A land marked by history
The Haute Somme is a multi-faceted region. It is, of course, best known for its role in the Great War. The Great War is present throughout the region. The Circuit du Souvenir (Remembrance Trail) takes you to such memorial sites as the Somme 1916 Museum in Albert, where the trail begins, the British Memorial in Thiepval, the South African Memorial and Museum in Longueval, the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and theHistorial de la Grande Guerre in Péronne, where the trail ends. The latter has become a veritable gateway to the region, attracting a large number of foreign tourists, particularly from the Commonwealth. Whether on your own or with a guide, by bike, car or on foot, the tour offers a wide range of possibilities for discovering more about this page of history.
You can even board the "Ptit train de la Haute Somme" to experience a different kind of journey through history. Built in 1916 for the needs of the Battle of the Somme, this railroad line was used to supply the front line. Today, the P'tit train takes you on a 14 km ride from Froissy to Dompierre, with a magical view over the Somme Valley.
The Haute Somme also boasts a built heritage linked to post-war reconstruction. The region is unmistakable for its red brick and concrete heritage. The years 1920-1930 brought new hopes. Architects saw a way to redesign cities and French homes. Houses were more modern and aesthetically pleasing. Such was the scale of construction that it now forms part of our historical memory.
During the Journées Nationales de l'Architecture (National Architecture Days) in October, the Pays d'art et d'histoire offers a range of events and activities to help you discover this part of the region's history in a different way: tours, meetings with architects, workshops and more.
Another great way to discover history in a fun way is the "Cygnes des Temps" show, which takes place on June 30, July1 and 2 in Péronne. In the historic setting of the Porte de Bretagne, and surrounded by nature, the sound & light show unfolds 1,600 years of the town's history.
Hiking and gastronomy: experience the Haute Somme to the full
Nature is an important part of the Haute Somme region. The Somme Valley crosses the entire département. Hiking and cycling are among the many activities on offer. From Ham to Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, you can take the Véloroute. A number of Maisons de la Vallée offer bike rentals, drinks and even bivouacs. Some Maisons also offer kayak or electric boat rentals, so you can discover the river in a different way.
As for hiking, there's a lovely 2.5 km walk at Cléry-sur-Somme on the "Bird Discovery" trail. The walk begins with an explanatory panel. In this Natura 2000 area, with its exceptional panoramic views, this signposted walk along the ponds takes you on an encounter with the wildlife that inhabits the ponds of the Haute Somme. Qualinat-certified nature guides also offer guided tours for further observation. For the more sporty, you'll find other walking and cycling itineraries on the Haute Somme tourist office website.
And of course, there's nothing better than a good beer after a sporting outing. For that, head for Brasserie De Clerck, in Péronne. Located right in the center of town, the brewery perpetuates a long tradition: family know-how that balances flavor and character. The Colvert lager will delight connoisseurs. And if you'd like to try another local specialty, push open the door of an anguillère. Le Vivier d'Omignon, a renowned fish farm, has kept alive its ancestral tradition of smoking freshwater fish, mainly eels from the Haute Somme. A store sells both whole and processed smoked eels. A real delight!
Obtaining the Pays d'art et d'histoire label
The Villes et Pays d'art et d'histoire label, created by the French Ministry of Culture in 1985, is awarded to local authorities committed to a well-thought-out policy of protecting and promoting their heritage and supporting architectural quality.
It's only natural that the Santerre Haute Somme area should be awarded the label in 2021, thanks to the work of the Pôle d'Équilibre Territorial et Rural du Cœur des Hauts-de-France, a syndicat mixte de pays tasked with promoting culture and heritage in particular.
Santerre Haute Somme is the second territory in the Somme to be awarded the label, the first being Amiens Métropole. This recognition proves, if proof were needed, that the region has a strong and rich history, and a heritage that needs to be showcased. Being recognized as a "Pays d'art et d'histoire" has enabled the PETR du Cœur des Hauts-de-France to work on a variety of themes, offering a varied range of cultural activities for all. Starting with the heritage of the reconstruction period. The area is also strongly linked to agricultural cultivation. The landscape is dotted with industrial wastelands such as the Saint Louis Sucre sugar refinery in Eppeville, the result of two centuries of beet growing. The Haute Somme is also a cross-country territory that has always been built around the river, which has shaped two plateaus: the Vermandois and the Santerre. The Somme Valley is also a magnificent playground for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Last but not least, history is everywhere. There are many sites to visit, such as the fortifications at Péronne and Ham.
The coherence of this vast territory is based on its history, which is strongly linked to the First World War. But the Haute Somme also has other fascinating aspects to discover and showcase.
The activities on offer have enabled the local people themselves to rediscover and reappropriate their territory. Guided tours are already proving popular, offering a fresh look at the architecture of the buildings, with attention to the smallest details. In spring, take advantage of landscape walks, accompanied by an illustrator with whom you can learn to sketch what you see. In the end, this local pride is the best possible way to promote the area, while at the same time providing a great opening for tourism.
This development is in keeping with the dynamics already present in the region, notably that of the Printemps de l'Art Déco, with its two months of programming around the heritage of the Hauts-de-France region. The Haute Somme is also working in partnership with Cambrai, also a Ville d'art et d'histoire. Participants can benefit from a joint visit passport. Each time you visit the Pays d'art et d'histoire de la Haute Somme and the Ville d'art et d'histoire de Cambrai, a guide will tick a box on your passport. Once the passport has been validated by the respective Tourist Offices, a VIP visit is offered in Cambrai and the Haute Somme to discover a site never before open to visitors. Goodies will complete the package. The idea is to take visitors and regulars on a journey to discover the heritage on their doorstep.
Other actions complete the promotion of our heritage, such as the "Journées des Espaces fortifiés", with some twenty fortified sites opening their doors, not forgetting the "Journées du Patrimoine".
FUTURE INFO
When are we open?
In winter, some sites may be closed, but for those brave enough to brave the cold, the landscapes offer beautiful shades and gradations. Not to mention the magnificent pinkish sunsets. In spring and autumn, the Santerre Haute Somme offers an even greater variety of landscapes. Added to this is a rich cultural and heritage program, particularly during the summer season.
Duration
The destination is ideal for a weekend or short break.
Budget
A stay in Santerre Haute Somme doesn't require an extensive budget. Many activities are free of charge: hiking, visiting monuments, etc. The wide choice of restaurants and accommodation means there's something for everyone.
Public
Whether you're coming as a couple, with family or friends, Santerre Haute Somme is the perfect destination. A little tip for parents: at the Tourist Office, the "Phigus" booklet enables children to discover the region through games and all its themes.
Plus points
- A wide range of activities.
- A rich heritage with many attractions.
- A perfect region for rediscovering history.
- The dynamic and friendly team at the Tourist Office can help you plan your stay.
The minuses
- Access can be difficult: there's no train station in Péronne. However, proximity to the freeways means easy access by car, and there are several train stations in the surrounding towns.
Getting here
By car: from Lille on the A1 (exit 13.1); from Paris on the A1 (exit 13); from Brussels on the A1 (exit 13.1). By train: Chaulnes, Ham, Nesle, Rosières or Haute-Picardie TGV stations.
Useful
- OFFICE DE TOURISME DE HAUTE SOMME - More information on the website
1, rue Louis XI
80200 Péronne
✆ 03 22 84 42 38
Sleep
Take advantage of B&B stays to meet the locals:
- La Porte de Bretagne
50, rue Saint-Sauveur, Péronne
- Les chambres de la Source
3, Grande rue, Sancourt
- Les chambres du Château d'Omiécourt
4, rue du Bosquet, Omiécourt
Other B&B and gîte addresses (for longer stays) are available on the Haute Somme tourist office website.
