Best attractions and places to see around Couin include historical sites and natural features. Couin, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, serves as a base for exploring significant World War I remembrance sites. The area features preserved battlefields, memorials, and museums. It also offers cultural landmarks like historic châteaux.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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 largest Newfoundland memorial in Europe. 30 hectare site with preserved trenches
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The documentation at this location allows a precise picture of the events: the traces of the trenches, the craters and the course of the battle up to the German position.
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This park honors the brave soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. You can explore the preserved trenches, cemeteries and memorials that tell the story of their sacrifice and courage. You can also admire the caribou statue, emblem of the regiment, which stands on a mound overlooking the battlefield. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entry is free. You can also take a guided tour or watch a film at the visitor center to learn more about the history of the site.
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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.
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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.
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Château de Bavincourt is a castle located in the commune of Bavincourt, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France. An old manor house used to stand on the site of the present castle and its motte was still there during the construction of the latter; however, not much is known about it. The current castle was built by François Deslions, nephew of Jean-Louis Deslions, canon and dean of Saint-Omer, who had inherited the lands of Bavincourt.
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Certainly one of the most beautiful memorials.
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Couin is a prime location for exploring significant World War I remembrance sites and historic châteaux. You can visit preserved battlefields, memorials, and museums dedicated to the Great War, as well as architectural landmarks like the grand Château de Bavincourt.
Absolutely. The Newfoundland Memorial is a must-see, honoring the Royal Newfoundland Regiment with preserved trenches and a caribou statue. Another significant site is the Newfoundland Memorial Park, which also features preserved trenches and offers guided tours. Beyond these, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme are profoundly moving sites easily accessible from Couin.
The most prominent historical building in Couin is the magnificent Château de Couin. Built between 1745 and 1748, this grand residence in the Louis XV Rocaille style is one of the largest castles in Artois and is protected as a Historic Monument. It offers guided tours of its authentic interiors and domain park.
Yes, the area around Couin offers several opportunities to see preserved WWI battlefields. The Newfoundland Memorial and Newfoundland Memorial Park both feature preserved trench lines. The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is particularly notable for being one of the few places on the Western Front where original trench lines and no-man's-land have been maintained.
Yes, you can visit the Thiepval Museum, located alongside the Thiepval Memorial, which provides in-depth historical context to the Battle of the Somme. Additionally, the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert, approximately 17 km from Couin, recreates the lives of soldiers in the trenches through underground exhibits.
A unique natural feature related to WWI is the Hawthorn Ridge Crater, located near Beaumont-Hamel. This massive crater was formed by a British mine detonation on July 1, 1916, at the start of the Battle of the Somme. Another impressive site is the Lochnagar Crater, also a result of a mine detonation, which remains a stark and powerful reminder of the conflict.
Visitors particularly appreciate the profound historical significance of the World War I sites, noting the well-preserved trenches and the detailed documentation that allows for a precise understanding of the events. The solemn atmosphere and the stories of courage and sacrifice commemorated at places like the Newfoundland Memorial Park are often highlighted.
Yes, the region around Couin offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Château de Bavincourt – Château de Barly loop from Saulty', and running trails like the 'Foncquevillers loop from Hannescamps'. For more details on routes, you can explore the Cycling around Couin and Running Trails around Couin guides.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find several trails near Couin. Options include the 'Barly Castle – Forest Trail loop from Saulty' and the 'Newfoundland Memorial – Old Mill of Louvencourt loop from Beaumont-Hamel'. You can find more information and routes in the MTB Trails around Couin guide.
Yes, the Scottish Divisions Memorial at the Sunken Lane is located near Beaumont-Hamel. This Celtic cross monument commemorates the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and marks a significant spot from the Battle of the Somme, where soldiers rushed to capture Beaumont-Hamel.
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor memorials and historical sites around Couin. Summers can be warm, while winters can be cold and damp, which might affect the enjoyment of outdoor activities and site visits.
While many attractions are historically significant, families with older children interested in history will find the WWI memorials and museums, such as the Somme 1916 Museum, to be educational and impactful. The preserved trench lines at the Newfoundland Memorial sites can also be a compelling experience for families.


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