916.

The Lochnagar Crater was created by a large mine placed beneath the German front lines on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, it was one of 19 mines that were placed beneath the German lines from the British section of the Somme front, to assist the infantry advance at the start of the battle.

The British named the mine after ‘Lochnagar Street’, a British trench where the Tunnelling Companies of the Royal Engineers dug a shaft down about 90 feet deep into the chalk; then excavated some 300 yards towards the German lines to place 60,000 lbs (27 tons) of ammonal explosive in two large adjacent underground chambers 60 feet apart. Its aim was to destroy a formidable strongpoint called « Schwaben Höhe » in the German front line, south of the village of La Boisselle in the Somme département.

The memorial is on the site of a windmill on the northern edge of Pozières village.

From 27 th  September 1914 the German Army arrived in Bapaume and fought the French Army down the main road towards Albert during the next few days. Blocking the way to Albert, the French managed to hold off the advance of the 26th and 28th Reserve Divisions in this area. The German Army stopped its further advance a few kilometres south of Pozières on the main road at the village of La Boisselle. With the high ground at Pozières securely behind its forward line the German Army here had magnificent views of the countryside for 360 degrees.

During 1915 and into early 1916 the German divisions in this sector of the Somme battlefield constructed a fortified Front Line between the villages of Gommecourt, Beaumont-Hamel, Thiepval, La Boisselle, Fricourt, and Mametz to Curlu on the Somme river. An Intermediate Position consisting of barbed wire defences and strongpoints was constructed behind the Front Line, and behind that a Second Position was built up. This Second Position comprised a series of strongpoints and observation points on good sites of high ground.

The windmill on this high ground was used from September 1914 as a German field artillery observation post and command post. The views were magnificent to the front and rear of this position. The site was built up as a strongpoint just to the north of the fortified village of Pozières.

Following, the guide is now taking you to visit the Newfoundland Memorial Park in Beaumont Hamel. Over there, quite a large portion of the battleground has been preserved and so while walking through the network of the now-serene originals trenches you will see the scars of the battle which still remain on the ground.

The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is a memorial site in France dedicated to the commemoration of Dominion of Newfoundland forces members who were killed during World War I . The 74-acre preserved battlefield park encompasses the grounds over which the Newfoundland Regiment made their unsuccessful attack on 1 July 1916 during the first day of the Battle of the Somme .

On 1 July 1916 at 8:45 a.m. the Newfoundland Regiment and 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment received orders to move forward. Of the 780 men who went forward only about 110 survived unscathed, of whom only 68 were available for roll call the following day.

In the afternoon, you will discover the town of Peronne where we will take a break for lunch in a local restaurant or you will just decides by yourself of your own choices of meals (own expense).

Mont Saint-Quentin Australian war memorial , located in  Mont Saint-Quentin  region of  Picardy , is an Australian  First World War  memorial.

The  Australian Second Division  has a war memorial on the road from Bapaume to Péronne. It is the only one of the five Australian division memorials initiated by members of the division. The base was erected in 1925. It has bronze bas-reliefs by  May Butler-George  of men hauling and pushing a gun and of men advancing with bayoneted rifles and hand-grenades. It had on its top an Australian soldier thrusting his bayonet through a German eagle. The sculptor was  Charles Web Gilbert .

However, in 1940, German soldiers smashed the memorial. A replacement statue by  Stanley Hammond  of a thoughtful Australian soldier looking down was erected in 1971

After lunch and to end that very moving day, you will get a free access to explore the «Great War Historial and museum" in Péronne. A 13th century medieval castle house the WW1 museum which display a a large exhibits of uniforms and weapons  all worn, designed and used by the soldiers during the conflict.

The historial of peronne museum also offers a permanent collection of Trench Artists such as « Otto Dix » who did testimony of  the atrocities of the war with sketching some very graphic etchings.

Museum Layout

The Historial, Museum of the Great War in Péronne opened in 1992. A highly respected museum devoted to the history of the First World War, the Historial studies the full cultural, social and military scale of this important chapter of history.

The central part of each gallery pays testimony to life at the front, that which concerned every population at war the most.

Soldiers of various nationalities are represented by mannequins dressed in their uniforms with their weapons and personal effects by their sides. These bodies, lying in white marble pits cut out of the museum’s floor, symbolise the entire territory of the Somme riddled by trenches, and the common suffering of the men at war.

Weapons and military equipment are displayed in the centre of the galleries; placed on the ground, in pits, they pay testimony to the common suffering of the soldiers. The lives of the civilians, each and everyone ‘mobilised’ by war, are studied in the wall cabinets, divided into three sections and respectively dedicated to Germany, France and Great Britain.

During the return drive to Paris you will have time to relax aboard the minivan before to be dropped off in Central Paris  (Drop off in front of the "LIDO DE PARIS 116 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris" in the evening between 06:30 pm till 07:30 pm).

Easy there to catch a taxi cab either to find metro station (Ligne 1 Métro : George V).

More about Somme

WW1 British and Canadians soldiers in the Somme 1916 (Small Group 2/7 pax)

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« ADRIAN ROADS » passionate team company is motivated by the same core values, namely the sharing of remembrance and transmission of history knowledge in both world wars. We do run our tours in small groups only (Max 8 people) aboard a comfortable and Air conditioned minivan.

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The Somme Battlefields

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somme battlefield tour from paris

This tour is available in most languages. Select your language on checkout.

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About The Tour

The Battle of the Somme lasted from 1 July to 17 November 1916, and the fighting was some of the bloodiest of the First World War with over a million casualties - dead and wounded. Your Paris tour guide will explain the circumstances of the battle as well as the overall political and military history which led to the outbreak of The First World War.

You will visit the celebrated Museum of The Great War in the mediaeval town of Peronne, just a short drive from the battlefields. At Thiepval, you will see Sir Edwin Lutyen's imposing Memorial on which are recorded the names of 72000 men who have no known grave.

At Beaumont-Hamel, where the Newfoundlers attacked on the morning of 1 July, there is a well preserved trench system which shows how close the two front lines were. You will visit the moving Australian National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux and the cavernous Lochnagar crater where a huge mine was exploded under the German positions.

From approximately 7:30 a.m to 7 p.m

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Because you insist on the longest-established and most experienced service available in Britain. Founded in 1958, British Tours is still under the same management. About Us

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

somme battlefield tour from paris

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WW1 Somme Battlefield - Thiepval, Beaumont Hamel - Day Trip From Paris (3/7 Pax) - With Reviews & Ratings

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WW1 Somme Battlefield - Thiepval, Beaumont Hamel - Day Trip From Paris (3/7 Pax)

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Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Hotel pickup Available
  • Duration: 13 Hrs
  • Language: English
  • Departure Time : 06:30 AM
  • Return Details : Returns to original departure point
  • Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Day trip from Paris to the Somme in Frances Picardy region. Walk along the last preserved WW1 original trenches at Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park. See the huge landmine Lochnagar Crater in La Boisselle Pay your respect to the fallen soldiers at the British War Memorial in Thiepval Discover inside the Thiepval museum the gallery devoted to the "Battle of the Somme" opens onto a panoramic mural by illustrator Joe Sacco. it depicts the harrowing day of 1 July 1916, hour after hour. Reproduced onto 60 metres of back-lit glass, it provides a panoramic view of the battlefield, a graphic narrative of military operations. Browse thousands of war-objects collected and displayed at the Historial of Peronne

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Impressives sites such as the huge mine crater in La Boisselle detonated by the british tunneling companies in July 01th 1916.The Lochnagar Crater was created by a large mine placed beneath the German front lines on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, it was one of 19 mines that were placed beneath the German lines from the British section of the Somme front, to assist the infantry advance at the start of the battle.The British named the mine after Lochnagar Street, a British trench where the Tunnelling Companies of the Royal Engineers dug a shaft down about 90 feet deep into the chalk; then excavated some 300 yards towards the German lines to place 60,000 lbs (27 tons) of ammonal explosive in two large adjacent underground chambers 60 feet apart. Its aim was to destroy a formidable strongpoint called Schwaben Hhe in the German front line, south of the village of La Boisselle in the Somme dpartement. You will pay your respects to the Memorial of the Missing in Thiepval, unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 1932 and the French State Prsident Mr Albert Lebrun . This massive british war monument commemorates more than 72000 soldiers from the UK and Commonwealth countries which where all reporting missing during the battle of the Somme 1916 and have no graves known.Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the memorial reminds visitors that the Battle of the Somme was one of the most deadly of the Great War, incurring 1,200,000 casualties from 1 July to 18 November 1916. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors (of which a great number are British) come to the memorial in remembrance of the fallen. At the entrance a large animated map, enriched with period photographs and film, shows the impact that the battles of the First World War had on the Somme.The gallery devoted to the Battle of the Somme opens onto a panoramic mural by illustrator Joe Sacco; it depicts the harrowing day of 1 July 1916, hour after hour. Reproduced onto 60 metres of back-lit glass, it provides a panoramic view of the battlefield, a graphic narrative of military operations.In the centre of the hall, a vast display pit covered by glass presents collection pieces and archaeological remains of the war. Short videos provide complementary information about the mural: commentary on the scenes presented, historical information, archive footage, and educational animations.At the end of the hall, a Maxim machine gun captured by a British regiment at Thiepval reminds visitors of how heavily the Germans defended this location: Thiepval ridge was an Allied objective of the 1 July 1916; it was not taken until the end of September.Opposing the multitude of Missing, the exhibition examines the creation of great heroic figures. This large hall presents a life-size replica of the aeroplane belonging to Georges Guynemer and portraits of First World War aviators.From 1916, the role of aviation in war had affirmed itself, encouraging the advent of great heroic figures. Individual heroes, like the Knights of the Sky, emerged in the face of the continuing death of the masses. The Ulster Memorial Tower stands on what was the German front line during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916. It was erected on the site of the Schwaben Redoubt, a strongly fortified position, which the Ulster Division eventually captured from the enemy. It is opposite Thiepval Wood from where the 36th (Ulster) Division made its historic charge on the 1st July 1916, and is in close proximity to the village of Thiepval. Following, the guide is now taking you to visit the Newfoundland Memorial Park in Beaumont Hamel. Over there, quite a large portion of the battleground has been preserved and so while walking through the network of the now-serene originals trenches you will see the scars of the battle which still remain on the ground.The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is a memorial site in France dedicated to the commemoration of Dominion of Newfoundland forces members who were killed during World War I. The 74-acre preserved battlefield park encompasses the grounds over which the Newfoundland Regiment made their unsuccessful attack on 1 July 1916 during the first day of the Battle of the Somme.On 1 July 1916 at 8:45 a.m. the Newfoundland Regiment and 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment received orders to move forward. Of the 780 men who went forward only about 110 survived unscathed, of whom only 68 were available for roll call the following day.

  • Admission to the Thiepval Museum in Thiepval
  • Admission to the Historial of the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Driver Guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Traveler Reviews

I did a combined Somme/Verdun/Meuse Argonne tour with Regis over the course of two days. Leading up to this trip Regis was very responsive with questions and details and arrive early for our pick up time. The van was comfortable and clean. Spending time with Regis you can really feel his passion for history, whether it be WW1 or WW2, and his knowledge of the battles is all encompassing. He is able to explain the overall big picture of the battles that were being fought, but also adds personal touches so that you remember these were individuals fighting in many times horrific conditions. His agenda blends a nice combination of battlefield sites, memorials, and museums. Being an American he even brought me to the Meuse Argonne cemetery and pointed out individual crosses of some of the US heroes who had fallen during that offensive. Telling me their stories and showing me pictures. Overall I had always wanted to visit the battlefields on the Somme and Verdun. Thanks to Regis I now have a higher understanding and appreciation for those who fought on those grounds. If I am lucky enough to do another tour in the future I will 100% be reaching out to Regis to schedule the tour.

Fantastic Trip with a great guide. Our guide Regis was a great historian of the area and very informative . Thoroughly enjoyed by myself and my teenage daughters. Highly recommended.

As a Newfoundlander, I found it emotional to visit the battlefield where so many of our young men died on July 1, 1916 at Beaumont Hamel. Regis, our guide, was excellent. He was v ery personable, well informed and patient as we asked questions and took our time viewing the area. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Newfoundland's history. I found that there was still a lot I did not know about this wartime debacle and Regis was very knowledgeable in all of the aspects of the battle.

Excellent tour. Guide was Regis Piteux of Adrian Roads tours. He was very prompt, even early. His knowledge of the battle and the area was extensive and insightful. He was very attentive to our needs. He took us to an excellent restaurant in Perrone. We highly recommend him and his company.

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  1. Somme Battlefields Small Group Guided Tour from Paris

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  2. 2023 WW1 Somme Battlefields

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  3. Somme Battlefields Small Group Guided Tour from Paris

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  4. WW1 Somme Battlefield Tour by Minivan from Paris

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  5. WWI

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  6. 2023 WW1 Somme Battlefield

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VIDEO

  1. Somme Battlefield, Trenches, Rossignol Wood, WW1

  2. Travels with Hamish (Somme Battlefield Tour Sept 2023)

  3. Battlefield 1

  4. [2024] WW1 relic hunting on the Somme's battlefields + memorials

  5. WW1 Battlefield Tour

  6. Somme Battlefield Tour

COMMENTS

  1. Somme Battlefield Tour from Paris

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  2. Somme WWI Battlefields & John Monash Centre Small-Group Tour 2024

    The 1916 Battle of Somme marks one of the darkest chapters in French history and remains among the bloodiest battles ever recorded. Your full-day tour of this hallowed military site begins in the early morning, when you'll meet your guide in central Paris and board a minivan for the drive north.

  3. From Paris: WWI Somme Battlefields Full-Day Tour

    Full description. Visit the battlefield of Somme for a day of remembrance. During the full-day tour you will discover the part of France which suffered severely in the violent and bloody battles of the Great War (the First World War). Explore the area where the dramatic period of history took place - the Somme battlefields and its major sites ...

  4. WWI Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris

    Overview of your Paris tour: A full day tour of the Somme battlefields where you'll be fascinated by the history o French and British military. The tour duration is approximately 11 hours which includes hotel pick up and drop-off. We'll walk on the sites which has a significant story of the bloodiest battles fought during World War I.

  5. Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris: Thiepval, Villers ...

    Designed to delight history enthusiasts, this 12-hour tour takes you to significant World War I sites that surround the Somme battlefields. Departing from Paris, you'll travel to historic battlefields such as Thiepval, Péronne, and Villers-Bretonneux, and marvel at the size of the Lochnagar Crater in La Boisselle. See, too, the Franco-British Memorial and visit the Museum of the Great War ...

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    12 Av. des Ternes, 75017 Paris, France. Open in Google Maps. For the Small-Group WWI Somme Battlefields Day Trip, you will meet with your driver-guide outside of 12 Avenue des Ternes in Paris, 15 minutes before your tour starts. A café called "Café Dada Ternes" is located at that address.

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    WWI Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris. 4.9 / 5 43 reviews. Activity provider: Blue Fox Travel. Add to wishlist. +6. Take an unforgettable trip from Paris to the Somme battlefields where the bloodiest battles of World War I were fought, on this small group day trip tour. Your guide will help you learn about the Great War and the struggles ...

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    16 Avignon. 17 Grasse. 18 Colmar. 19 Porto, France. 20 Epernay. Take an unforgettable trip from Paris to the Somme battlefields where the bloodiest battles of World War I were fought, on this small group day trip tour. Your guide will help you learn about the Great War and the struggles faced in the trenches.

  11. THE 10 BEST Somme Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    27. Australian and New Zealand Battlefield Day Tour in the Somme from Lille or Arras. 3. Historical Tours. 6+ hours. Le Hamel where Sir John Monash used for the 1st time tanks and infantry on a modern way, Albert and Thiepval Memorial and…. Free cancellation. from. $404.

  12. From Paris: WWI Somme Battlefields Full-Day Tour

    The tour package for the WWI Somme Battlefields Full-Day Tour includes a guided tour by minivan, lunch, drinks, and optional hotel pick-up, gratuities, with exclusions for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. Accessibility considerations: The tour isn't suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with mobility impairments.. Tour pricing: The price starts from $268.15 per ...

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    WW1 Somme Battlefields - Private tour from Paris aboard a Van (2 pax) 2. Historical Tours. from . $909.94. per group (up to 2) WW1 Belleau Wood and American Monument in Château-Thierry - Day trip from Paris. 9. Historical Tours. from . $260.78. per adult. WW1 Australians in the Somme -Villers Bretonneux, Le Hamel - Day trip from Paris. 15.

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    The WW1 Australian Battlefield Day Tour from Paris offers an immersive and captivating experience for travelers interested in exploring the historic battlegrounds and landmarks of World War 1. This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of the Australian involvement in the war.

  15. Self-Drive Somme Battlefield Tours

    North of Paris, the Somme region is at the crossroads between Flanders and Paris, the capital of France.During World War I, the Somme region was turned into battlefields, where many countries fought as part of the Allied effort.It is a moving experience to visit these sites: Thiepval Memorial, the American Cemetery near Bony, Beaumont Hamel Canadian site, the Pozières Memorial with British ...

  16. Paris to Somme Battlefields Day Trip

    Somme Battefields Day Trip From Paris. Travel from Paris to the Somme Battlefields and back in an air-conditioned minibus. Visit key battlefields, trenches, and monuments and learn intimate details about the First World War. Visit Somme battles, including the Villers-Bretonneux battlefields, Pozières battlefield, and the Lochnagar Crater.

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    Leaving Paris, we are now heading north towards the county of Somme wich is Located at only 1h40mn drive away from the french capital. This tour wil also give you the opportunity to see both the front line of the battle of the Somme 1916 (July to November) and also the front line of the battle of the Somme 1918 (March to September).

  18. Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris

    WW1 Somme Battlefields - Private tour from Paris aboard a Van (2 pax) 2. Historical Tours. from . £715.41. per group (up to 2) WW1 Belleau Wood and American Monument in Château-Thierry - Day trip from Paris. 9. Historical Tours. from . £205.03. per adult. Sir John Monash Centre in the Somme from Paris aboard a Van (4/7 pax) 1. Historical Tours.

  19. The Somme Battlefields

    The Battle of the Somme lasted from 1 July to 17 November 1916, and the fighting was some of the bloodiest of the First World War with over a million casualties - dead and wounded. Your Paris tour guide will explain the circumstances of the battle as well as the overall political and military history which led to the outbreak of The First World ...

  20. WW1 Somme Battlefield

    The 74-acre preserved battlefield park encompasses the grounds over which the Newfoundland Regiment made their unsuccessful attack on 1 July 1916 during the first day of the Battle of the Somme.On 1 July 1916 at 8:45 a.m. the Newfoundland Regiment and 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment received orders to move forward.

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  25. 14-18 Somme Battlefield Tours

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