Explore the charms of Punchy, Somme, Picardie

In Albert, the statues are not just works of art. They are silent but powerful witnesses to the tumult of the First World War. Each of them tells a unique story, a destiny shattered by the horros of the conflict. Their fixed gazes their postures marked by suffering, invite us on a journey into the past, where the echoes of battles still resonate.  As visitors walk along this trail, they are swept away bu the stories etched in every detail : hope, pain , courage and tragedy. These statues depict portraits of lives turned upside down, fragments og humanity caught in the whirlwind of the war. They become witnesses of a bygone era, but to an indelible memory. Each step of thisd tour is an open door to history. A journey that allows us to remeber, to pay tribute to those who lived through these chaotic moments. Bronze, a cold and tmiless material, is turned into a warm link between past and present, a memory etched in time.  By walking along this path of memory, we become guardians of memories, bearers of history, and we understand that these statues are not simply monuments, but voices that, from the silence, whisper to us to never forget. Are you ready to discover all these statues which are in different places in the town of Albert ?

Hikin trail that takes you to the Notre-Dame de Brebières stele. An ideal loop to discover the most beautiful sites and buldings in Albert, a city with more than 200 Art Deco facades. 

Who could imagine nowadays that the peaceful village of Martinpuich was once the theatre of terrible battles during the First World War? Devastated to such an extent that it was placed in the Red Zone, i.e. never to be rebuilt and farmed again, it is now a charming village that has managed to create a future for itself by integrating the vestiges of its past. Thankfully the birdsong has finally erased the sound of the pipe band and the cannon from our minds, allowing nature to return to its peaceful state, which today is disturbed only by the gentle grumbling of tractors.

Multi-activity trail, ideal for beginners, starting from the Thiepval Memorial.

A multy-activity trail allowing you to discover the Thiepval Memorial and the Lochnagar Crater in La Boisselle. 

More than just a walk, this hiking trail invites you to remember those who have been lost. “A debt of honour”, these few words alone are able to sum up what the British feel when they think of their soldiers who fell on these battlefields during the First World War. The Battle of the Somme, during which the Butte de Warlencourt represented a key strategic challenge, resulted in the deaths of some 125,000 Allied soldiers from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Newfoundland. English writer Rudyard Kipling, who lost his only son in the war, chose “Their name liveth for evermore”, taken from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, to be the phrase that would be engraved on all the memorial stones.

This circuit lets you explore Bapaume and the village of Ligny-Thilloy as you walk the Lime Tree Trail. This walk allows you to discover natural areas, farmland, the history of the post-war reconstruction of rural and urban landscapes... and learn about the figures, both legendary and real-life, who have left their mark on this place.

Empruntez la boucle des 4 chemins, un circuit marqué par l'Histoire. Au départ de Bapaume partez sur les traces de la Première Guerre mondiale. A voir aux environs : - Le Mémorial canadien à Courcelette - À Longueval dans la Somme : le monument national néo-zélandais et le mémorial sud-africain

Over just a few kilometres, this trail takes you to numerous sites associated with the key events of the 20th century. These include visible remnants of the First World War such as the cemeteries and British memorials, and of the Second World War in the form of the remains of an airfield, as well as places associated with the fates of two men who fought during these two conflicts: Lieutenant Commander Oswald Wainwright and General Aubert Frère. In addition to this rich past, Grévillers has retained its rural spirit, which makes this little piece of the country, sandwiched between woodland, meadows and farmed fields, a much-loved destination for walkers.

La Véloroute de la Mémoire (V32) relie Amiens à Arras sur environ 90 km. C’est un itinéraire chargé d’histoire, qui traverse les anciens champs de bataille de la Première Guerre mondiale, les cimetières militaires et les paysages vallonnés du Pas-de-Calais et de la Somme. Mais attention, côté Pas-de-Calais, cette véloroute s’adresse plutôt aux cyclos aguerris : vous roulez sur des routes communales et départementales. Vous rejoignez une voie verte à Saulty. Ce tronçon de la V32 suit principalement de petites routes de campagne, avec pas mal de relief par endroits – idéal pour les cyclosportifs ou les voyageurs à vélo qui aiment pédaler fort et qui ne sont pas effrayés par une côte ou deux. Ce qui fait le charme de cette véloroute, c’est le mélange entre paysages naturels et mémoire collective. À noter : ce n’est pas une voie verte, donc mieux vaut éviter d'emmener de jeunes enfants ou si on débute à vélo. mais, pour une sortie sportive avec un vrai sens historique, c’est une belle option. None None

VISIT CHANTILLY AND DISCOVER THE CHATEAU, PARK, AND STABLES THANKS TO THIS TICKET! VISIT CHANTILLY AND DISCOVER THE CHATEAU, PARK, AND STABLES THANKS TO THIS TICKET! Enjoy a visit to the Chantilly chateau. Listed as a hsitoric monument since 1988, visitors can learn all the secrets of the site. Equipped with an audio guide, explore the galleries of paintings and admire the 550 works on show thanks to the Duke of Aumale at the Conde museum. You will also have a chance to visit the appartments and see the decor. Visitors will also have access to the 115 hectare park and private gardens. Created by Andre Le Notre in the 17th century, the French gardens have many statues, fountains, and water mirrors. Discover the Hameau with its 5 small houses, as well as the English gardens with swans and aquatic birds. You might even see the park's kangaroos! Finally, you will be able to visit the stables, which date back to the 18th century, and access the horse museum.

The Domaine de Chantilly, one of the jewels in the crown of France's cultural heritage, which houses the intact treasures of a 19th century prince, Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale. The Domaine included the Castle and the park, the Horse Museum, Stables and Racetrack. 3 unique sites for an exceptional destination. Less than 30 minutes from Roissy, the Domaine de Chantilly, a jewel of French heritage, opens its doors to private and professional event organisers wishing to combine a prestigious setting, history, art and nature. Organise your evening at the largest princely estate in France.

Enjoy a day full of fun and excitement at Park Asterix ! The Ancient Gauls can't wait to welcome you with a whole host of fun activities for guests of all ages. Fun and adventures are guaranteed. ENJOY A FUN AND EXCITING DAY OUT AT PARC ASTERIX! THIS DAY TICKET FOR PARC ASTERIX IS VALID FOR ANY DAY YOU WISH DURING THE WHOLE SEASON (SUBJECT TO THE OPENING DAYS).​ The Ancient Gauls are waiting to welcome you into their amazing world, with an array of fun rides and attractions for all ages. Asterix and his famous friends promise a day filled with laughter and adventures in this fantastic theme park! Young and old alike will enjoy discovering the world of Asterix, the most famous French comic-book hero. You will have a chance to explore the six themed areas of the park: Gaul, The Roman Empire, Greece, The Vikings, Egypt and Travel Through Time. You're bound to love the fun rides, including the famous "Menhir Express", "Zeus' Thunder" and the "Big Splash".

In 1228, Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille established the Abbey of Royaumont, today still the largest Cistercian abbey of Ile-de-France. Listed as a historical monument, the abbey has one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic refectory in France. The 7 hectares park, crossed by canals, is labelled "Remarkable garden" by the French Minister of Culture. It has conserved some of its medieval features and today has three gardens: an experimental vegetable garden, opened in 2014, a medieval inspiration garden, and the garden of the monastery transformed into a ravishing French garden in 1912. The abbey is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (5:30 pm between November and March). Royaumont Abbey also offers guided visits, heritage and garden activities for children and families every Sunday throughout the year, and holds a music and dance Festival every year in September and October. In 1228, Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille established the Abbey of Royaumont, today still the largest Cistercian abbey of Ile-de-France. Listed as a historical monument, the abbey has one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic refectory in France. The 7 hectares park, crossed by canals, is labelled "Remarkable garden" by the French Minister of Culture. It has conserved some of its medieval features and today has three gardens: an experimental vegetable garden, opened in 2014, a medieval inspiration garden, and the garden of the monastery transformed into a ravishing French garden in 1912. The abbey is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (5:30 pm between November and March). Royaumont Abbey also offers guided visits, heritage and garden activities for children and families every Sunday throughout the year, and holds a music and dance Festival every year in September and October.

Built around 1390, this keep is a monumental reminder of Crouy-sur-Ourcq's medieval heritage. Nestling at the bottom of the valley and built at the height of the 100 Years' War, it is the finest jewel in the crown of the Ourcq Valley. To delimit their vast territory, the Counts of Valois built defensive fortresses, often ostentatiously to show off their power and wealth. On the border with the lands of the Counts of Champagne, it was strategic to build this keep on the banks of the River Ourcq from the end of the 14th century. You can discover this keep, the only one in northern Seine-et-Marne and listed as a Historic Monument in 1962, during the European Heritage Days, or take a look at it from the outside during a walk in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.

Within a contemporary building, ARCHÉA suggests making discover the history of the Country of France through the result of archaeological researches led for 40 years. About 750 objects stemming from 87 present archeological sites in the collections of the museum are presented within an alive and interactive permanent exhibition. Movies, reconstructions, elements to be treated and models help to seize better this history. ARCHÉA, it is also the archeological site of Orville's castle and the ceramic heritage of the valley of Ysieux the discovery of which allows to understand the work of the archaeologists. Two new temporary exhibitions are proposed every year on themes bound to the archaeology and to the history.

The gîte, "L'Air Pur", sleeps between 2 and 4 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Nature Park of the Hauts Pays. The gîte is the barn belonging to a former farmhouse, with a sofabed in the living room, a dining room that seats 4 people, a kitchen with a freezer, a woodburner, a bathroom with a separate WC and a bedroom. It also has a television and Wi-Fi. Outside, you can enjoy the terrace with an orchard, outdoor games, a barbecue and a ping-pong table. This lovely gîte is the prefect base from which to explore the regional natural parks of the Hauts-Pays on the Belgian side and Avesnois on the French side.

As if it were the Baie de Somme... Its 241 hectares, 60% of which are covered by water, offer visitors a patchwork of amazing landscapes located in the immediate vicinity of the Marne: ponds, reed beds, meadows and groves provide shelter and food for more than 225 species of birds, some of which are endangered in the region, and which are undoubtedly the most remarkable wealth of the reserve ... Exceptional for the fauna and flora it shelters, it is part of the Natura 2000 site "Les Boucles de la Marne". Not so long ago, the Grand-Voyeux Regional Nature Reserve was still a quarry, where conveyors extracted sand and gravel with a crunch of grains. Excavated in the 1970s, the cavities were gradually transformed into waterholes, quickly colonised by reeds and birds, thus allowing nature to take over. The Maison du Grand-Voyeux is open to the public two days a week, with the aim of helping visitors discover the Grand-Voyeux while preserving biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystems. A discovery trail and observatories allow visitors to discover the incredible landscapes of the site and the multitude of bird species that have found refuge there. Nature activities, workshops and thematic conferences are also organised regularly and free of charge (see programme online at www.maisondugrandvoyeux.fr). Managed by the Agence des espaces verts (AEV) of the Île-de-France Region since 1999, it was classified as a Regional Nature Reserve in 2012. A partner of the AEV, the Association pour la Valorisation des Espaces Naturels du Grand Voyeux is responsible for the scientific monitoring of the site and for certain activities.

Located in the center of a village in the heart of the Nature Park of the Hauts-Pays, this gîte is the perfect place to discover the curiosities, landscapes, and specialties of this little-known area on the French-Belgian border. Put on your sneakers or hop on your bike to find the "caillou-qui-bique," wander through the villages and sunken paths, admire the hedged landscapes, meet local craftsmen, visit breweries, and taste the regional specialties. Don't forget the cultural and recreational activities offered by Mons, Valenciennes, and Bavay.Welcome to this house, redesigned for families or groups of friends, featuring 6 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 14 people.The well-equipped kitchen, large dining room, two lounges, as well as the terrace with barbecue, the storage for your bikes and motorbikes, the table football, and the sauna will all contribute to enhancing the quality of your stay.

A nature and relaxation stayEnjoy the tranquility of the countryside, discover the picturesque landscapes of the Nature Park of Les Hauts-Pays, and explore the numerous hiking trails or the nearby RAVeL.The gîte "La Colline sous le Vent" is the perfect place to recharge in the heart of nature while enjoying all modern comforts.

An architectural gem rebuilt after the First World War by architect Gustave Umbdenstock. This unique station stands out for its iconic locomotive shape and its Potez 36 aircraft suspended inside. Since 1991, a Potez 36 has been on display in the town's train station. This aircraft is a genuine plane, having made its first flight in 1928. This is considered to be the aircraft that gave rise to tourist aviation in the 1930’s. Being in the station hall is to pay tribute to the aircraft manufacturer Henry Potez, this monoplane allows tourists arriving by train to understand that they are in a region with a rich aeronautical history.

Félicie Hervieu, passionate about social innovations to improve the daily lives of workers, created the first allotment gardens in Sedan in 1893. In 2020, these gardens became community gardens, accessible to a wider range of socio-professional categories. Although the name has changed, the objective remains the same: to allow, for an annual fee, the use of a garden for leisure and to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables, excluding any commercial use. The Rural Code, in accordance with the law of July 26, 1952, governs these community gardens, which are often smaller in size. Today, community gardens are becoming popular thanks to the growing interest in gardening, organic vegetables, product traceability, short supply chains, sustainable development, and environmental protection. They also foster intergenerational and educational exchanges, thus strengthening social bond. The Albert community gardens, are near the velodrome between Avenue Henri Dunant and Rue d'Ovillers, including 126 parcels covering 5.484 hectares of cultivated land.

Are you familiar with the Legend of Notre-Dame de Brebières ? It was discovered on the road to Authuille.  In Albert, the Basilica is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Brebières. The legend says that in the 11th century, a shepherd noticed a sheep was always grazing on the same tuft of grass. He tapped the spot with his crook and heard a mysterious voice telling him, "Stop shepherd, you are hurting me !" Digging in the earth, he removed a statue bearing the mark of the knock he had struck on its forehead. It was a statue of the Virgin holding the Child. Inside the Basilica, there is an ancient replica of the rediscovered statue and two stained-glass windows : one depicting the sheep of the shepherd who found the statue, and the other, depicting the competition of horses and carts to win the statue, which sparked rivalries between neighboring villages. Touching it would bring you good luck 

Built in 1897, the Albert Vélodrome was initially planned to be a 333-meter test track for the Rocket Cycles factory. In 1906, after floods, the porject was abandoned and replaced by a dug pond. A second pond was added, and a football field was set up between the two.  Today, this 24-hectare space is perfect for walking alone, with family, or with friends. Crossed by the Ancre River, the Vélodrome offers a gateaway into nature, even in the city.  Nature lovers will discover various animal species such as the mallard duck, moorhen, swan, goose, grey heron, as well as exceptional flora : willows, irises, marsh forget-me-not, water plantain, water mint, and field cover. The Vélodrome is also a favourite spot for fishermen, who can catch for pike, carp, whitefish and zander. 

This village, devastated during the First World War, served as a rear base for French Forces from September 1914 to July 1915. Today, a huge sculputure stands at the intersection of the mains roads D20 and D151, on the outskirts of Aveluy, in the direction of La Boisselle and Authuille. This work is the creation of a sculptor from Bus-les-Artois, the same artist who created the ten soldiers set up in the town of Albert since 2016.  The Nymph of Aveluy, made of the same material, is a reproduction of a postcard depicting a sculpture created by soldiers in 1914.  The monument was put on its base on friday, January 8 2016, in front of the Cavalry, at the edge of the woods. 

The Saint-Martin church in Thiepval, in the Somme, is part of the Notre-Dame des Hauts de l'Ancre parish in Mailly-Maillet, in the Vallée d'Ancre sector of the diocese of Amiens, It is distinguished by its war memorial integrated into one of its facades.  A plaque honors Adrian Carton de Wiart, born on May 5, 1880 in Brussels ans died on June 5, 1963 in Ireland. Officer in the British Army, he received the Victoria Cross for bravery. Having served in the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, he was wounded eight times, losing an eye and a hand, and survived two plane crashes, earning the nickname "the unkillable". 

Palluel's main asset is the natural wealth that surrounds it. The lush green setting of its pond is an invitation to relax. Explore the narrow streets of the village and look for the boundary stones scattered around the foot of some of the buildings that once demarcated the village. Enter the cemetery to admire this 17th-century sandstone cross, the pride of the village. For a complete break from it all, Ecoland is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake, and offers a wide choice of eco-friendly accommodation.

Commemorates the men from Sheffield who were killed at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916 and preserves the marks of shell and mine craters. Four small cemeteries are grouped around the Park.

At first glance the headstones of these war graves may look like those of all the Commonwealth Cemeteries however they do in fact mark the resting place of civilian labourers. As the war developed the Allied Armed Forces required more and more soldiers to deal with logistical problems. In order to free up its fighting force from non-military tasks, the British Army recruited civilian volunteers from the Commonwealth countries to take their place. In all 100,000 Egyptians, 21,000 Indians and 20,000 native South-Africans were organized into Labour Corps which were placed under military command. By the end of hostilities the Chinese Labour Corps of the British Army amounted to 96,000 men. The Asian and African Labour Corps of the Great War The Labour Corps mainly carried out manual tasks in general stores and ammunition depots. They also unloaded cargo ships and trains, felled timber for the war effort, and maintained docks, roads, railways and airfields. Living conditions were hard, they worked ten hours a day six days a week, but they were paid a daily wage which would have been higher than what they were used to in their home countries. With little or no knowledge of European languages, the Chinese found it difficult to interact with their commanding officers and the local population. They were billeted in special camps, of which the largest was in Noyelles-sur-Mer in the Somme. If they fell ill, they were treated in hospitals reserved exclusively for them. The 160 Chinese who died in No.2 General Labour Hospital in Saint-Étienne-au-Mont near Boulogne were laid to rest in the parish alongside 10 members of the South African Native Labour Corps. In Ayette, to the south of Arras, the Commonwealth Cemetery is the final resting place of eighty Indian and Chinese labourers who were employed in maintaining trenches and supplying units close to the front. In May 1919, eighty thousand Chinese were still at work in France clearing up the battlefields.

Avec le Tex'N, plongez dans l'ambiance du Grand Ouest américain & bienvenue au saloon ! 80 couverts dont 30 en terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Forget boring lunch breaks. Located in the heart of Arras, French Barclette is reinventing fast food by combining the warmth of mountain life with the pace of city life. Our concept is simple: to offer you the best of mountain cheese specialities (raclette, tartiflette, fondue) in a generous, quick and affordable street-food style. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal between appointments or a gourmet takeaway option after work, our exclusive recipes — made with carefully selected ingredients and raw-milk cheeses — will satisfy all your cravings for local specialities.

Venez nous rendre visite dans un cadre et une ambiance chaleureuse en dégustant notre cuisine traditionnelle ou nos pizzas !(40 couverts)

Guided by the Rose family, you will learn everything about the snail, from its birth to its arrival..on the plates at the Ferme Auberge de la Haute Estrée. Let yourself be tempted by a good meal made up of our own specialities.

Votre café-concert / rhumerie historique en ville haute, avec terrasse !

Un salon de thé atypique en ville haute de Laon !

Un restaurant typé bistrot parisien et cosy en ville haute ! (30 couverts + 10 en terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Emplacements(40)

Hôtel situé sur la national 39, au calme à 2,5 km du centre ville et de la gare et à 50 km de l'aéroport de Lille. OUVERTURE de Janvier à Décembre

Mercure Arras Centre Gare hotel is ideally situated right into the city center, in front of the Railway station. Nearby "Les Places", Belfry of Arras, Fine Arts Museum, Museum Letaille Bullecourt and Wellington quarry. Mercure Arras Centre Gare Hotel is also well situated from Louvre-Lens Museum and Stadium Bollaert-Delélis, the memorial of Vimy, Notre-Dame de Lorette. This 4-star hotel is just a short walk from the city's pedestrian streets and the Town Hall belfry which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time out from your busy work or social schedule to discover the remarkable underground network of 'les boves' and the 'Wellington Tunnels'.

Plus qu'un hôtel, une maison ! Idéalement situé, au coeur de la ville, sur la place des Héros, au pied du beffroi La petite capacité de cette hôtel permet de garantir un accueil personnalisé et un séjour convivial dans un environnement unique OUVERTURE de janvier à décembre

Camping ombragé traversé par la Canche avec deux étangs pour la pêche, paysage verdoyant, village traversé par la méridienne , circuit pédestre. Emplacements(131)

L’hôtel CERISE Lens vous propose tout le confort nécessaire avec 85 chambres équipées de salle de bain privative (douche et WC ) , TV avec TNT, Canal + et satellite, literie de qualité et bonne isolation phonique. CERISE Lens vous offre un confort complet à un prix très économique

Bed & Breakfast in Caucourt, Pas-de-Calais.   In the heart of the hills of Artois, anchored in an old farmhouse, "A l'Etang Louis" offers a beautiful guest room, with a personalized atmosphere and decoration (enhancement of wood and brick). Typical setting, invigorating air and rest guaranteed await you in this village, based in the countryside! Take the opportunity to discover local tourist attractions : a former water-mill in Caucourt, Olhain Castle, Olhain golf and park...   1 guest bedroom with a private full bathroom. Open all year round.

In the heart of Pas-de-Calais, in Bouvigny-Boyeffles, As Amendoeiras is a holiday cottage offered by Les Amandiers. With a floor area of 51 m², it can accommodate between 2 and 3 people. It comprises a bedroom with a double bed, an en-suite shower room, a large, light-filled living room with a sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook up delicious meals, and a separate toilet. The gîte also features two private terraces and a private garden, where you can enjoy the sunshine over breakfast or with an aperitif. Nestled within a former farmhouse dating from 1850, with its authentic architecture, this self-catering cottage combines traditional charm with modern comforts, in the heart of a small village in the Pas-de-Calais. Ideally situated next to the major A21 and A26 motorways Located in the heart of the village, in a quiet area. An added bonus: the bakery just a stone’s throw away, where you can find a wide variety of breads and excellent pastries.

Hello, For a stay, holidays, Dominique & Pascal Delflache open their doors and guarantee you quality and hospitality. Near the castle and golf Olhain, between Arras, Lens & Bethune, at the edge of the hills of Artois ... You will be pleased to discover the Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

Here, the warm northern welcome blends with the tranquillity of unspoilt nature. This haven of peace is the ideal destination for families, couples or walkers seeking an authentic experience. Unpack your bags, take a deep breath and let yourself be charmed by the relaxing atmosphere of the place, punctuated by the murmur of the water and the beauty of the rolling countryside. Housed in a restored old farmhouse and bordered by the River Ternoise, this leafy estate invites you to slow down whilst sparking your imagination. Whether you’re coming to recharge your batteries with your family in one of the self-catering flats or to enjoy the convivial experience of the dormitory – designed as a ‘dry camping’ experience – you’ll be staying here in close proximity to creativity. What makes Les Ballastières unique is its artistic DNA. The venue regularly hosts residencies for multidisciplinary artists (theatre, writing, visual arts) who come here to draw inspiration. Far from being confined within four walls, culture here is open to everyone: as the seasons change, the inner courtyard, barns and tree-lined gardens are transformed into temporary stages for performances, creative workshops, live shows or flagship events such as ‘Jardins en Scène’ A stay at Les Ballastières also means embracing a sustainable and participatory philosophy. Between cultural events, you can stroll beneath the tall trees in the orchard, observe the aquatic wildlife, or set off to explore the Terno’s walking and cycling trails Fancy a getaway that sparks your curiosity? Nestled in the heart of the rolling countryside of the Ternois region, in the charming village of Gauchin-Verloingt, lies a truly unique spot. Les Ballastières is not just a collection of rural holiday cottages: it is a vibrant ‘third place’, a space for living and collaborative creation run by the Collectif Ballast.