The Somme is one of the most important British battlefields in France with a great deal to see. In consequence is one of the most visited. But it is a rural area with relatively few amenities - be prepared.

A view across from the 34th Division memorial at La Boisselle to the far slopes of Mash Valley and Ovillers Military Cemetery, in the very heart of the July 1916 Somme front line.

Basics

The 1916 battlefield of the Somme is an area north of the river of that name, largely between the towns of Albert and Bapaume. Much of the area is in the Departement of the same name, but some is in the Pas-de-Calais. Albert is the main centre for touring these battlefields. Most people in the tourist spots in the area speak English well, many fluently. The majority of local people in the villages and farms do not - but many are also British expats who have settled here. You'll be amazed how your best "Bonjour" is answered by "Good morning"! The currency in use is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted but beware: not all petrol filling stations in France accept British or American cards.

Getting to the Somme

By car from UK: Bapaume is a 140 km (just over 1 hour 30 mins) drive from Calais. This is by autoroute, which is a toll road for which you will need some cash. Route with map.

By car from airport: Bapaume is 133 km (around 1 hour 30 mins) drive from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. This is by autoroute, which is a toll road for which you will need some cash. Route with map.

By rail: Albert has a main railway station with local trains from Arras and Amiens, both main interchanges for the French railway system. Timetables

There is also a Somme station on the TGV Nord route, called Haute Picardie, which is in the middle of nowhere but has high speed trains from Paris and Lille.

What is there to see?

The Somme area is so full of places to go and things to see it is hard to know where to begin. "Must not be missed" sites include:

• The Memorial to the Missing and attached Visitor Centre at Thiepval
• The South African Memorial Museum at Longueval
• The "Lochnagar" mine crater at La Boisselle
• Devonshire Cemetery near Mametz
• Newfoundland Park, trenches and memorials at Beaumont-Hamel
• "Gibraltar" strongpoint and the site of the windmill at Pozières
• The "pals" cemeteries and memorials at Serre
• The Butte de Warlencourt

Tourist essentials

1. The main tourist office in Albert is situated at 9, rue Léon Gambetta.
2. Monday is closing day: most shops and facilities are closed, at least for the morning.
3. Eating and drinking: there are restaurants, bars and cafes in Albert, most grouped around the central square facing the Basilica. The larger villages around - notably Pozières and Longueval - have some too. You will probably need a packed lunch or picnic when you are out on the battlefields for the day.
4. Banks and ATMs (cash machines) : in Albert and Bapaume.
5. Parking: a main free car park is next to Albert's town hall and there is a lot of on-street parking but paid in advance from slot machines. No problems parking at sites on the battlefields.
6. Supermarkets: there are small supermarkets in Albert and Bapaume.

Accommodation

When booking any accommodation, buyer beware. The Long, Long Trail can not be held responsible for the availability, price or performance of any of the accommodation listed here. Obviously.

There is a wide selection of accommodation in the town and surrounding villages. Note, however, that accommodation is invariably full for 1 July. Book early.