Memory Tourism around Amiens – In the footsteps of the Battle of the Somme
Amiens and its region hold a central place in the history of the First World War. Just a few kilometers from the city, the Somme was the stage for one of the most significant battles of the conflict: the Battle of the Somme (1916), which left an indelible mark on the landscape and collective memory. Today, these memorial sites attract visitors from all over the world, including families of British, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand soldiers seeking to pay tribute to their ancestors.
Each year, commemorations such as ANZAC Day and the July 1st ceremonies at Thiepval bring together many visitors, making the Somme a key destination for remembrance tourism in France.

The Battle of the Somme (1916) – A Turning Point in the First World War
The Battle of the Somme, which took place from July 1 to November 18, 1916, was one of the deadliest battles of the First World War. Over one million Allied and German soldiers were wounded or killed in this bloody conflict.
Why visit the Battle of the Somme sites?
- Explore trenches and battlefields that remain visible today.
- Understand the war’s impact through dedicated memorials and museums.
- Pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for freedom.
Tip: It’s best to visit these sites with a specialized guide to gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of these battles.
Must-Visit Sites for Memory Tourism Around Amiens
1. The Thiepval Memorial – A Key Place of Remembrance (40 minutes from Amiens)
The Franco-British Thiepval Memorial is the largest British military memorial in the world. It honors the 72,000 British and South African soldiers who went missing during the Battle of the Somme and have no known grave.
Highlights:
✔️ The imposing memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
✔️ The interpretation center, featuring historical documents and artifacts.
✔️ Surrounding British and French military cemeteries.
2. Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial – Following in the Footsteps of Canadian Soldiers (45 minutes from Amiens)
This preserved site allows visitors to explore an original battlefield, where trenches and craters from shelling are still visible. It is dedicated to the soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who suffered devastating losses on July 1, 1916.
Highlights:
✔️ The Caribou statue, symbolizing the regiment.
✔️ Original trenches, open for exploration.
✔️ The visitor trail, offering insight into the soldiers’ conditions.
3. Villers-Bretonneux and the Australian Memorial – ANZAC Day and Australian Remembrance (30 minutes from Amiens)
The village of Villers-Bretonneux holds a special place in Australian history. During the battle of April 24-25, 1918, Australian troops successfully retook the village from the Germans, preventing Amiens from falling. Today, it is a significant memorial site for Australians, especially during ANZAC Day on April 25.
Must-see:
✔️ The Australian National Memorial, listing over 10,000 missing Australian soldiers.
✔️ ANZAC Day, a dawn ceremony honoring Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
✔️ The Franco-Australian Museum, highlighting the historical bond between Australia and France during the war.
Tip: Attending ANZAC Day is a moving and unique experience, not to be missed if you are in Picardy in April.
4. The Somme 1916 Museum in Albert – A Journey into Soldiers’ Lives (30 minutes from Amiens)
Located in a former underground shelter, the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert offers a realistic immersion into the lives of soldiers in the trenches. The museum showcases uniforms, weapons, daily objects, and emotional testimonies from combatants.
Reasons to visit:
✔️ A faithful reconstruction of trenches and shelters.
✔️ Exhibitions of original artifacts unearthed from the battlefields.
✔️ Films and testimonies that provide a deeper understanding of soldiers’ daily lives.
