The Paths of Remembrance: ANZAC

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 criss-crossed by canals, or in the Saint-Leu district, with its colourful houses and lively terraces.
Our partner hotels are located a 10-minute walk from the 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: 15 ou21 km (9.3 or 13 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.
On your way, don’t miss the Thiepval Memorial, an imposing monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers. The walk continues towards Beaumont-Hamel, where the preserved trenches of the memorial park offer a poignant testimony to the battle of 1916. The path then descends gently towards Albert, between meadows and rolling countryside, until you reach the town and the silhouette of its basilica.
Back in Albert, you can enjoy a good local beer while paying tribute to those who lost their lives.

End of stay in Albert after breakfast.