Best attractions and places to see around Carnoy, a commune in the Somme department of France, are primarily characterized by its significant World War I history. The region features numerous war memorials, cemeteries, and historical sites commemorating the Battle of the Somme. Visitors can explore these poignant landmarks and enjoy natural landscapes, including viewpoints over the Somme valley and dedicated cycle paths.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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A small tourist train departs from the Railway Museum. The train takes passengers to Dompierre. More information is available on the website: https://www.petittrainhautesomme.fr/le-parcours/
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Departure point for the Little Train of the Upper Somme from the Railway Museum. A small tourist train running along the towpath to Dompierre. More information on the website: https://www.petittrainhautesomme.fr/le-parcours/
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In the middle of nowhere on the canal – the whistle of a steam locomotive. These steam locomotives and the layout are simply beautiful to behold.
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Officially part of the Historial de la Grande Guerre, the Thiepval Museum is located near the impressive Thiepval Memorial and offers an in-depth look at the Battle of the Somme of 1916. Opened in 2016 to mark the centenary of this bloody battle, the museum comprises seven thematic areas, each highlighting a different aspect of the war. One of the highlights is the 60-metre-long panoramic comic strip by artist Joe Sacco, which vividly depicts the events of 1 July 1916. Visitors will gain insight not only into the military strategies, but also into the human suffering and the culture of remembrance surrounding the missing of the Somme.
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The Cratère de Lochnagar, an impressive war memorial, was created by a huge mine blown up by the British Royal Engineers on 1 July 1916, as part of the Battle of the Somme. The explosion marked the beginning of the battle and left a crater 90 metres in diameter and 25 metres deep. Interestingly, the crater was named after Lochnagar Street, the trench from which the tunnel was dug. The crater is now a preserved site of remembrance and a religious service is held there every year on 1 July in memory of those who died.
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An interesting anecdote is that the monument was inaugurated in 1932 by the Prince of Wales and the French President Albert Lebrun. The monument consists of a series of arches supported by sixteen massive square pillars, on which the names of the missing soldiers are engraved. At the foot of the monument is a Franco-British military cemetery with 600 graves: 300 French and 300 British soldiers.
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The Parc Mémorial de Thiepval is an impressive war memorial that commemorates the 72,337 missing British and South African soldiers who died during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial is considered one of the greatest British monumental works of the twentieth century. The park also includes a visitor centre, opened in 2004, and the Jardins de la Paix, where visitors can reflect and enjoy the serene surroundings. Every year on 1 July, remembrance ceremonies are held to honour the victims of the Battle of the Somme.
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Carnoy-Mametz is rich in World War I history. You can visit the poignant Lochnagar Crater, a massive mine crater from the Battle of the Somme, and the significant Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates missing British and South African soldiers. Other key sites include Mametz Wood, known for fierce fighting, and various military cemeteries.
Yes, the area features several important war memorials. The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme is a major landmark. You can also find the striking Mametz Wood Memorial (38th Welsh Division Memorial) with its red dragon sculpture, the Carnoy War Memorial, and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial nearby.
For exceptional views, visit the Frise Viewpoint, which offers a striking panorama of the Somme's meanders and a peaceful setting despite its wartime past. Another excellent spot is the Vaux Viewpoint, a belvedere overlooking the upper Somme valley with views of ponds, marshes, and river meanders.
The area around Carnoy offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Canal de la Somme Cycle Path, a comfortable macadam route. For more extensive cycling, explore routes like 'Froissy Lock – Vaux Viewpoint loop' or 'Thiepval Memorial Park – Lochnagar Crater loop' found in the Cycling around Carnoy guide. There are also gravel biking and MTB trails available, such as those in the Gravel biking around Carnoy guide and MTB Trails around Carnoy guide.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Lochnagar Crater and Thiepval Memorial offer educational experiences about history. The Canal de la Somme Cycle Path provides an easy and enjoyable cycling or walking route for all ages. Viewpoints like Frise Viewpoint also offer scenic spots for families to enjoy.
Mametz Wood is a historically significant site, particularly known for the fierce fighting during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. It was recaptured by Welsh military forces in 1916 after eight days of intense battle and heavy losses, making it a poignant location for remembrance.
While specific walking routes are not detailed in the guide, the general landscape around Carnoy-Mametz, including Mametz Wood and the areas surrounding the memorials and cemeteries, offers opportunities for reflective walks. The Canal de la Somme Cycle Path is also suitable for walking and provides a direct way to experience the local terrain.
Near Carnoy, you can enjoy the Canal de la Somme Cycle Path, a comfortable macadam route along the Somme river. For more varied cycling experiences, including gravel biking and mountain biking, you can explore the routes detailed in the Cycling around Carnoy, Gravel biking around Carnoy, and MTB Trails around Carnoy guides.
Visitors to Carnoy particularly appreciate the profound historical significance of the World War I sites, the serene yet poignant natural landscapes, and the opportunities for outdoor activities. The viewpoints, such as Vaux Viewpoint and Frise Viewpoint, are highly valued for their exceptional panoramas. The Canal de la Somme Cycle Path is also popular for its comfortable route and scenic beauty.
Yes, Carnoy-Mametz is home to several military cemeteries. The Carnoy British Cemetery (Carnoy Military Cemetery) is a significant resting place for 854 World War I casualties. Additionally, Gordon Cemetery holds the graves of 102 soldiers, established by the 2nd Gordon Highlanders on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
To gain a broader understanding of the Battle of the Somme, you can visit the Somme 1916 Museum, located nearby. This museum offers further insight into the historical context of the area. Additionally, the visitor center at the Thiepval Memorial provides an in-depth look at the battle, particularly focusing on the events of 1916.
The Lochnagar Crater is the largest man-made World War I mine crater on the Western Front. It was created by a massive mine explosion on July 1, 1916, marking the start of the Battle of the Somme. This impressive war memorial is now a preserved site of remembrance, with an annual commemoration service held there.
The Thiepval Memorial is an impressive war memorial commemorating the 72,337 missing British and South African soldiers who died during the Battle of the Somme in World War I and have no known grave. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is a powerful symbol of remembrance and includes a Franco-British military cemetery at its base.


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