About Activity
HIGHTLIGHTS
Day trip from Paris to the Somme in France’s Picardy region.
Follow the footsteps of the braves australians soldiers who fought in the Somme in WW1.
Walk along the graves and pay your respect in front of the wall of the missing australians soldiers at the Australian Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux
Discover the "Sir John Monash Centre" in Villers-Bretonneux
See the huge landmine « Lochnagar Crater »
Browse thousands of war-objects collected and displayed at the Historial of Peronne
Includes
- Admission to the Historial of the Great War in Péronne
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Driver Guide
Excludes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch
Stop At: Australian National Memorial The Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux is the main memorial to Australian military personnel killed on the Western Front during World War I. It is located on the Route Villiers-Bretonneux (D 23), in the Somme département, France. The memorial lists 10,773 names of soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force with no known grave who were killed between 1916, when Australian forces arrived in France and Belgium, and the end of the war. The location was chosen to commemorate the role played by Australian soldiers in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (24–27 April 1918).
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial consists of a tower within the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, which also includes a Cross of Sacrifice. The tower is surrounded by walls and panels on which the names of the missing dead are listed. The main inscription is in both French and English, on either side of the entrance to the tower. The memorial and cemetery are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Stop At: Australian Corps Memorial This commemorates and interprets the battle of Le Hamel which took place on 4 July 1918, when, with the support of the Americans, General Monash launched a hugely victorious attack by combining for the first time infantry, artillery, air forces and tanks, thus heralding the tactics of modern warfare.
This memorial park was created in the village of Le Hamel by the Australian state and inaugurated on 7 August 1998. The site’s panoramic displays and explanatory panels help visitors to understand the strategic challenge which it represented during the battle. Several trenches have been preserved.
Stop At: Lochnagar Crater The Lochnagar mine south of the village of La Boisselle in the Somme département was an underground explosive charge, secretly planted by the British during the First World War, ready for 1 July 1916, the first day on the Somme. The mine was dug by the Tunnelling Companies of the Royal Engineers under a German field fortification known as Schwabenhöhe (Swabian Height).
The British named the mine after Lochnagar Street, the British trench from which the gallery was driven. The charge at Lochnagar was one of 19 mines that were placed beneath the German lines on the British section of the Somme front, to assist the infantry advance at the start of the battle.
The mine was sprung at 7:28 a.m. on 1 July 1916 and left a crater 98 ft (30 m) deep and 330 ft (100 m) wide, which was captured and held by British troops. The attack on either flank was defeated by German small-arms and artillery fire, except on the extreme right flank and just south of La Boisselle, north of the Lochnagar Crater. The crater has been preserved as a memorial and a religious service is held each 1 July.
Stop At: Windmill Memorial The Windmill site at Pozières was established as an Australian memorial in the 1930s at the suggestion of Australia's official war historian, Charles Bean, because, 'The Windmill site marks a ridge more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth'. Over seven weeks in 1916, at the Battle of the Somme, the Australian Imperial Force suffered 23 000 casualties, more than 6700 of whom died, in the countryside around the Windmill. On 11 November 1993 soil from the Windmill site was cast over the coffin of Australia's Unknown Soldier during his funeral at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Stop At: 2nd Australian Division Memorial Mont Saint-Quentin Australian war memorial, located in Mont Saint-Quentin region of Picardy, is an Australian First World War memorial.
The Australian Second Division has a war memorial on the road from Bapaume to Péronne. It is the only one of the five Australian division memorials initiated by members of the division. The base was erected in 1925. It has bronze bas-reliefs by May Butler-George of men hauling and pushing a gun and of men advancing with bayoneted rifles and hand-grenades. It had on its top an Australian soldier thrusting his bayonet through a German eagle. The sculptor was Charles Web Gilbert.
However, in 1940, German soldiers smashed the memorial. A replacement statue by Stanley Hammond of a thoughtful Australian soldier looking down was erected in 1971
Stop At: Historial De La Grande Guerre Admission Ticket:
Tickets are included After lunch and to end that very moving day, you will get a free access to explore the «Great War Historial and museum" in Péronne. A 13th century medieval castle house the WW1 museum which display a a large exhibits of uniforms and weapons all worn, designed and used by the soldiers during the conflict.
The historial of peronne museum also offers a permanent collection of Trench Artists such as « Otto Dix » who did testimony of the atrocities of the war with sketching some very graphic etchings.
Public transportation options are available nearby Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Suitable for all physical fitness levels For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
A day in the Somme with Regis, amazing and eye opening.Sue_B
For anyone travelling who is from a country which took part in WW1 this is an essential visit. A beautiful and sobering memorial to our ancestors who contributed so bravery.
We were guided by Regis who was knowledgeable and took us on a journey of discovery. As Australians the tour of Villers Bretonneux was very special and the photos he took were amazing. We moved further into the Somme walking amongst the trenches and appreciating the role of our fellow countrymen and women. Very special were the tributes to the Canadians and New Foundland peoples.
I am so glad that we included this trip in our stay in Paris, it should be a must do for all. Request Regis, he made the day exceptional.
Wonderful ExperienceB680SOscottm
The Meeting point at Cafe Dada was easy too get to. The Dada coffee & fresh hot croissants were wonderful. We met the Blue Fox Owner and Manager at Cafe Dada as I emailed a request to visit my Great Uncle's gravesite (11th Argyll & Sutherland Hrs) which was less than 2km from one of our stops. I did my homework years ago, provided a map to Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery and Blue Fox understood my mission as well as the other couples on the tour. Our Guide "Mathew" was outstanding! He described everything too a tee and used first hand accounts of Veterans to enhance our experience as ANZAC and 9th/15th Scottish divisions were highly engaged in this sector. Mathew had maps to aid in the trip which defined the battlefield. As a Retired Veteran myself it was a wonderful experience and I'm still touched by the attention they gave my wife and I to fulfill rendering honors to my relation that we never forgot.
Great tour & tour guide,...Diane_B
Great tour & tour guide, would highly recommend. Australian war memorial was so interesting. Loved the trenches.
Memorable family experience with an extraordinary guide!!Geoff and Sally S
A memorable day spent visiting a number of the significant WW1 battlefields and war memorials. We would highly recommend the tour and our tour guide,Regis, who made it all so much more moving with his detailed knowledge of the area and the historical significance of each site.
Amazing experience with...Paul_K
Amazing experience with Regis today, highly recommended for a personal day experience.
And very knowledgeable your guide.
This was the best tour we have ever done. Enjoyed by us all including teenagers - 16 and 18. The right mix of everything.
Fantastic Tour Of The SommeCraig_C
This is a fantastic tour of The Somme. Our guide Regis shared a wealth of knowledge about the war in the villages and battlefields. To see where the soldiers were and conditions they faced is hard to describe. We also went to sites that are overlooked on other tours. I highly recommend this tour.
Australian WW1 Somme tourHamish W
Regis did an excellent job of explaining the history and context of the various sites we visited. The tour was well paced and informative and well suited for our teenage children
Life highlight experience.Nick M
Life highlight experience.Our day spent with Regis was more than we ever expected.His encyclopaedic knowledge of every aspect of the Somme battles was extraordinary and he seemed very proud of the Australian bravery and sacrifice and it was as expected,a moving and proud experience.Dont look any further,just book Regis and enjoy a great day.Thank you Regis,we will be back.
Nick and Kristin Mcintyre.
Great tour, great guide who is passionate and knowledgeablekatmS8512MC
Régis is an incredibly knowledgeable guide who planned out our day perfectly. He taught us all so much more about the areas we were walking on and left us with a thirst to learn more. Thank Régis
A very moving experiencem_tall_m
What an amazing place! It commands a spectacular view and pays homage to the fallen diggers. The interactive experience in the John Monash Centre was very moving. The cafe was quite good.
Australians in the SommeTrooly
We booked a private tour for our family of 4. Regis is a very gracious, knowledgeable and personable host. We learnt so much and felt so welcomed to learn about our shared history. We packed a lot into the day but at the same time never felt rushed. We were conveniently picked up and dropped back to our hotel in Paris in a very comfortable van. Regis is a very safe driver. He also took wonderful photo's for us to treasure. I would definitely recommend this tour company to my friends.
Full day trip of Somme and Villers BretonneuxsandratV9605KZ
Service and knowledge of Adrian was very very good. The ease of the pick and drop off was great and the vehicle was also really great.
The history laid against the landscape was surreal, and this coupled with Adrian's knowledge and guidance made for a really great day. It was a long day, but a very full and enjoyable day!!
Profound Experience Deathtakesaholiday
We had a great day out it was a real opportunity to understand Australian war history on the Somme and get a realistic perspective and life endured by the Aussie Diggers. Regis our guide was very knowledgeable and I would recommend this tour to all Australians interested in our war history
Had no contact details of the tour, couldn’t find the place correctlyMeander44035888090
After I could only book for 2 people minimum, I had a timing matter that could have been resolved easily if I had contact details that actually worked. No one ever answers the phone or emails so yeah it basically ruined my trip to France. I honestly wish I never came here in the first place.
An amazing tour of the Somme ValleyMark G
Thank you for the day spent in the Somme Region. We were amazed by its beauty and its sad past.
You set the scene and aroused our imagination of the battles lost and won and the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Walking through the gravestones and reading the epitaphs left tears in our eyes. Viewing the trenches brought us closer to the horrors of war.
The consoling factor was the vibrancy of the small towns today and the joy on the faces of those leaving the baptism ceremony in Albert, signifying new life.
We thoroughly enjoyed your company and that of Carmel and Greg. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this time in history with us. We are always hopeful that the ‘powers that be‘ learn from these terrible events.
We will cherish these photographs and gladly spread the word of Adrian Roads back home in Australia.
We wish you every success with your company in the future.
Must do for Australian’s the information give by Regis is better than any lesson at schoolkeithfamily
My husband and I had the most amazing time Regis taught us more about WW1 than we ever learnt at school this tour makes you think and it amazes you and the respect shown by Regis and the people of France to the Aussie soldiers gives you goosebumps. This is a must do tour you will not be disappointed. Thank you Regis and Adrian Roads Thank you
Excellent tour and guide !!Glen_W
Excellent and informative tour. Regis was a very knowledgeable guide and I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting a great and informative tour of the Australian war effort in WW1.
Somme-Villers Bretonneux Tour 2019Camper15881373993
We did the Somme-Villiers Bretonneux Tour from Paris in Dec 2019 with my teenage daughters. The tour guide Regis had a vast historical knowledge of the region.His Enthusiasm and Passion made the tour unforgettable and a definite highlight for our whole family. He even went out of his way to help us find a resting place of my Wifes Great Grandfather . We would highly recommend this tour and with Regis as your guide.
Amazing day - a must do!nicolaj124
Nov 23, 2019, 11:48:32 AM Régis went above and beyond on this tour. We visited all key sites and memorials of the Somme battles, including a tour of remaining trenches, all of which were very moving. Régis was extremely informative throughout the day, providing information and explanations about the war even as we visited museums and drove throughout the Somme region. This provided in depth insight which allowed for greater engagement during the day - there was never a dull moment. Régis was even able to provide some helpful tips and recommendations for Paris. In addition to all else, Régis was very kind and accommodating. Overall, I would highly recommend a day trip with Adrian Road tours to anyone interested in or with a connection to WWI.
A must do tour for any Australian interested in WW1robwc123
Nov 19, 2019, 11:12:14 PM This is a must do tour for any Australian interested in WW1. Adrian was great, he has so much knowledge and explains in detail the role of Australians during WW1 in France. If you are thinking about a tour in this region I would highly recommend Adrian.
The very personable GuideJeffrey C
This tour was certainly one of the highlights of my recent trip to France. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided excellent commentary on the sites visited. I would have no hesitation in recommending this to particularly the time poor visitor to the Somme. It was a real eye opener.
Totally recommend this tour - First Classcowlin052
Spent the day with our tour guide, Regis, who had exceptional knowledge of the WW1 battles of the Somme.
We were picked up and dropped off on time from Paris in a comfortable van.
Each place that we stopped at Regis would give us an insight into the background around what we were about to see and then would allows us time to then experience on our own.
There was a variety of both actual battle field visits as well as war museums.
We could not fault this tour and would recommend to anyone interested in seeing and learning about the WW1 battles.
Thankyou Regis for a great day that our family will never forget.
visiting Viller’s BretonneuxU9698RXtinam
we loved the memorial sites and Museums
stayed in Viller’s Bretonneux , was disappointed with the town nothing really there , if you go by train off season you have no way of getting to the memorial sites or museum, no bus’s no Taxi’s i mea nothing , also if you go on a weekend nothing is open there is no where to eat so make sure you have a car. we managed very we thanks to the G P S!
The Australian snd French Government should do more for this town , i thought it would be much better than it was , a let down sorry , as the Australian Government makes such a fuss over it making it bigger than it is .
