Holidays in Somme, Picardie, France
The name of the department of Somme has now become synonymous with the First World War battle that shares its name.
Located in the north of the Picardy region, the Somme has more to offer than cemeteries and monuments, however.
The beautiful Picardy coast with its high cliffs and beaches is a world away from the fortresses and castles of the historic towns in the region.
Fans of Gothic architecture will be spoilt for choice among the many churches, cathedrals and abbeys in this part of Picardy, while kids are catered for too with an unusual outdoor amusement park.
Circuit of Remembrance Part of the Circuit of Remembrance passes through Somme, a route that tourists can follow showing them the major sites involved in the battle itself and the many cemeteries and monuments to the dead and injured that now dot the Picardy countryside.
In the town of Albert, there is a museum called Somme 1916, which gives visitors and idea of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches.
Meanwhile, in the larger town of Peronne, is the main historical museum about the region and the rest of France during the First World War featuring artefacts used by German, French and British soldiers.
Peronne is also home to a beautiful medieval fortress and has a pleasant walkway along the riverbank if the weather is nice.
The rest of the Somme valley is also a great place for walks, with routes along the river and canals, and around the natural lakes that have been formed in the area.
The Bay of Somme This is a perfect destination for either nature lovers or sun worshippers, with the Marquenterre Park being home to a number of wild sea birds.
The Bay of Somme is also the site of a seal colony, if you are lucky enough to spot any of these elusive creatures.
There are walks along the high cliffs which give you great views out to sea and along the coast, while the small seaside resorts are perfect places to stop for lunch or even overnight.
Children will enjoy taking the small steam train that runs along the coast from Le Crotoy to Cayeux-sur-Mer as an unusual way of enjoying the scenery.
Samara Park Kids will also enjoy the Samara Park, an outdoor museum dedicated to the prehistory of the region, from the discovery of fire through to the end of the Gallo-Roman period.
As well as reconstructed, authentic buildings and permanent exhibits, there are often demonstrations of farming methods; crafts and food production by actors in costume and children can often join in with the activities.
Located in the north of the Picardy region, the Somme has more to offer than cemeteries and monuments, however.
The beautiful Picardy coast with its high cliffs and beaches is a world away from the fortresses and castles of the historic towns in the region.
Fans of Gothic architecture will be spoilt for choice among the many churches, cathedrals and abbeys in this part of Picardy, while kids are catered for too with an unusual outdoor amusement park.
Circuit of Remembrance Part of the Circuit of Remembrance passes through Somme, a route that tourists can follow showing them the major sites involved in the battle itself and the many cemeteries and monuments to the dead and injured that now dot the Picardy countryside.
In the town of Albert, there is a museum called Somme 1916, which gives visitors and idea of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches.
Meanwhile, in the larger town of Peronne, is the main historical museum about the region and the rest of France during the First World War featuring artefacts used by German, French and British soldiers.
Peronne is also home to a beautiful medieval fortress and has a pleasant walkway along the riverbank if the weather is nice.
The rest of the Somme valley is also a great place for walks, with routes along the river and canals, and around the natural lakes that have been formed in the area.
The Bay of Somme This is a perfect destination for either nature lovers or sun worshippers, with the Marquenterre Park being home to a number of wild sea birds.
The Bay of Somme is also the site of a seal colony, if you are lucky enough to spot any of these elusive creatures.
There are walks along the high cliffs which give you great views out to sea and along the coast, while the small seaside resorts are perfect places to stop for lunch or even overnight.
Children will enjoy taking the small steam train that runs along the coast from Le Crotoy to Cayeux-sur-Mer as an unusual way of enjoying the scenery.
Samara Park Kids will also enjoy the Samara Park, an outdoor museum dedicated to the prehistory of the region, from the discovery of fire through to the end of the Gallo-Roman period.
As well as reconstructed, authentic buildings and permanent exhibits, there are often demonstrations of farming methods; crafts and food production by actors in costume and children can often join in with the activities.
