Discover Champien, Somme, Picardie: charm and nature

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.

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

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

An essential collection on the 1914-18 war. With a collection of almost 70,000 objects and documents tracing the daily and military life of the 14-18 war, the Musée de la Grande Guerre, which opened its doors on November 11, 2011 on the site of the First Battle of the Marne in Meaux, is Europe's largest museum on the First World War. Over 4,000 m², it presents one of the richest and most diversified collections on the First World War, in an attractive and innovative scenography. The Musée de la Grande Guerre is the ideal place for a family visit. A veritable educational treasure trove through the collection: see, hear, touch, handle.... A playful itinerary accessible to visitors aged 5 and over: projections of archive images, trench reconstructions, a video space in which visitors are immersed among the soldiers in the trenches or on the battlefield, games to discover the composition of uniforms, the sounds of war, the geographical evolution of conflict zones... Several audio tours are available free of charge on your cell phone or tablet; ask for instructions at reception. Since November 2024, come and discover an installation never seen before in France: an open-air trench. This new space in the museum grounds offers a unique immersive experience accessible to all, not to be missed. Transport yourself to the heart of the trenches of the First World War. At once educational, accessible and didactic, this trench is a unique device where you are the actor in the discovery. Complementing the permanent exhibition and the museum's collections, this scenography gives an insight into what man can experience, at the heart of tragedy, whatever his camp or nationality.

A discovery tour around the Brie de Meaux AOP is waiting for you. Reconstructions and dramatizations will help you learn more about the history of this famous cheese. You'll discover the different stages in its production, from milk harvesting to cellar maturing. Then you'll learn about the current challenges facing Brie de Meaux PDO, proudly represented by its Confrérie. Brie and local events are on offer all year round! Workshops, tastings, exhibitions - there's something for everyone! Booklets in English, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian are available free of charge to accompany your visit to the Maison du Brie de Meaux. To round off your visit, we offer guided tastings on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 4pm, with online booking.

The Manoir de Gressy is a 4 star hotel with the charm of a 17th Century Residence yet with all modern comforts. Our hotel offers guests a tranquil country retreat on the outskirts of Paris, only minutes away from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is an ideal hotel destination for a weekend getaway or for hosting major events such as a birthday celebration, a wedding ceremony, or a business conference. Enjoy the experience of staying in this 4-star hotel on the lush banks the Canal de l'Ourcq, where heartfelt personal service mingles with an easygoing at-home atmosphere. • 85 luxury rooms et 31 private terrace • Gourmet restaurant

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. 

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.

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". 

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 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.

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

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

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)

Une cuisine faite maison à base de produits frais par un ancien boucher en ville haute ! (58 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Le bar concert rock/pop/metal de la ville haute à l'ambiance chaleureuse ! (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

Holiday cottage situated in the Regional Natural reserve Oise Country of France. Old mill near a river. Relaxation area. Barbecue available. Kitchen. Air-conditioned dining hall. 60 people maximum. Room with fireplace, bar. 6 bedrooms (12 beds) (8 beds) (6 beds) (3 beds) (3 beds) (2 beds) and an isolation room (1 bed). 6 showers, 12 sinks, toilets 5. Regional Natural Park Oise Pays-de-France. BEAUMONT SUR OISE 8km. Cergy Pontoise 20km. Royaumont Abbey1km. CHANTILLY 12km. Footpaths (GR1). Authorized JS, DDASS and Education. Groups welcome children, adults and school.

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.

The Manoir de Gressy is a 4 star hotel with the charm of a 17th Century Residence yet with all modern comforts. Our hotel offers guests a tranquil country retreat on the outskirts of Paris, only minutes away from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is an ideal hotel destination for a weekend getaway or for hosting major events such as a birthday celebration, a wedding ceremony, or a business conference. Enjoy the experience of staying in this 4-star hotel on the lush banks the Canal de l'Ourcq, where heartfelt personal service mingles with an easygoing at-home atmosphere. • 85 luxury rooms et 31 private terrace • Gourmet restaurant

On the edge of the largest urban nature park in Ile-de-France and just a stone's throw from Meaux beach, come and recharge your batteries at our motorhome park. Pitches are not bookable.

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.