Article written by Elisa
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The Somme department, nestled in the Hauts-de-France region of Northern France, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, charming towns, and deep historical significance. Bisected by the peaceful Somme River and bordered by the windswept English Channel, the area offers everything from bird-filled estuaries to picturesque villages and impressive Gothic architecture.
The Somme is also known for its tragic past: the Battle of the Somme during World War I, which left an indelible mark on the landscape. Today, the Somme battlefields remain one of the most visited historical sites in Northern France.
If you are interested in visiting the Somme, this 6-day road trip is the perfect itinerary, combining everything the area has to offer. Keep reading to discover a Somme road trip ideal for first-time visitors to this unforgettable region.
This Somme road trip is one of the most beautiful road trips in France. Click here for the best road trips in France.
Road Trip to the Somme – Overview and Map
- Start: Amiens
- Finish: Amiens
- Duration: 6 days
- Suggested Route: Amiens – Somme Battlefields – Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme – Amiens
- Regions covered: Hauts-de-France
- Best for: history, sightseeing, and natural sites.
Click here to view this Road Road Trip to the Somme map on Google My Maps
6-Day Somme Road Trip Itinerary
This 6-day Somme road trip itinerary is the perfect way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes, historical sites, and hidden treasures.
This Somme itinerary starts in Amiens, a beautiful city easily accessible by train from Paris, just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord, and Lille, with a direct train taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’re arriving in Paris via the Eurostar, it’s even more convenient, as trains to Amiens leave from the same hall at Gare du Nord.
We traveled from Paris to Amiens by train and rented a car from a provider near the Amiens train station (check out my best tips for renting a car in France). We did everything through DiscoverCars, a handy comparison site that checks prices from major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and more. You have lots of filters and a handy map with the location of all the providers with their best offer for your needs. It’s a stress-free way to find the best deal before hitting the road through Northern France.
Click here to book your car rental in Amiens with DiscoverCars
Day 0 – Arrival in Amiens
The starting point of this itinerary is the city of Amiens, where I recommend spending at least one full day to explore the highlights before starting the road trip. This charming city is known for its stunning Gothic Cathedral and lively canals.
For your stay, book two nights at the Hotel Mercure Amiens Cathédrale. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it offers modern comforts and unbeatable views of the Cathedral, perfect for a relaxing start to your journey. From here, everything is within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy Amiens without needing a car just yet.
Click here to book your stay at Hotel Mercure Amiens Cathédrale
Day 1 – Amiens
Spend your first full day exploring Amiens. Don’t miss the magnificent Amiens Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the vibrant streets of the Quartier Saint-Leu, and the serene Hortillonnages, the unique floating gardens that can be explored by boat or bike.
Amiens is perfect for wandering, with canals, cafés, and hidden gems around every corner. For a complete guide to the city’s top attractions, check out my article about the best things to do in Amiens. Enjoy your time – this is just the beginning of an unforgettable road trip!
Day 2 – Somme Battlefields (Remembrance Trail)
Day 2 of this Somme road trip takes you along the Circuit du Souvenir (Remembrance Trail), visiting key sites related to the Battle of the Somme. This moving and educational day offers a glimpse into one of the most devastating chapters of World War I, with a mix of museums and memorials that pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and fell here.
The Battle of the Somme, fought between July and November 1916, was one of the bloodiest battles in history. Over a million men were wounded or killed, with soldiers from across the British Empire, France, and Germany engaged in brutal trench warfare. Intended to break the deadlock on the Western Front, the offensive left a lasting scar on the landscape and collective memory of Europe. Today, the Somme battlefields are a place of remembrance, reflection, and learning.
Depending on your origin, you will be more interested in some sites than others. Here are the sites we visited, each offering a unique perspective on the conflict:
- Historial de la Grande Guerre, Péronne – Set in a medieval château, this museum provides a broad and engaging introduction to WWI.
- Delville Wood, South African Memorial – A peaceful yet powerful site dedicated to South African troops who fought bravely here.
- Thiepval Memorial & Historial – A must-see, with a museum focused on the Battle of the Somme and a massive memorial to the missing.
- Ulster Memorial Tower – Commemorates the contribution of the 36th (Ulster) Division.
- Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial – Preserves original trench lines and honors the sacrifice of the Newfoundland Regiment.
- Lochnagar Crater – A dramatic reminder of the battle’s destructive power, caused by a massive mine explosion.
Discover more of the sites you can visit in the Circuit du Souvenir at this full list.
After this emotional journey through history, drive to Aura Castle in Picquigny, a charming 19th-century château-turned-B&B, where you will spend the next two nights – Click here to book your stay at Aura Castle
Day 3 – Picquigny
Picquigny is a peaceful village nestled along the Somme River, surrounded by lush countryside and located on the scenic Véloroute V30, a popular cycling route through the Somme Valley. Although it is a town few people have heard of, Picquigny is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature.
In the morning, take a short 8-minute drive to the Marais des Cavins, a tranquil wetland area with walking trails, wooden footbridges, and birdwatching opportunities, ideal for a peaceful start to your day.
In the afternoon, head to Picquigny’s base nautique for a kayaking adventure on the Somme River. Choose from three relaxing routes (7, 10, or 17 km) and enjoy paddling through calm waters surrounded by natural beauty. If you are traveling with your bikes, you can replace the kayak adventure with a stretch of the Véloroute V30 (or you can rent them at Picquigny’s Tourism Office).
Day 4 – Picquigny to Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
On Day 4, you will make your way to the coast. Before reaching Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, make a short stop in Long, once one of France’s richest villages, thanks to peat extraction.
Known as the region’s “black gold”, Long was also among the first villages to have electricity, and its historic hydroelectric power station, now a museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into that industrial past. Don’t miss the grand Hôtel de Ville, an elegant 18th-century château, and its greenhouses overlooking the Somme River. Such an impressive architecture for such a small village!
Continue to Abbeville for lunch. This historic town is a key stop on the Somme Valley route and is home to one of France’s oldest belfries, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a short stroll to enjoy the town’s charming squares and architectural heritage.
In the afternoon, stretch your legs in the magical Crécy Forest. While the towering trees and quiet trails make for a lovely walk, the highlight is the hunt for the sculpted trees, carved by local artists around the theme of Picardy tales and legends, a whimsical touch in this natural setting.
End the day in Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, a picturesque town at the mouth of the Bay of Somme, where you will spend two nights. We stayed at Chambres avec Vue, a charming B&B in the Old Town with incredible bay views. Prefer a hotel? Check out Hotel Spa Les Corderies, and if possible, book a room with a sea view for the full experience.
Day 5 – Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
Start Day 5 with a kayak tour through the stunning Somme Bay, home to one of the largest colonies of seals on the Channel coast. Gliding silently through the water offers a unique chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat. This is something you will hardly forget!
If kayaking is not your cup of tea, take this guided hike with seal watching or hop aboard the Bay of the Somme steam train for a scenic, nostalgic ride to Le Crotoy, the only south-facing seaside town in the bay. This charming vintage train is a favorite among visitors, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!
Spend the rest of the day exploring the medieval town of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme. Wander through cobbled streets, admire timber-framed houses, and walk up to the Chapelle Saint-Valéry for panoramic views. Don’t miss a relaxing stroll along the quays, where the sea air and peaceful scenery perfectly capture the charm of this historic coastal gem.
Day 6 – Coastal Wonders of the Bay of Somme
Start your final day with a visit to Cayeux-sur-Mer, a charming seaside town known for its long boardwalk lined with over 200 colorful beach huts, one of the largest concentrations in France. The combination of sea breeze, wooden cabins, and views of the vast pebble beach makes for a classic coastal experience.
Next, head to Mers-les-Bains, a hidden gem famous for its stunning Belle Époque villas. These beautifully preserved seaside homes, with their ornate facades and vibrant colors, line the waterfront and create a unique, elegant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk and some postcard-worthy photos.
Before returning to Amiens, make a quick stop in Ault to admire its dramatic chalk cliffs, towering above the sea. Less crowded than the more famous cliffs of Étretat, Ault offers a peaceful and equally impressive view of the natural beauty along the Normandy border.
Back in Amiens, we rented two bikes at the train station (no advance booking necessary) to explore the Hortillonnais. There’s a small discount if you show your train ticket to Amiens, and I think we paid 8€ for the two bikes with the discount.