The Paths of Remembrance: The battle of the Somme

The capital of Picardy, Amiens charms visitors with its majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers can stroll through the hortillonnages, floating gardens crisscrossed by canals, or in the Saint-Leu district, with its colorful houses and lively terraces.
Our partner hotels are located a 10-minute walk from the train station, right next to the cathedral and the lively Saint-Leu district.

Distance to cover: 17 km (10,5 miles)

You begin your first day of walking by following the Somme River upstream. Following the old towpath, you will pass by the famous Hortillonnages, unique gardens surrounded by water that have supplied the city of Amiens with vegetables since the Middle Ages. The Somme will then take you to Corbie.
Your hotel for the next two nights is located near the old abbey and the river.

Distance to cover: 14 km (8,7 miles)

Today’s walk is very different from yesterday’s. The riverbeds have disappeared, replaced by cultivated fields. In fact, you will be walking where, in April 1918, Australian soldiers began to push back the German army. You will have plenty of time to visit the Australian memorial and the small museum at Victoria School in Villers-Brettonneux.

Distance to cover: 18 km (11,2 miles)

Today’s hike is very pleasant and fairly easy. You will walk between the Somme Canal and the Ancre River. This day will allow you to recover from yesterday’s emotions, but you will still find small military cemeteries here and there in the middle of nowhere, reminding you of the horrors of war. Albert is located in the heart of what was the front line of the Battle of the Somme between July and November 1915. Today, Albert is a very quiet little town with a museum and a few cafés and restaurants.

Distance to cover: 19 km (11,8 miles)

After a short taxi ride to Pozières (15 minutes), you will walk along the eastern front of the Battle of the Somme, east of Albert. You will cross a very rural area and pass through numerous villages, hamlets, and military cemeteries. English, German, Welsh, and New Zealand cemeteries. Not to mention the South African memorial in Longueval and the 1st Australian Division memorial in Pozières.

Back in Albert, you can enjoy a good local beer while paying tribute to those who lost their lives here.

Distance to cover: 14 km (8,7 miles)

Today, you will set off along the Albert Canal. The natural setting is pleasant, with the sound of water and the scent of the undergrowth. After 5 or 6 km, you will leave the valley to climb the hill and reach the British memorial at Thiepval. It was inaugurated in 1932 by the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VIII. The memorial is very impressive and houses a recent and extremely well-designed museum. You will then pass the Ulster Tower, cross the River Ancre, and climb up to Beaumont-Hamel. This Newfoundland park and memorial is very special, as a young Canadian guide can take you on a tour of the trenches… an experience you will never forget. After all this, we will transfer you by car to Arras (40 minutes’ drive). Your hotel is located right in the center of this charming and lively town.

Distance to travel: 14 km (8,7 miles)

You will start the day with a private transfer to Vimy Ridge (20-minute drive). Our driver will drop you off at the new Vimy Visitor Center, where you can get all the information you need. The Canadian Memorial and Vimy Battlefield Park are remarkable. They are well laid out and invite peace. From there, you will walk for 2 to 3 hours to reach the Scarpe River and the center of Arras.

End of stay in Arras after breakfast.