Need help to plan a break in France please!!

Question

Mu husband revealed yesterday that he would love to visit the Somme cemetry and memorial in France. It;s his 40th birthday next year so would like to plan a break away for around 4/5 days. Trouble is I'm useless at planning things like this!!

Expedia won't let me as it's over 4 months away. Basically, I want to know what to search for etc as I don't know how far it is from Paris as it would be nice to have a couple of days there too! Can anyone help me please??

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There are hundreds of cemetries associated with Somme.  If he means one, or thinks there is just one, then it is probably the Menin Gate at Ypres (Ieper in Dutch/Belgian).  It is just over the border, in Belgium.  Not that far from Calais/Dunkirk.  Less than 200 miles from Paris.

I strongly recommend you join an organised tour there - contact one of the operators and arrange to meet them there.

Paris?  I suggest you book a hotel just outside Paris near one of the RER (urban railway) lines.  Driving in Paris is baptism by fire.  Believe me - I've driven round London, Madrid, Barcelona and Turin.  Nothing but nothing is like driving round Paris.

Bon voyage ...

Answer 2

I am also thinking of planning a trip like this for my husband and my Dad. My plan is to find companies who offer organised trips to battlegrounds, war cemeteries etc. (There are English and American ones). I am then going to study their itineraries for ideas on where to visit, then book hotels accordingly.  Good luck

Answer 3

Hello

Here the official website from the Picardie Region where the Somme is one of the department.

They give you some idea, and you can book accommodation there too.

http://picardietourisme.com/en/index.asp...