The best walks and hikes around Mesnil-Martinsart

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 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.

Hawthorn Ridge Crater is a mine crater that was exploded during the First World War. This crater, located at the entrance to Beaumont-Hamel in Picardy, France, bears witness to the tragic events that unfolded on July 1, 1916, when British soldiers attacked German fortifications on the ridge. The mine exploded eight minutes too early, allowing the Germans to regain the upper hand and inflict heavy losses on the attackers. You can access the crater via a muddy path between two pastures, and admire the vegetation that has reclaimed the site. You can also learn about the history of the battle and the second explosion which took place on November 13, 1916. The crater is part of a wider network of memorials and cemeteries which commemorate the soldiers who fell on the Somme.

The Newfoundland Memorial Park in France. This memorial park is dedicated to the Newfoundland soldiers who fought and died in the First World War, particularly during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. You can walk along the preserved trenches, see the bronze caribou statue which symbolizes the Newfoundland Regiment, and learn more about the war and its impact on the people of Newfoundland. The park also offers free guided tours in French and English by student guides. You will be moved by the stories of courage and sacrifice that this park commemorates.

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 know more about the history of this regiment and its role in the different campaigns. The monument is located in a picturesque area, surrounded by fields and trees. You can enjoy the fresh air and views of the countryside as you stroll 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.