Saint-Quentin, Battle on the Hindenburg Line and the Canal

Key Points

• Price and Group Size: $676 per group of up to 4 people, making it ideal for small groups or private tours.
• Duration and Timing: The tour lasts 7 hours, starting at 09:00 am, with flexible starting times depending on availability.
• Journey Highlights: Visit remains of bunkers and trenches, significant monuments and cemeteries, and enjoy a panoramic view of the battlefield.
• In-Depth Stops: Stops include Buire Wood, Gillemont Farm, Nauroy, and the Riqueval Tunnel, providing a comprehensive WWI battlefield experience.
• Guided Experience: Led by live guides fluent in English and French, with private transportation and water bottles included.
• Limitations: Not suitable for children under 11 or wheelchair users; travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

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Discovering the Battle on the Hindenburg Line from Saint-Quentin

This 7-hour private tour gives a detailed look into the final days of WWI, focusing on the Hindenburg Line and surrounding battlefield sites near Saint-Quentin, Hauts-de-France. Priced at $676 per group (up to 4 people), the tour is designed for those interested in military history and seeking a personalized, in-depth visit with a live bilingual guide. The tour offers a balance of historical sites, monuments, and scenic viewpoints, making it suitable for history enthusiasts and small groups wanting a flexible, insightful experience.

A key highlight is the inclusion of remains of trenches and bunkers, providing a tangible sense of the wartime environment. The morning begins with a departure from Saint-Quentin at 09:00 am, heading toward Buire Wood to see where American Divisions prepared before the offensive. The tour then proceeds through notable sites like Ste Emilie, Le Ronssoy, and the Knoll, each telling part of the story of the final WWI push.

Visiting the Historic Sites of Buire Wood and Tincourt Boucly

The tour’s first stop at Buire Wood, near Tincourt Boucly, offers a close-up look at where American Divisions camped before launching their assault. This site is significant for understanding the strategic positioning of US forces during the battle. Visitors will observe the landscape and remnants that served as a backdrop to intense WWI fighting, setting a meaningful tone for the day.

From there, the guide leads the group through Tincourt Boucly region, adding local context to the battlefield. This stop is an excellent way to appreciate the scale of the conflict and the importance of these locations during the final offensive. The site is accessible and provides a quiet moment to reflect on the sacrifices made.

The Significance of Gillemont Farm and the Panoramic Battlefield View

A standout moment in the tour is the stop at Gillemont Farm, where travelers enjoy a panoramic view of the battlefield. This vantage point reveals the terrain that shaped the fighting and offers a broader understanding of the strategic movements during the offensive.

At Gillemont Farm, the guide explains the importance of the landscape and how natural features influenced troop movements. This site is perfect for photography and offers a memorable perspective on the scale of the WWI battles, making it a favorite among history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Memorials and Cemeteries: Honoring the Fallen

Throughout the tour, visits to monuments and cemeteries honor those who fought and died. The US 27th Division monument at Bony and the Federal US monument at Bellicourt are key stops. These sites provide a solemn reminder of the human cost of the conflict and give visitors a chance to reflect.

The Somme American Cemetery in Bony is also part of the itinerary, offering a well-maintained resting place for American soldiers. The guide shares stories behind these memorials, emphasizing their importance in remembering the sacrifices made during this pivotal battle.

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Exploring the Riqueval Tunnel and Trenches

The Riqueval Tunnel, a striking WWII-era bunker now part of the battlefield landscape, is another major stop. Visitors see the bunker, bridge, and trenches that played vital roles during the fighting. Walking through these preserved or reconstructed features helps illustrate the intensity and tunnel warfare tactics of WWI.

This stop also includes visiting the Riqueval Tunnel, bunker, and the trenches, providing insight into underground combat and defensive strategies. These sites are accessible via private transport and are essential for understanding the war’s tactical complexity.

The 30th and 46th British Divisions Monuments

The tour includes visits to significant British division monuments, such as the 30th Division monument at Nauroy and the 46th British monument. These monuments commemorate the British troops involved in the final pushes along the Hindenburg Line.

An additional stop at the German Cemetery in Maissemy offers a sobering reflection on the losses suffered by both sides. These sites give a comprehensive view of the multi-national nature of the conflict and the importance of remembering all those who fought.

Lunch Break and Optional Refreshments

There is a stop for lunch included in the itinerary, which is optional. Travelers may choose to bring their own food or purchase something locally. The flexible timing allows for a rest and refresh before continuing to the remaining sites, such as Bellicourt and the Riqueval Tunnel.

This break offers a chance to process the morning’s sights and prepare for the afternoon portion of the tour. It also provides an opportunity to discuss insights gained so far with the guide or fellow participants.

Final Stops at Bellicourt and the German Cemetery

The tour concludes with visits to the Bellicourt site, home to the federal US monument, and the German Cemetery in Maissemy. These stops round out the narrative of the conflict, highlighting the significance of the battle’s final phase and the human toll on all sides.

Returning to Saint-Quentin in the late afternoon, the tour wraps up with a comprehensive understanding of the Hindenburg Line’s role in WWI. The guides are knowledgeable and bilingual, helping clarify the historical context and answer questions along the way.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This private tour includes guiding services, private transportation, and bottles of water. It lasts 7 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to their planning.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes and clothes, as walking across sites may involve uneven terrain. The tour is not suitable for children under 11 years or wheelchair users, due to the nature of some sites.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

Ideal for history enthusiasts, military buffs, and small groups seeking a personalized experience. The private nature of the tour ensures flexibility and in-depth commentary, making it perfect for those who want a meaningful, guided exploration of WWI sites related to the Hindenburg Line.

Because of the physical requirements and specific sites visited, this tour suits travelers comfortable with walking and standing for periods, but not those with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts on the Battle on the Hindenburg Line Tour

This 7-hour private journey offers a thorough and respectful exploration of the sites that shaped the final days of WWI in France. With engaging guides and well-chosen stops, it provides a compelling narrative of the Hindenburg Line and surrounding battlefield features.

While the price may be higher than group tours, the private transport and personalized attention make it worth considering for those eager for a detailed and flexible WWI battlefield experience. It’s especially suitable for small groups or families with an interest in military history who want to avoid crowds and focus on meaningful sites.

Travelers interested in military history, memorials, and battlefield landscapes will find this tour a valuable, well-structured way to connect with the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 7 hours, starting from 09:00 am.

What is included in the price?
The price includes guiding services, private transportation, and bottles of water.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 11 years due to the physical nature of some site visits.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, the guides speak English and French.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor exposure.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional; there is a stop where you can bring your own food or purchase locally.

What sites will I see?
You visit Buire Wood, Gillemont Farm, Nauroy, Riqueval Tunnel, monuments, and cemeteries like Bellicourt and Maissemy.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation is included for the entire tour.

What makes this tour different?
This tour’s private group format and focus on specific WWI sites related to the Hindenburg Line provide an intimate and detailed experience, ideal for history enthusiasts.

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