Hi everyone,
I need a bit of help with planning either a day trip or over night trip to Somme Valley. In about one months time we will be in Paris and wanted to visit some war memorials at the Somme Valley and particular the Australian memorial.
So, Ive worked out the the train is about an hours ride and cost approx 40Euro for both us one way. The thing Im having trouble with though is accom and tours.
Im having trouble finding affordable accom (eg. campsites or hostels, cheap hotel). Do I need to book a tour now or can we just turn up and hop on a tour? And what town would be the best to stay in?

If you have visited this area I would love to hear about your experience and any advise you can give.

Thanks heaps, Hayley

Denise (Worcester Park, Surrey, GB), May 13, 2009
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http://www.booking.com/region/fr/somme. ... 5QodPnlYkA

This is what I found offhand. too bad the cheapest one is by a highway, and probably requires a car or cab to get to the town.

Grange de La Herde
Sleeps 1-5, 2 bedrms €55 to €70 / night
Open all year long the Grange de la Herde is close to Amiens and easy to reach. It is a great place for a few days' holiday. In the outbuildings of a former farm, you will be welcome in the two lovely bedrooms or in a spacious self-catering accommodation.

http://www.visitfrance.co.uk/?dep=80

That's two of the cheapest. No real hostels.

Some camping. This one appears to be accessible by train stop.

http://www.camping-les-peupliers2.com/

rates: 15 euros no facilities
19 euros with electricity
much more for renting a trailer

Heres a site that gives all the campings in the area.

http://www.france-voyage.com/en/

Does this help? My french isn't good, but it allows me to find a few sites in french, anyways.

Now, about tours. My guess is that tours of the Somme may well leave from Paris, or are gotten from the real hotels in the area. Let me check.'

Day Battlefield Tour departing London or Lille
For most people the Somme signifies one day – 1 July 1916 – the day the British Army suffered nearly 60,000 casualties, its greatest ever loss in a single day. But the actual battle raged until November and saw massive fighting again in 1918. What remains is truly awesome.

INCLUDES:

* Eurostar London – Lille return
* Mini coach tour
* All entrance fees

Now- for 70 euros you can join them at Lille. Please note this is England-centric, or appears to be so.

http://www.backroadstouring.co.uk/tour- ... urCode=SOM

This is a hint of what is possible with some time searching the internet. Once you have an idea of what you're about, perhaps we can answer specific questions better.