In the quiet countryside of northern France, the fields of the Somme still echo with the memories of one of the deadliest battles in modern history. For over four months in 1916, these peaceful pastures were the site of relentless trench warfare, unimaginable loss, and extraordinary bravery during World War I. Today, you can visit the Somme Battlefields through guided tours that offer profound insights into this pivotal moment in history.

Why visit the Somme Battlefields

Group walking through Somme battlefields on a day trip from Paris.

A million stories in the fields of Picardy

The Somme Battlefields tell the story of World War I's deadliest campaign. Over a million soldiers lost their lives here in just 140 days of fighting in 1916. Walk through these peaceful fields today, and you'll discover personal stories of courage, sacrifice, and humanity that shaped the course of history.

Beaumont Hamel battlefield with preserved trenches and grassy landscape.

Walk through real WWI trenches

Step back in time at Beaumont-Hamel, where you can explore actual WWI trenches preserved just as soldiers left them. The zigzag paths carved into the earth offer a raw glimpse into soldiers' daily lives. Touch the walls they leaned against and see the shell-marked ground they fought on.

Thiepval Memorial on Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris.

Remember the fallen at Thiepval

The towering Thiepval Memorial stands as a testament to ultimate sacrifice. This brick monument carries the names of 72,000 soldiers who were never found. Visit the memorial at sunset when the red brick glows, and find yourself connecting with the stories of British, French, and Commonwealth soldiers who gave everything.

What you’ll see on a Somme Battlefield tour

Guide with visitors at Omaha Beach Memorial, Normandy, discussing historical significance.
Aerial view of Lochnagar Crater, a World War I site on the Somme Battlefields in France.
World War I memorial site in Pozières, France, with historical significance on the Paris to Normandy tour.
Thiepval Memorial on Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris.
Bronze caribou statue at Beaumont-Hamel Memorial, Somme Battlefield.
1/5

Villers-Bretonneux

This is the site of the Australian National Memorial, where 10,738 soldiers rest without graves. It marks the place where Australian troops halted the German advance in 1918. The newly built Sir John Monash Centre uses cutting-edge technology to tell stories of Australian sacrifice on the Western Front.

Lochnagar Crater

This massive crater, spanning 300 feet and 70 feet deep, was created when British forces detonated explosives under German lines on July 1, 1916. It's the largest man-made mine crater from WWI. The viewing platform offers a stark reminder of the battle's intensity.

Pozières

Here, you’ll walk the ground where Australian forces faced their deadliest battle. In just six weeks, 23,000 Australian soldiers were casualties here. The village's windmill site, marked by a memorial, offers views of the rolling countryside that witnessed incredible sacrifice.

Thiepval Memorial

Sir Edwin Lutyens's imposing memorial rises 45 meters above the battlefield, its arches visible for miles. Walk among the columns inscribed with names of the missing. The visitor center's digital displays help you trace individual soldiers' stories and understand the battle's scope.

Newfoundland Memorial

Time stands still at Beaumont-Hamel, where preserved trenches and shell craters create an eerily authentic WWI landscape. Follow the caribou paths between British and German lines, and see the Y Ravine where Newfoundland Regiment troops made their fateful advance on July 1, 1916.

Why a guided tour is the best way to go

  • Expert-led: Travel with a knowledgeable historian who brings the battlefield stories to life and offers deep insights into WWI history.

  • Intimate small groups: With a maximum of 8 guests, you'll get personalized attention and a more meaningful experience at each site.

  • All-inclusive access: Your tour includes entry to key sites like the Somme Trench Museum, Thiepval Memorial, Newfoundland Memorial, and Villers-Bretonneux.

  • Comfortable transportation: Relax in an air-conditioned minibus that takes you from Paris to all the remote battlefield locations, eliminating the stress of navigation and parking.

Paris to Somme Battlefield tour itinerary

Visitors exploring grassy trenches at Somme battlefields on a day trip from Paris.
  • Morning departure: Set off from central Paris in a comfortable minibus
  • Journey north: Learn fascinating WWI history from your expert guide during the drive
  • First stop: Discover the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux
  • Mid-morning: Experience the jaw-dropping scale of Lochnagar Crater
  • Lunch break: Enjoy a relaxing meal at a charming local restaurant in Pozières (or bring your own picnic!)
  • Afternoon explorations: Tour the historic village of Pozières. Visit the magnificent Thiepval Memorial. Explore the preserved trenches at Newfoundland Memorial
  • Evening return: Head back to Paris with a deeper understanding of WWI history

Book now

Frequently asked questions about Somme Battlefields tour

How far are the Somme battlefields from Paris?

Most sites are around 2–2.5 hours by car from Paris. Tours typically handle all transfers.

Do I need to be a history buff to enjoy this tour?

Not at all. The stories are told in an engaging, accessible way — it's for anyone curious about the past.

Can I visit the Somme battlefields on my own?

You can, but it’s spread out and remote. A guided tour saves time and offers much deeper context.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring through early autumn offers the best weather and visibility, but the sites are powerful year-round.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Older children and teens with an interest in history may find it meaningful, but content is serious and reflective.

Does the tour include lunch?

Some tours offer a lunch stop at a historic location like Pozières; check specific inclusions when booking.

Paris Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX