Best attractions and places to see around Sailly-Au-Bois include a mix of local historical sites and significant World War I landmarks in the Hauts-de-France region. This commune in Pas-de-Calais offers insights into its own past, such as the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Chapelle du Cimetière. The area also serves as a base for exploring numerous WWI memorials and natural features in the surrounding landscape.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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.
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The Tour d'Ulster, also known as the Helen Tower or Tour de Belfast, is a British war memorial. It was built in 1921 to commemorate the soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division who died during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. The tower is a replica of a neo-Gothic tower in Clandeboye Park, near Belfast, where the 36th Division trained. An interesting anecdote is that the 36th Ulster Division was the first to attack during the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, but suffered heavy losses from both German and British artillery fire. The division lost over 5,500 men in just a few hours. The Tour d'Ulster has a cafeteria where you can enjoy a cup of tea, scones or Tayto chips, a specialty from Northern Ireland. It is a nice place to relax.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tour d'Ulster has a cafeteria where you can enjoy a cup of tea, scones or Tayto chips, a specialty from Northern Ireland. It is a nice place to relax for a while.
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The Tour d'Ulster, also known as the Helen Tower or Tour de Belfast, is a British war memorial. It was built in 1921 to commemorate the soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division who died during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. The tower is a replica of a neo-Gothic tower in Clandeboye Park, near Belfast, where the 36th Division trained. An interesting anecdote is that the 36th Ulster Division was the first to attack during the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, but suffered heavy casualties from both German and British artillery fire. The division lost over 5,500 men in just a few hours.
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The monument to the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is a Celtic cross symbolically erected on the embankment of a sunken road, at the spot where the men of this regiment rushed to capture the village of Beaumont-Hamel on November 13, 1916, at the end of the Battle of the Somme. First, on July 1, when it was located in no man's land, exactly equidistant from the British and German trenches, and served as a refuge for so many soldiers wounded during the fighting; then, five days before the end of that same battle, when the village of Beaumont-Hamel was finally captured on November 13, by the men of the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who had rushed from that position. The 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was a Scottish regiment that fought on several fronts. A reading of the inscriptions engraved on the different sides of the base of this monument tells us this. Thus, this cross is dedicated to the glory of the battalion's glorious dead and to the memory of those who will never return. Its combat losses, throughout the war, amounted to 51 officers and 831 men and non-commissioned officers, including 105 wounded officers and 2,527 men and non-commissioned officers. Finally, a Celtic inscription reveals "it is good to have friends on the day of battle." Mobilized from August 4, 1914, to November 12, 1919, a period of five years and 100 days, the regiment fought from May 1, 1915, to November 11, 1918, in Belgium and France. Until 1918, the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders belonged to the 51st Division; In 1915, it fought at Richebourg, Festubert and on Thiepval Ridge, which was to leave a sad memory for the British on 1 July 1916 (this is where the memorial to the missing now stands); in 1916, it fought at the Labyrinth, Vimy Ridge, Fourcaux Wood (High Wood), Beaumont-Hamel (there, therefore) and Courcelette; in 1917, it was Roclincourt, Arras, Roeux, Ypres and Cambrai. In 1918, the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders fought as part of the 61st Division at Saint-Quentin, Holnon Wood, Villéveque, Nesle, Villers-Bretonneux and on the Lys; but also within the 15th division which distinguished itself at Soissons, at Buzancy and in the final advance which would lead to the armistice
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The region around Sailly-Au-Bois is rich in World War I history. You can visit the Ulster Tower, a British war memorial commemorating the 36th Ulster Division. Another significant site is the Newfoundland Memorial, a park with preserved trenches and cemeteries honoring the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The impressive Thiepval Memorial commemorates 72,337 missing British and South African soldiers, and the Scottish Divisions Memorial at the Sunken Lane marks a key location from the Battle of the Somme.
Within Sailly-Au-Bois, you can explore L'église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a church rebuilt after World War I with beautiful stained-glass windows. The Chapelle du Cimetière, located on the site of the first church, is another historical monument with a unique inverted boat-shaped interior. Traces of the former Château de Sailly and the historically significant Bois de Bataille also exist.
While Sailly-Au-Bois is set within the 'landscapes of the great Arrageois and Cambrésis plains,' several natural reserves and forests are within driving distance. These include the Réserve naturelle de l'Étang Saint-Ladre, the Réserve naturelle régionale du Marais de Wagnonville, and the Forêt d'Hesdin. The village itself is historically linked to willow trees and has a stream dividing its former seigneurial domain.
The area around Sailly-Au-Bois offers various outdoor activities. For road cycling, you can find routes like 'The Citadel – Place des Héros loop' or 'Bunker de la Grand Guerre loop.' Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the 'Caribou Trail' or loops within the Newfoundland Memorial Park. For general cycling, there are routes like 'Parc Mémorial de Thiepval — loop from Newfoundland Memorial.' You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling, Hiking, and Cycling around Sailly-Au-Bois.
Many of the historical sites, particularly the World War I memorials, offer educational experiences suitable for families. For instance, the Thiepval Memorial includes a visitor center and the Jardins de la Paix, providing a reflective environment. The Newfoundland Memorial features preserved trenches that can be an engaging way for families to learn about history. Additionally, the various easy hiking and cycling routes in the area provide opportunities for family outings in nature.
Visitors frequently appreciate the profound historical significance of the World War I memorials. For example, the Newfoundland Memorial is praised for its preserved trenches and detailed documentation, offering a precise picture of historical events. The Thiepval Memorial is noted for its impressive architecture and the solemn atmosphere of remembrance. The Ulster Tower is also valued for its historical context and the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor memorials, natural reserves, and for engaging in hiking or cycling activities. During these seasons, the gardens in the wider region, such as Parc du château de Sericourt, are also in full bloom. However, the historical sites are accessible year-round, offering a poignant experience regardless of the season.
Yes, the cities of Arras (approximately 22km away) and Amiens (approximately 28km away) are within easy reach. Both offer extensive historical and cultural attractions, including cathedrals, museums, and vibrant city centers, making them excellent destinations for a day trip from Sailly-Au-Bois.
Sailly-Au-Bois is a small rural commune, so dining and accommodation options within the village itself may be limited. However, the surrounding towns and cities like Arras and Amiens offer a wider range of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation choices. Some memorial sites, like the Ulster Tower, have small cafeterias where you can enjoy light refreshments.
Yes, several remarkable gardens are within driving distance. These include the Parc du château de Sericourt (28km), Le clos Alexandre (32km), and Jardin du château de Maizicourt (34km). These offer beautiful landscapes and a peaceful contrast to the historical sites.
To fully appreciate the main World War I memorials like the Newfoundland Memorial, Thiepval Memorial, and Ulster Tower, it is recommended to allocate at least half a day, or even a full day, to explore them. Each site offers visitor centers, detailed information, and often walking paths through the historical grounds, allowing for a comprehensive and reflective experience.
Given Sailly-Au-Bois's rural location, public transport options directly to all attractions may be limited. It is generally recommended to have a car for convenient access to the various World War I memorials, natural reserves, and nearby towns. Some major memorial sites might have limited bus services from larger towns, but checking local schedules in advance is advisable.


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