Somme Battlefields Small-Group Day Trip With John Monash Centre From Paris

This small-group day trip from Paris delves into the poignant history of World War I’s Somme Battlefields. Participants will visit significant sites like Delville Wood cemetery and Lochnagar crater, honoring both French and British contributions. An expert driver guides the tour, providing deep insights into the sacrifices made during this devastating conflict. The day concludes at the Historial Great War museum in Peronne, leaving visitors with a profound understanding of this important chapter in history.

Key Points

Key points:

• This small-group day tour from Paris explores the Somme battlefields and World War I military history, with a focus on French and British contributions.
• The tour includes visits to significant sites such as Delville Wood cemetery, Lochnagar crater, Thiepval Memorial, and highlights the Australian involvement in the Battle of the Somme.
• The tour provides a personalized experience with a maximum of 8 participants and an English-speaking driver/guide, and concludes at the Historial Great War museum in Peronne.
• The tour departs early from central Paris and is not wheelchair accessible, requiring moderate physical fitness.
• The tour is priced at $270.93 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and has a high traveler recommendation rate of 92%.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Somme battlefields, delving into the French and British military history during World War I.

Capped at a maximum of eight participants, the tour provides a personalized experience.

Visitors will witness significant sites like Delville Wood cemetery, Lochnagar crater, the Sir John Monash Centre, Australian battlefield locations, and the Thiepval memorial.

The tour concludes at the Historial Great War museum in Peronne, which houses over 50,000 historical objects related to military and civilian life during the war.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early morning departure from central Paris.

The first stop is Delville Wood cemetery, the final resting place of over 5,500 soldiers.

Next, visitors see the Lochnagar crater, a 330-foot wide memorial preserved since the war.

The tour continues to the Thiepval Memorial and Ulster Tower, honoring the sacrifices of British and Irish troops.

The Australian contribution is highlighted at Poziere and Mouquet Farm, culminating at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux.

The day concludes at the Historial Great War museum in Peronne, which showcases over 50,000 historical objects related to the conflict.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point for the Somme Battlefields Day Trip is Le Duplex, located at 2 bis Av. Foch, 75116 Paris.

It’s accessible via Metro Line 1, 2, 6, or RER A at Charles de Gaulle Étoile.

The tour starts promptly at 6:50 AM, so punctuality is essential as the group can’t wait for late arrivals.

The tour ends at the Arc de Triomphe, Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Tour Inclusions and Pricing

The Somme Battlefields Day Trip includes a small group tour (maximum 16 participants) with an English-speaking driver/guide and transport by air-conditioned minibus.

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included. However, gratuities, food, and drinks aren’t part of the package.

The tour is priced at $270.93 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.

The tour’s thorough itinerary and knowledgeable guides have earned it a 92% traveler recommendation rate based on 269 reviews, making it a well-regarded option for exploring the historic Somme battlefields.

Delville Wood Cemetery

As one of the significant sites visited on the Somme Battlefields Day Trip, Delville Wood cemetery stands as the final resting place for over 5,500 soldiers.

This sobering memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Visitors can:

• Explore the serene, wooded setting and pay respects to the fallen.
• Visit the Delville Wood South African Memorial, honoring the South African troops who fought and died there.
• Learn about the intense battle that claimed the lives of so many.
• Reflect on the devastating human toll of World War I.
• Appreciate the meticulous care and maintenance of this hallowed ground.

Lochnagar Crater

Preserving one of the most significant reminders of the Battle of the Somme, the Lochnagar Crater stands as a poignant memorial to the devastation of World War I. Created by a massive underground mine explosion on July 1, 1916, the massive crater measures 330 feet (100 meters) across and 90 feet (27 meters) deep. Today, visitors can explore the crater and reflect on the immense sacrifices made during the battle. The site provides a sobering testament to the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of such destruction.

Thiepval Memorial and Ulster Tower

Towering over the Somme battlefield, the Thiepval Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the over 72,000 British and South African soldiers who perished on the Western Front and have no known grave.

Just a short distance away, the Ulster Tower commemorates the sacrifices of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

These memorials offer:

• A somber reminder of the immense human toll of World War I
• Opportunities for reflection on the courage and sacrifice of the fallen
• Insights into the diverse nationalities that fought and died on these hallowed grounds
• Architectural marvels that evoke the scale and brutality of the conflict
• Solemn spaces for visitors to pay their respects.

Australian Contributions

The tour also highlights the invaluable contributions of Australian forces during the Battle of the Somme.

At Poziere and Mouquet Farm, visitors learn about the Australian soldiers’ heroic actions and heavy casualties.

The tour includes a stop at the Australian National Memorial, which commemorates over 10,000 Australian soldiers who lost their lives on the Somme.

Plus, the Australian flag flies proudly at Poziere, a poignant symbol of their service and sacrifice.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour inclusions do not cover food and beverages, so guests are welcome to pack their own provisions for the day.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Clothing or Gear?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers for the varying weather conditions at the battlefield sites. Bringing snacks and drinks is permitted to enjoy during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour or add extra activities. Guests can inquire about customizing their experience, such as visiting additional sites or spending more time at specific locations, though this may incur additional costs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

While the tour has a set itinerary, the provider may accommodate customization requests to focus on specific areas of interest. Guests can discuss options with the tour guide or booking team to personalize their experience within the tour’s overall scope.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Student and senior travelers can receive a 10% discount on the standard tour price by providing valid identification upon booking.

The Sum Up

This poignant day trip takes visitors on a moving journey through the history of World War I’s Somme Battlefields. From the Delville Wood cemetery to the Lochnagar Crater and Thiepval Memorial, it honors the sacrifices of both French and British forces. The tour’s conclusion at the Historial Great War museum in Peronne provides deep insights into this devastating conflict, guided by an expert driver.