The best walks and hikes around Bresle

Nice view of the ponds and the villa "Les étangs".

Officially part of the Historial de la Grande Guerre, the Thiepval Museum is located near the impressive Thiepval Memorial and offers an in-depth look at the Battle of the Somme of 1916. Opened in 2016 to mark the centenary of this bloody battle, the museum comprises seven thematic areas, each highlighting a different aspect of the war. One of the highlights is the 60-metre-long panoramic comic strip by artist Joe Sacco, which vividly depicts the events of 1 July 1916. Visitors will gain insight not only into the military strategies, but also into the human suffering and the culture of remembrance surrounding the missing of the Somme.

An interesting anecdote is that the monument was inaugurated in 1932 by the Prince of Wales and the French President Albert Lebrun. The monument consists of a series of arches supported by sixteen massive square pillars, on which the names of the missing soldiers are engraved. At the foot of the monument is a Franco-British military cemetery with 600 graves: 300 French and 300 British soldiers.

The Parc Mémorial de Thiepval is an impressive war memorial that commemorates the 72,337 missing British and South African soldiers who died during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial is considered one of the greatest British monumental works of the twentieth century. The park also includes a visitor centre, opened in 2004, and the Jardins de la Paix, where visitors can reflect and enjoy the serene surroundings. Every year on 1 July, remembrance ceremonies are held to honour the victims of the Battle of the Somme.

The Saint-Pierre de Corbie Abbey Church is a Gothic church which was once the main building of a powerful Benedictine abbey. Founded in the 7th century by Queen Bathilde, the abbey played an important role in the Carolingian Renaissance and produced numerous manuscripts and missionaries. The church itself has been rebuilt several times following fires and wars, and today only a third of its original length remains. You can admire its impressive façade, its high vaults and its rich furnishings, as well as discover the history of the abbey and the town of Corbie at the nearby museum. The Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre de Corbie is a monument that will take you back in time and will inspire you with its beauty and its heritage.

The Thiepval Memorial is impressive. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it commemorates more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers lost in the Somme sector during the First World War. You can explore the memorial and its surrounding area, where you will find a Franco-British cemetery, a visitor center and a museum which tells the story of the Battle of the Somme. The memorial is located on top of a hill which offers panoramic views of the peaceful Ancre Valley. You can admire the scenery and reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and peace. The Thiepval Memorial is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and entry is free.

The Etangs de la Barette are a natural site of approximately 40 hectares located in the communes of Corbie and Vaux-sur-Somme. The site is made up of large artificial ponds which were dug by the monks of Corbie Abbey to serve as a fishpond, then used for peat extraction in the 19th century. You can enjoy the view of the water and wetlands, and observe the diverse flora and fauna that populate the site. You will also be able to see the Blue Fountains, water springs that appear blue due to the reflection of sunlight on the chalky bottom. The Etangs de la Barette are an ideal destination for nature lovers who wish to discover a rich and preserved environment.

This path, formerly used for hauling boats by horses or men, offers a variety of landscapes and historical sites. You can enjoy the fresh air, nature and tranquility of this charming towpath.