The best running trails around Contalmaison

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.

The Nymphe d'Aveluy is a historical monument in Aveluy, France, commemorating the artwork created by French soldiers during World War I. During periods of rest between battles, soldiers created sculptures and engravings, including the famous "Nymphe d'Aveluy". These works were often photographed and sent to their families on postcards.

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 Fricourt German military cemetery is the second largest German military cemetery in the Somme. There you can pay homage to the 17,027 soldiers who died during the First World War, many of them during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. You can also see the original grave of the famous Red Baron, Manfred von Richtofen, who was shot in 1918 and later transferred to Berlin. The cemetery is located on the outskirts of the village of Fricourt, which was a fortified stronghold of the German army until its capture by the British in July 1916.

Lochnagar Crater is the largest artificial mine crater of the First World War on the Western Front. It was created by a massive explosion of 60,000 pounds of explosives under German lines on July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. You can tour the crater and discover its history thanks to the information panels. You can also pay your respects to fallen soldiers by visiting the memorial cross and memorial plaques.

The Dorsetshire Regiment Monument commemorates the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, a British infantry unit which fought its first battle at this location during the Second World War (1939-1945). The inscriptions on the monument will allow you to learn more about the history of this regiment and its role in the different campaigns. The monument is located in a picturesque place, surrounded by fields and trees. You can enjoy the fresh air and countryside views as you run along the trails. The monument is also close to other attractions, such as the Bois d'Authuille in the Somme, where the regimental memorial is located.

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.