Exploring Hardecourt-aux-bois, Somme, Picardie

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.

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.

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.

The Hirondelle Trail takes you through the Commonwealth cemeteries, allowing you to explore a region that was completely devastated in 1917. The four villages you will discover along the way also bore witness to the Reconstruction and the “liberated regions” style that is reflected in the area’s rural heritage. The villages were completely destroyed, but let’s not forget the work it took to make this shattered land suitable for farming once again: shell holes, craters, barbed wire, saps, unexploded shells, mines, trenches... 90 years on, this has become one of France’s richest, most productive cereal-growing areas!

Trail marking: Yellow A short hike in the Arrage countryside in the Cojeul valley, dominated by the radio relay peaking at 122 meters.

This short walk takes you to the village of Havrincourt, where you can visit its church, castle and British memorial. As you leave the village, you will be met with beautiful, sweeping landscapes extending all the way to the horizon, where the land eventually meets the sky. So, like a carefree schoolkid bunking off class, allow yourself to wander off the beaten track.

This trail takes you to the theatre of the famous Battles of Bullecourt, which took place in April and May 1917. The village changed hands some twenty times over the course of that year. These battles took a terrible toll, with British and Australian casualties numbering 8,893 and 10,771 respectively. More than 10,000 Germans also lost their lives. The 2,249 Australians and 1,875 Brits who were killed at Bullecourt have no known grave. Their names are inscribed on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux and on the British Memorial at Arras. Many still lie buried in the earth of the Artois region. The memory of this battle has been kept alive by the “Digger” statue (the term used by Australians and New Zealanders to refer to a veteran), which was erected in 1992. It was created by Australian sculptor Peter Corlett, the son of a Great War veteran. The Digger’s uniform and insignia symbolise the four Australian infantry divisions who fought here. Since 2010, a French remembrance stele has also commemorated the sacrifice made by the soldiers at Bullecourt. A museum has even been opened at Bullecourt to pay tribute to those lost during these battles.

Discover one of Lille's highlights on a walking audioguided tour by the belfry of Lille's City Hall, and climb on top of its 104-metre-high tower to enjoy a breathtaking view of Lille! Visit the belfry of Lille's City Hall on this audioguided tour! This visit will grant you the opportunity to find out about this 104-metre-high UNESCO World Heritage Site towering over Lille, whose construction ended in 1931. You will be equipped with a pair of binoculars and an audioguide, and enjoy an ideal viewpoint to look at the city and its surroundings. Choose this guided tour to discover the belfry of Lille's City Hall and tower over the city to enjoy a breathtaking scenic view!

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.

Discover the city of Lille on this bus tour! Relax and explore every single part of the city! EXPLORE THE STREETS OF LILLE BY BUS AND ADMIRE THE CITY'S MONUMENTS! Embark on a 50-minute bus tour of Lille aboard a comfortably open-top bus (in summer)! Audio guides provide informative commentary throughout the tour, in the language of your choice (French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian). As you travel, you can enjoy a scenic view of the city's key monuments, from the ancient to the modern neighbourhoods. The itinerary includes the following sites: * Palais Rihour (tourist information office, first and last stop) * Grand Place * Rue Faidherbe * Quartier des Gares * Euralille * Quartier Royal * Lille Old Town * Îlot Comtesse * Porte de Paris * The City Hall belfry * The Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood * Place de la République and the surrounding district (Palais des Beaux-Arts, Préfecture...) Choose the Lille bus tour to discover the city's major landmarks and points of interest, supplemented with audio-guide commentary!

The best of Lille thanks to the City Pass! Enjoy free access to many museums and attractions as well as unlimited transport! Thanks to the Lille Pass, experience all the ferment of the city in one single offer! Find out about all of Lille's secrets! Enjoy free access to 25 museums, sites, and tourist services in the Lille metropolitan area. With the 72-hour pass, you will also have free access to 14 museums, sites and tourist services in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region and a free access to the TER regional train network (operated by the SNCF) for 24 consecutive hours. You will have unlimited access to metropolitan Transpole public transport (underground, buses, tram) during the selected period. You will also get preferential prices on shopping and dining venues (you will receive the list in the Lille and Roubaix tourist information offices). Choose the Lille pass for the duration of your choice and make the most of your stay in Lille!

Discover Lille's old town on a 2-hour walking tour. Walk along the streets and squares, and marvel at the beauty of its architecture! SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LILLE'S OLD TOWN ON THIS GUIDED TOUR! With your guide, discover the old neighbourhoods of the city and feel the charm of this bustling and welcoming city. Lille still features buildings from different influences: the Palais Rihour, the Vieille Bourse, the Rang du Beauregard and the Cathedral. After this tour revealing the city's different architectural styles, your tour will end with a visit to the Hospice Comtesse, an iconic monument combining many accounts of the city's history such as earthenware, sculptures, paintings and furniture. Choose this guided tour of Lille's old town and discover the city's highlights!

Discover Lille on a beer-themed paper chase and walk around its streets looking for clues! FIND OUT ABOUT ALL OF LILLE'S SECRETS ON A FUN BEER TASTING DETECTIVE GAME! The aim of the game is to find the stein of Gambrinus, prince of beer, which was lost somewhere in the city... Start by picking up your road book, then you'll be ready to start searching for the missing chalice! To complete your quest, you will follow a trail around Lille's streets and squares looking for clues to help you solve the enigma. Several key clues can be found in certain of the city's bars. You'll have the pleasure of tasting 4 exceptional beers in 4 of Lille's best bars, chosen specially for the game. Your search will progress thanks to the clues hidden along the way. You'll need to look in all directions, including in natural spots and even in the taste of your beer! Choose this fun, pleasant and delicious tour of Lille! Good luck! Alcohol abuse is bad for your health. Please consume in moderation 

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.

Located in the Nature Park of the Hauts-Pays in the village of Audregnies, the cottage has been created in the old, character-filled buildings of the former family farm.Adjacent to the owners' residence, it is comfortably furnished and features a private terrace and a large garden.It is the perfect starting point for many walks or bike rides.Close to Mons, Tournai, Valenciennes, and other numerous tourist attractions, it is the ideal base for a stay with family or friends.

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.

A church with remarkable stained glass windows, a mummy, chapels and an attractive Art Deco and natural heritage: the village of Croisilles has a lot going for it. Its residents are particularly committed to the project, and are currently setting up a Maison des habitants to provide a warm welcome for future visitors.

Weapons, cigarette cases, razors, dixies, helmets… these objects found on the battlefield and assembled by Jean and Denise Letaille, a couple of farmers, tell the story of the Australian soldiers who fought in April and May 1917 in the Bullecourt region. A museum where the objects tell the story!

Located in the south of the Artois region, the village of Bullecourt is probably better known in Australia than in France! The site of the Battles of Arras in the spring of 1917, this village was classified as a red zone after the First World War, and can be explored on a tour of the countryside and memorial sites. You'll be impressed by its rural heritage from the Reconstruction period: artesian farms, the town hall with its characteristic pediment and the church with its sandstone bell tower and porch.

By 10 April 1917, when the Battle of Arras had been in progress for one day, Australian soldiers left to attack the German lines at Bullecourt. A second offensive was launched on 3 May. The statue of the Digger is a tribute to the 10,000 Australian soldiers who fell during these operations.

A stone building of simple, classical elegance constructed in the mid-eighteenth century; come and breath in that unique, indescribable atmosphere of the châteaux of that period which have preserved the richness of their original ornamentation.

an 8-hectare landscaped park with some remarkable trees, a superb setting for the imposing Art Deco château. A lake, statues, pergolas, a gazebo stand among the groves and flowerbeds with heritage and modern rose trees, grasses and perennials.

Wailly is a Reconstruction village, almost entirely destroyed in 1916. Crossed by the little river Le Crinchon, it is a very pleasant place for a walk. The Printemps de l'Art Déco and the Festival les Inouïes are held here. L'Intemporelle, an artisanal brewery, is located here, so don't hesitate to drop in.

Pas-en-Artois is a little jewel of greenery nestling in the Kilienne valley. A superb panoramic view of the village and castle from the Calvary awaits you on Saint-Pierre hill. Walking trails and paths invite you to take a stroll and highlight the architectural assets of its 18th-century historic centre.

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.

On this small farm practising mixed-farming methods and breeding diary cows and poultry, the meals are served in a traditional or modern dining room. Personnes(100)

Venez découvrir notre cuisine traditionnelle et régionale comme la faisaient si bien nos grand-mères dans un cadre chaleureux et convivial. Venez goûter à notre bar les spécialités de bières comme la « Ch’ti » (blanche, blonde, triple, ambrée et brune) ainsi que la « page 24 » (blonde, hildegarde, chicorée, rhubarbe, miel…). A l’heure de l’apéro venez déguster « Les Délices de l’Artois » (Cassis, Griotte, Mûre, Pêche et Violette). (L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération). Profitez également de notre salon de thé où vous pourrez déguster nos pâtisseries entièrement faites maison (Moka, Fraisier, Tarte au Libouli, Crêpes façon Nanette…). Amusez-vous avec le jeu de la grenouille pour les plus petits, le billard Nicolas de 7 à 77 ans, le billard Hollandais et bientôt la nouveauté : le billard Russe. Jouez aussi à l’extérieur avec le jeu traditionnel du javelot.

A proximité du Parc de la Glissoire, toute proche du centre ville d'Avion, l'auberge de la Coulotte est connue des amateurs de bonne chère. Un salon de réception est spécialement réservé à la tenue des vos cérémonies privées.

Quel que soit votre signe, ce restaurant italien vous inondera de ses accents ensoleillés et de ses bienfaits culinaires.

Etape incontournable pour les amateurs de bonne cuisine, à la recherche d'un endroit agréable où il fait bon vivre.

Le plaisir commence par la découverte d'un décor authentique d'estaminet en plein centre de Lens. Faluches gratinées maison, soupe au lard, potée de pois cassés, coq à la bière, pain à l'ancienne. . .

Located on the Route du Patois (the local tourist route) and located on the ford of Caucourt the Mill Tavern welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere and offers traditional cuisine. Sample Menu Group: Menu Ch'ti Pie Maroilles Potchejvelche Frites Salad Café crème brûlée or cheese Incl

Salle de réception de 110 places surplombant un episte de danse par des balcons. Restaurant de 120 places ave cpetit salon indépendant.

Restaurant "La Renardière" in Gauchin le Gal.Discover "La Renardière" and its traditional cuisine! Located on the famous "Route du Patois", this restaurant offers regional and tasty dishes. A little extra: game specialties during the hunting season. Open on Saturday night and for every lunch except on Wednesday.

Situé à 25 kms d'Arras et de Cambrai. Hôtel tout confort, décoré chaleureusement Un petit geste pour la planéte votre eau est chauffée par le Soleil OUVERT de Janvier à Décembre

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'.

Un emplacement idéal au coeur d'Arras. En face de la gare, à 5 minutes à pied de la Grand'Place. Un charme contemporain et un confort raffiné derrière une façade de style. OUVERTURE de Janvier à Décembre

Emplacements(40)

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

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.

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.

Gîte des Collines d’Artois is a self-catering cottage with a garden in Houdain, just 12 km from Béthune. The one-bedroom cottage is set on ground level and offers free Wi-Fi and a terrace with a barbecue. The living room includes a TV with a DVD player and the kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave. There is a dining area and the bathroom is fitted with a shower and a washing machine and dryer. Free secure parking is available on site and there is a park with a children’s playground 100 metres away. The property is 26 km from Arras and a 40-minute drive from Lille.