Good Battlefield Guide > Going to the Somme
 
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.
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 do not. 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 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.
Accommodation
There is a limited selection of accommodation in the Albert, Bapaume and surrounding villages. Note that accommodation is invariably full for 1 July. Book early. See our accommodation guide to the Somme
Further afield and suitable for larger parties is plenty of accommodation in Amiens and Arras and to a lesser extent Peronne and St-Quentin.
Personal view: I don't really have my own favourite place to stay in the Somme area as I have never stayed anywhere that has been particularly great. It also has to be said that eating out in either town has limited possibilities. I often prefer to stay in Arras or St-Quentin and drive the 30/45 minutes between there and the Somme.
Tourist information
The main tourist office in Albert is situated at 9, rue Léon Gambetta.
Monday is closing day: most shops and facilities are closed, at least for the morning.
Things to see and do
Albert: the rebuilt Basilica has a good war museum in its crypt.
Thiepval: the huge memorial to the British missing of the Somme battlefields, the modern visitor centre there and the nearby Ulster Tower.
Longueval: the very impressive Delville Wood South African memorial museum.
Eating and drinking: there are a few restaurants, bars and cafes in Albert, most grouped around the central square facing the Basilica. The larger villages around - notably Pozieres and Longueval - have some too. You will probably need a packed lunch or picnic when you are out on the battlefields. There are small supermarkets in Albert and Bapaume.
Banks and ATMs (cash machines) : in Albert and Bapaume.
Battlefield tour itinerary: There are hundreds of cemeteries, dozens of memorials and many places of interest in the battlefield area. Itineraries for 1 day, 3 day and 1 week tours will be added to this website soon.