Amiens might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to France, but it packs a punch for history lovers and those interested in wartime stories. Its WWI battlefields and Canadian, Australian, and British memorials are deeply Moving, with rich details that bring the past to life. We particularly love the Full day Australian Battlefields Tour for its heartfelt storytelling, and the Vimy, The Somme: Canada in the Great War tour for a deeply personal look at Canadian contributions. These tours stand out for their expert guides and thoughtful itineraries, making history tangible and memorable. If you’re visiting Amiens, these battlefield tours are a must—just don’t forget your camera and a good pair of walking shoes.
Quick Overview
This list of the best tours in Amiens includes a mix of full-day battlefield excursions, private guided tours, and museum admissions. Many tours focus on WWI, especially the Battle of the Somme, with options like the Full Day Australian Battlefields Tour and the Half Day Private Battle of the Somme Tour. For those interested in immersive experiences, private guides offer personalized attention, while museums provide deeper insights into the trenches and battlefield conditions. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions to help you choose which tour suits your curiosity and schedule.
1. Full day Australian Battlefields Tour
At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour captures the story of Australian soldiers on the Western Front. It’s a mix of emotional storytelling and historical sites, starting with a visit to Amiens Cathedral, celebrating its 800th anniversary — a stunning Gothic marvel. The highlight is Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, where you’ll pay respects to Diggers who fought and fell here, and explore the Sir John Monash Centre, which recounts Australia’s WWI role through interactive exhibits. Guides like Brigitte excel at making history personal, with reviews praising her depth of knowledge and sensitivity. The roughly 8-hour itinerary makes this ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, emotionally resonant experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers interested in Australia’s WWI sacrifices, with a well-structured itinerary and heartfelt storytelling.
2. Australian private Somme tour including Sir John Monash Centre
Ranked second, this private tour offers the flexibility to customize your day. You’ll visit key sites such as Lochnagar Crater, the Memorial of Villers-Bretonneux, and the Pozieres Battlefield, with a dedicated guide. The 7-hour itinerary allows for deeper engagement and personalized pacing, especially valuable if you want to focus on particular battles or relatives’ graves. Guests love the private nature, which makes the experience intimate and tailored, with reviews highlighting Olivier’s professionalism and wealth of knowledge. For around $355, it delivers a personalized approach that’s hard to match in group tours.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a custom, private experience of WWI sites, with knowledgeable guides and flexible plans.
3. Half a Day Private Battle of the Somme Tour from Albert
Next, this 4-hour private tour offers an excellent introduction to the Battle of the Somme. It covers crucial sites like Musee Somme 1916, the Lochnagar Crater, and the Pozieres British Cemetery. What makes this tour special is its focus on key battle sites with plenty of time to reflect and ask questions. It’s a great choice if you have limited time but still want a meaningful overview. Guides like Brigitte are known for their engaging narratives, and reviews mention her enthusiasm and detailed knowledge. The price is up to $298, offering good value for a personalized, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those short on time but eager for a meaningful battlefield overview with expert guidance.
4. Musee Somme 1916 Admission Ticket
Number 4 offers a cost-effective way to explore WWI’s trenches with tickets to the Somme Trench Museum. For about $9, you gain access to underground tunnels, WWI artifacts, and displays of weaponry. The museum’s interactive tunnels and artifacts give a vivid sense of life in the trenches, with multilingual options (English, French, German, Dutch). Visitors appreciate the atmosphere, mentioning how the experience helps visualize wartime conditions—especially when combined with a walk in Albert’s park. It’s a great independent activity for history enthusiasts or families wanting a flexible visit.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, self-guided way to deepen your understanding of trench warfare and WWI tactics.
5. Half Day Private guided Tour Battlefields of the Somme
This private 4-hour tour balances depth and convenience, visiting Thiepval Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel, and Lochnagar Crater. The guide, Alison, is praised for her flexibility and detailed explanations, helping visitors understand the strategic importance of each site. This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer a personalized experience focusing on key sites without a full day commitment. Reviews highlight Alison’s enthusiasm and knowledge, making history accessible and engaging. The $237 price makes it a reasonable choice for those wanting an immersive, guided experience.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for history-minded travelers seeking a private, concise battlefield tour.
6. Amiens, Australian Imperial Force on the Somme in WWI
Number 6 offers a 7-hour focus on Australian forces’ involvement in WWI battles around Amiens, including Villers Bretonneux and Pozieres. It’s more specialized, ideal for those who want to dig deeper into Australian wartime history. The tour includes visits to remains of trenches and bunkers and the Australian Memorial. With a small group of up to four, you get a very personal and detailed experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for Australians or WWII enthusiasts wanting an in-depth look at Australian contributions during WWI.
7. Full-Day Private WW1 Australian Battlefield Day Tour from Amiens
Number 7 is a 9-hour private tour focusing on Australian battles like Pozieres and Villers-Bretonneux. Its full-day format suits travelers eager to visit multiple sites with a dedicated guide. Highlights include Lochnagar Crater, the Thiepval Memorial, and Le Hamel—the first battle commanded by General Monash. Guests praise the personalized attention and the guide’s deep knowledge, with reviews emphasizing the emotional impact of visiting soldiers’ graves and battlefield remains. The $320 price makes it a solid investment for a comprehensive, tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an all-encompassing, private Australian WWI battlefield tour.
8. WW1 Australian Focused Tour including Sir John Monash Centre
This 8-9 hour private tour starts in Albert and concentrates on Australian military history. It includes visits to the Sir John Monash Centre, Australian Cemetery, and Memorial. The tour emphasizes interactive exhibits and personal stories, with guides like Alison known for their empathy and expertise. It’s ideal for Australians or visitors wanting a deep dive into Australia’s role in WWI. Many reviews mention the guide’s research, including personal stories about relatives, which adds depth.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those deeply interested in Australian WWI stories, with a flexible, personalized approach.
9. Vimy, The Somme: Canada in the Great War from Amiens, Arras
Number 9 explores Canadian forces’ role during WWI, focusing on Vimy Ridge and the Somme. The tour takes about 7 hours, visiting trenches, memorials, and visitor centres. It’s especially suited for Canadians or history buffs interested in Vimy Ridge’s significance. Guests experience battle remains and underground tunnels, gaining insight into Canada’s pivotal contribution.
Bottom Line: Ideal for Canadians or those wanting a focused look at Vimy Ridge and Canadian WWI history.
10. Battle of the Somme WWI Battlefield from Amiens
This 7-hour group tour emphasizes the original trenches, memorials, and battlefield walks. It’s designed for visitors keen to understand the scale of the Battle of the Somme and see key sites firsthand. It’s perfect for those new to WWI or wanting a guided overview, with a focus on specific locations like memorials and cemeteries.
Bottom Line: Suitable for first-time visitors seeking a well-rounded battlefield experience.
11. New Zealand in WWI on the Somme & Artois from Amiens, Arras
Number 11 highlights New Zealand’s WWI efforts, including battle remains, underground tunnels, and memorials. It’s a 7-hour group tour perfect for Kiwis or those interested in New Zealand’s contribution. The focus is on battlefield sites and cemeteries, providing a broad view of New Zealand’s role in WWI.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers specifically interested in NZ’s WWI history or New Zealanders visiting Amiens.
12. Full Day Private Battle of the Somme Tour from Albert
This 6-hour private tour centers on key WWI sites like Musee Somme 1916, Basilique Notre-Dame de Brebieres, and Thiepval Memorial. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day focused on battlefield history and memorials. Reviewers praise the local knowledge and passion of guides like Brigitte.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those seeking a personalized, in-depth battlefield exploration.
$347.58 per group (up to 3)
13. Amiens Private Guided Walking Tour
Number 13 offers a short, 1.5-hour walking tour of Amiens itself. It covers WWI sites, the Gothic cathedral, and the old town’s streets. It’s great for travelers who want a quick overview of Amiens’ past, especially its medieval and modern history. Guides focus on local landmarks and the city’s resilience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those with limited time who want to combine history and culture in a brief walk.
14. Battle of Cantigny: First American Offensive WWI from Amiens
Finally, this 7-hour tour takes you to Cantigny, where American forces launched their first offensive in WWI. It includes visits to battle remains, monuments, and a medieval castle. It’s perfect for American history fans or those curious about US involvement in WWI.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers interested in American WWI history and battlefield sites.
$688 per group up to 3
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
Picking the right tour in Amiens depends on your timeframe, budget, and interests. For a deeply personal experience, the private tours like Australian private Somme tour or Full-Day Private WW1 Australian Battlefield are excellent choices. If you’re more budget-conscious or want to explore independently, the Musee Somme 1916 Admission Ticket offers a great self-guided option. Those interested in Canadian history should consider the Vimy tour, while family groups or history enthusiasts might prefer the comprehensive full-day options. Remember to book early, especially in peak summer months, as these popular tours fill fast.
Final thoughts
Amiens offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you want an emotional battlefield experience, a cultural walk, or a deep dive into military history, you’ll find something to suit your needs. For history buffs, the full-day Australian Battlefields Tour and the Vimy Canadian experience are top picks. For travelers on a budget, the Musee Somme 1916 provides a powerful, insightful visit at a fraction of the cost. Whatever your choice, early booking is wise to secure your spot in these popular experiences.