Somme

The Somme is a destination of profound contrasts, where the solemn history of the 20th century meets the serene beauty of the French countryside and coast. The eastern part of the department is forever marked by the Battle of the Somme, with meticulously maintained cemeteries, craters, and museums like the Historial de la Grande Guerre in Péronne offering deeply moving educational experiences. Moving westward, the landscape transforms into the Baie de Somme, a member of the 'Most Beautiful Bays in the World' club. Here, the shifting tides create a dynamic environment perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation. At the heart of the region lies Amiens, a city celebrated for its Gothic cathedral, the picturesque Saint-Leu district, and the unique Hortillonnages—a network of floating market gardens accessible by traditional flat-bottomed boats.

Reasons to Visit

• Pay respects and learn at the extensive network of WWI memorials and museums.
• Experience the natural wonder of the Baie de Somme, perfect for eco-tourism and birdwatching.
• Marvel at the Amiens Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Enjoy the region's extensive and scenic cycling routes, particularly along the coast and the Somme River.
• Taste authentic Picardy cuisine, including the famous Ficelle Picarde and Gâteau Battu.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid walking on the mudflats of the Baie de Somme without a guide, as the tide comes in extremely fast and can be dangerous.
• Don't rely solely on public transport if you plan to visit remote WWI cemeteries; a car is highly recommended.
• Avoid visiting outdoor memorials during heavy rain or storms, as shelter is often limited.

Local Transportation Tips

While Amiens serves as an excellent hub with reliable train connections to Paris and Lille, exploring the wider Somme department is best done by car. This allows for flexible visits to the scattered historical sites and coastal towns. For active travelers, the region is a paradise for cycling, boasting the 'Véloroute de la Vallée de la Somme' which follows the river from the east all the way to the coast. Local buses (Trans'80) connect smaller towns, but schedules can be sparse, especially on weekends.

Travel Etiquette

• Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor when visiting war memorials and cemeteries.
• Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving.
• Keep a safe distance from the seals in the Baie de Somme to avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches and the Amiens Cathedral.

Recommended Age Group

The Somme offers diverse attractions that cater to various age groups, blending educational history with outdoor fun.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While coastal walks are pleasant, navigating historical trenches or cobblestone streets with a stroller can be challenging.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. The Baie de Somme offers great outdoor activities, seal watching, and rides on the historic steam train (Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme).
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The WWI historical sites provide powerful, tangible educational experiences that resonate well with older students.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a mix of cultural exploration and regional gastronomy.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The region offers accessible museums, scenic drives, and flat walking paths along the coast and river valleys.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Major museums like the Historial de la Grande Guerre and the Somme 1916 Museum are wheelchair accessible.
• Many WWI memorials have paved pathways, though some trench sites may be difficult to navigate.
• Amiens Cathedral is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
• Specialized guided tours with all-terrain wheelchairs (tiralo) are available in the Baie de Somme during the summer months.

Did You Know?

The Amiens Cathedral is so large that it could comfortably fit two of Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedrals inside its vast interior.

Cool Statistics

• The Baie de Somme is home to over 300 species of migratory birds.
• The Battle of the Somme in 1916 lasted for 141 days.
• Amiens features 65 kilometers of canals in its famous Hortillonnages (floating gardens).
• The Somme department has over 400 WWI military cemeteries.