Somme Battlefields Day Trip: Lochnagar Crater & Amiens Cathedral

Summary

Walk Somme’s scarred fields, hear stories in the wind, reflect at Amiens

You’ll walk on scarred Somme battlefields with a local guide from Paris, step into preserved trenches at Beaumont-Hamel, pause at memorials like Pozieres and Thiepval, share lunch at Le Tommy with its quirky owner, and end inside Amiens Cathedral’s cool hush. This day trip is less about sightseeing and more about feeling history under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the grass grew unevenly around the Lochnagar Crater — like it still remembers what happened there. Our guide, Pierre, just let us stand quietly for a minute before saying anything. You could hear birds, but also this weird hush, like even the air was paying attention. I’d seen photos of the Somme battlefields before coming from Paris, but actually standing there… well, it hits different.

Pierre knew every twist of these roads — he pointed out where the front lines shifted and told us about a soldier who wrote home about the mud (honestly, I can’t imagine that mud). Walking through the preserved trenches at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial was stranger than I expected; my shoes crunched on gravel someone had probably laid down just to keep visitors from slipping. There were poppies everywhere. At Pozieres and Thiepval Memorials, we read names carved so small they almost blurred together in the afternoon light. It’s a lot to take in — you just kind of stand there and let it happen to you.

Lunch at Le Tommy was its own thing. Dominique runs it — he’s got this wild mustache and a laugh that fills up the whole room. He let us poke around his collection of war artifacts (I picked up a helmet that was heavier than it looked). The food was simple but good — I went for something with potatoes because Pierre said it’s “the right way.” After lunch we stopped at the John Monash Centre; interactive displays and video stories made me realize how many families are still connected to these fields.

We finished at Amiens Cathedral — sunlight pouring through colored glass onto stone that felt cold even in June. I didn’t expect to care much about cathedrals after all that history outside, but honestly? It felt like a deep breath after everything else. The drive back to Paris was pretty quiet; everyone stared out windows or scrolled through photos. I still think about those names at Thiepval sometimes when it’s quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Somme battlefields and Amiens Cathedral

• Visit Thiepval Memorial
• Explore Lochnagar Crater
• Walk in Beaumont-Hamel trenches
• See Pozieres Memorial
• Visit Australian National Memorial
• Explore Sir John Monash Center
• Lunch at Le Tommy restaurant
• Visit Amiens Cathedral

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Paris to Somme battlefields?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup in Paris and return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Somme battlefields tour?

Lunch is not included; you’ll have free time to eat at Le Tommy restaurant.

What sites are visited on the Somme day trip?

You visit Lochnagar Crater, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Pozieres, Thiepval Memorial, John Monash Centre, and Amiens Cathedral.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

The tour includes pickup in Paris by air-conditioned minivan.

Are there guided explanations during visits?

Yes, a knowledgeable driver-guide shares stories and context throughout the day.

How big is the group size for this Somme battlefield tour?

The maximum group size is 8 people for a more personal experience.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age is 7 years old; suitable for most fitness levels.

Does this tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, it runs rain or shine; dress appropriately for outdoor stops.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from Paris by air-conditioned minivan with a local driver-guide who shares stories along each stop. Entry fees are covered so you skip lines at memorials and museums. You’ll have free time for lunch at Le Tommy (not included) before returning to Paris in the evening.