Discover the Remembrance Trail and the history of the Great War in the heart of the Somme
On the doorstep of the Remembrance Trail
From Les Roses du Souvenir in Mailly-Maillet, set out to discover Beaumont-Hamel, Thiepval, Albert and the Somme’s major memorial sites.
Around Albert, the peaceful landscapes of the Somme still bear the traces of one of the most significant battles of the First World War.
The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
Just a few minutes from Les Roses du Souvenir, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is an essential stop on the Remembrance Trail.
The site preserves a landscape deeply marked by the First World War. The trenches, shell craters and contours of the battlefield still help visitors understand how the Somme front was laid out in 1916.
On 1 July 1916, the Newfoundland Regiment advanced from this area and suffered devastating losses. Today, the imposing bronze caribou, the emblem of Newfoundland, overlooks the battlefield in tribute to the fallen soldiers.
From Les Roses du Souvenir in Mailly-Maillet, Beaumont-Hamel is close by and makes an ideal first stop on a visit to the Somme’s memorial sites.
The Thiepval Memorial
Visible from across the Somme countryside, the Thiepval Memorial is one of the most iconic monuments on the Remembrance Trail.
Dedicated to the British and South African soldiers who went missing during the battles of the Somme, this imposing memorial bears the names of more than 72,000 men who died between 1915 and 1918 and have no known grave.
Overlooking the former battlefields, the memorial also offers remarkable views across the Somme. The visitor and interpretation centre places the site and the 1916 battle in their historical context.
Thiepval is easy to reach from Les Roses du Souvenir and is a key stop on a day exploring the Remembrance Trail.
The Ulster Tower: a tribute to Irish soldiers
A few minutes from Thiepval, the Ulster Tower stands amid the Somme countryside. Inaugurated in 1921, this memorial tower honours the men of the 36th Ulster Division who fought here during the Battle of the Somme, particularly on 1 July 1916.
Inspired by a tower near Belfast, it is one of the area’s most distinctive memorials. Its unusual architecture and peaceful surroundings contrast with the violence of the fighting that took place in the surrounding fields.
Visitors can see the memorial, explore the surrounding area and better understand how close the battlefields around Thiepval and Beaumont-Hamel are to one another.
From Les Roses du Souvenir, the Ulster Tower fits naturally into a day exploring the Remembrance Trail, alongside Thiepval and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.
Lochnagar Crater: a scar left by the Battle of the Somme
At La Boisselle, near Albert, Lochnagar Crater is one of the most striking reminders of the Battle of the Somme. This immense crater was created on 1 July 1916, when British troops detonated a mine beneath the German positions shortly before the offensive began.
Nearly 100 metres across and around 30 metres deep, the crater still conveys the extraordinary force of the explosions that preceded the attack.
A path runs around the crater, allowing visitors to take in its full scale. The contrast between the quiet Picardy countryside and the events of 1916 is striking. From Les Roses du Souvenir, Lochnagar is an essential stop and can easily be combined with a visit to Albert and the Somme 1916 Museum.
Albert and the Somme 1916 Museum: at the heart of the story
An essential stop on the Remembrance Trail, Albert was profoundly affected by the First World War. Almost entirely destroyed during the fighting, the town is now one of the main starting points for exploring the former Somme battlefields.
In the town centre stands the remarkable Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières, recognisable by its high dome topped with the famous Golden Virgin. Destroyed during the war and later rebuilt, it remains one of Albert’s defining landmarks.
Just a short walk away, the Somme 1916 Museum is housed in a former underground shelter and offers an insight into soldiers’ daily lives. Uniforms, personal belongings and displays help visitors understand the conditions in the trenches.
A visit to Albert is a natural addition to a day exploring Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel, the Ulster Tower and Lochnagar Crater. It also gives you time to discover the town centre before continuing your journey.
Take time to discover the Remembrance Trail
The Remembrance Trail is about more than a handful of monuments. Between memorials, military cemeteries, former battlefields and villages shaped by history, each stop deserves time to pause, look around and reflect.
Spending several days in the area lets you explore without rushing. One day could take you to Beaumont-Hamel, Thiepval and the Ulster Tower; another could include La Boisselle, Lochnagar Crater and Albert.
Staying in the heart of the Somme also makes it easier to leave the busiest routes and discover lesser-known cemeteries and memorials along the country roads—places that are no less moving.
After a day spent following the traces of history, return to the peace of the countryside at Les Roses du Souvenir in Mailly-Maillet. You can plan the next day’s route at your leisure and enjoy the house, garden and relaxing spaces.
With four bedrooms for up to eight guests, a fully equipped kitchen, a private garden and very high-speed internet, the gîte is an ideal base for couples, families and groups of friends to explore the Remembrance Trail at their own pace.
Stay in the heart of the Remembrance Trail
Following the Remembrance Trail means discovering peaceful landscapes where history remains close. From Beaumont-Hamel to Thiepval, and from the Ulster Tower to Lochnagar and Albert, every stop tells part of the story of the Battle of the Somme.
In Mailly-Maillet, at the heart of this historic area, Les Roses du Souvenir welcomes you to a characterful home where you can relax and spend time together after a day of exploring.
Take your time discovering the Somme, following the traces of its history and making the most of your stay.
Book your stay at Les Roses du Souvenir and explore the Remembrance Trail.