From Paris: WWI Battlefields and Memorials in Normandy Full Day English Guided Tour

A historical journey through the Somme battlefields

Go on a full-day guided tour that provides an in-depth exploration of the Somme battlefields, one of the most significant sites of World War I. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned van from Paris, you will visit key locations where major battles took place, accompanied by an expert WWI historian. With a small group limited to eight people, the tour ensures a more personal and detailed experience.

The tour begins with a visit to the Lochnagar Mine Crater, a massive site created by an explosion on the first day of the battle. You will then stop at the Thiepval Memorial, which honors over 72,000 soldiers who went missing in action. At the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, you will have the opportunity to walk through original trenches from 1916.

Memorials, museums, and personal stories from WWI

The tour includes entry to the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert, an underground museum that preserves artifacts, weapons, and personal stories from soldiers who fought in the trenches.

The second half of the tour features a visit to the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, dedicated to thousands of Australian soldiers with no known graves. You will also explore the Sir John Monash Centre, where multimedia exhibits provide further historical context on the Australian forces’ role in WWI. The tour concludes with a visit to the Cathedral of Amiens, the largest Gothic cathedral in France, before returning to Paris.

From Paris: WWI Battlefields and Memorials in Normandy Full Day English Guided Tour

Discover the poignant battlefields and memorials of World War I on this full-day guided tour from Paris, offering a deep dive into the history of the Great War. Explore significant sites such as Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Lochnagar Mine Crater, and the Australian National Memorial. The tour includes visits to the Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Bretonneux and the Red Baron’s crash site near Douai. With a maximum group size of eight guests, you’ll enjoy an intimate and personalized experience. Your expert historian guide provides insights into the events that shaped this region during World War I. The tour covers approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) through Normandy and northern France, with stops at key landmarks including the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert, where an underground exhibit showcases wartime artifacts and personal stories of soldiers. This sightseeing experience includes round-trip transportation from Paris, audio guide in English, and entry fees to all sites visited.

Visit Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme

Your tour stops at Thiepval Memorial where guests can explore a monument commemorating over 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died in the Battles of the Somme but have no known graves. Built between 1928 and 1932, this impressive structure stands at 45 meters (148 feet) high and covers an area of about 1 hectare (2.5 acres). Visitors can see names inscribed on stone panels along the memorial's walls, learn about the Battle of the Somme from July to November 1916, and view panoramic views over the surrounding battlefield. The Thiepval Memorial is unique for its scale and design by Sir Edwin Lutyens, making it one of the largest British war memorials in the world. It matters greatly to this tour as it provides a profound reflection on the human cost of World War I.

Explore Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Your tour continues at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial where guests can visit a site dedicated to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who fought here during the Battle of the Somme. Established in 1925, this memorial includes a moated bronze caribou statue representing the regimental emblem and symbolizing vigilance and endurance. The memorial grounds cover approximately 3 hectares (7.4 acres) with trenches and tunnels preserved from World War I. Visitors can explore these remnants of war while learning about the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916, where over 700 soldiers were killed or wounded within an hour. This site is unique for its well-preserved battlefield features and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this battle.

Experience Somme 1916 Museum in Albert

Your tour includes a visit to the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert where guests can delve into the history of World War I through an underground exhibit showcasing wartime artifacts, weapons, and personal stories of soldiers. Established in 2007, this museum covers approximately 800 square meters (8,611 square feet) with exhibits divided into several themed areas including trenches, dugouts, and medical facilities. Visitors spend about one hour exploring the museum's comprehensive collection which includes over 5,000 objects and documents. This site is unique for its immersive underground setting that recreates the conditions soldiers faced during the Battle of the Somme.

Tour Highlights

• Journey to WWI battlefields from Paris
• Explore Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial with trenches
• Learn about Lochnagar Mine Crater and its historical significance
• Visit Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Bretonneux for Australian history
• See Red Baron’s crash site near Douai, a key WWI location
• Discover the Somme 1916 Museum with underground exhibits on war artifacts
• Benefit from expert historian guide showing you around significant sites
• Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned van transportation throughout the day

Perfect for history enthusiasts, military buffs, and those interested in World War I, this full-day guided tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the battles fought in Normandy. The day-long format allows you to visit Thiepval Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, and Somme 1916 Museum, giving you insight into the human cost and historical significance of these landmarks.