Best attractions and places to see around Bancourt are primarily centered around its historical significance, particularly concerning World War I. This village in the Pas-de-Calais department of France offers a quiet setting, serving as a base for exploring numerous war memorials and historical sites. The surrounding region provides access to significant landmarks and cultural points of interest, including other towns with historical importance.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Bancourt.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Pipers Memorial in Longueval is a special tribute to all pipers who died during the First World War, regardless of their regiment or origin. It was unveiled on 20 July 2002 and stands in the village square, just off the Rue de Bazentin. The bronze statue, designed by Andy De Comyn, shows a piper in full uniform climbing out of a trench playing—a powerful symbol of courage and moral support for troops under fire. Plaques around the plinth list the regiments that lost pipers, and the memorial also remembers heroes such as Piper James Richardson VC, who led his battalion into the attack with his music and was later killed trying to retrieve his bagpipes. It is a rare monument that honours not only military valour but also cultural identity and tradition. A place where music and memory come together in stone and bronze.
8
0
French politician, MP and then resistance fighter, born on November 6, 1890 in Bapaume, he became mayor of the town in 1929. In 1934, he was elected general councilor of Pas-de-Calais. In 1936, he ran in the legislative elections and was elected in the second round. He was arrested in 1943 by the Nazis as he left the prefecture, and deported to the Gross-Rosen camp where he died on November 27, 1944. Since 1948, a monument showing him at the time of his arrest honors his memory. At the Town Hall there is an urn with soil from Gross-Rosen as well as a painting of him.
0
0
The Piper's Memorial pays tribute to the pipers who fell during the Great War, regardless of nationality or unit. Unveiled in 2002, this 3-meter-high statue depicts one of these musicians, straddling the parapet of his trench, playing his instrument to encourage the soldiers heading into the assault.
1
0
French politician, MP and then resistance fighter, born on November 6, 1890 in Bapaume, he became mayor of the city in 1929, in 1934, he was elected general councilor of Pas-de-Calais. In 1936, he ran in the legislative elections and was elected in the second round. He was arrested in 1943 by the Nazis when he left the prefecture, and deported to the Gross-Rosen camp where he died on November 27, 1944. Since 1948, a monument showing him at the time of his arrest honors his memory. At the Town Hall there is an urn with soil from Gross-Rosen as well as a painting representing him.
5
0
The town of Bapaume built its first Town Hall, a symbol of the city's independence, during the 12th century. The ground floor served as a market hall for merchants. Upstairs are the council chamber and the hall where public festivals were celebrated. The current architecture of the Town Hall is similar to the previous one, built between 1583 and 1611 and destroyed on March 25, 1917 following the explosion of a time bomb left by the Germans. After a slow and dangerous mine-clearing operation, it was rebuilt in its original location in 1931 and 1932 according to the plans of Mr. Eugène Bidard. The town's coat of arms is sculpted on the keystone of the entrance door. The slate roof is decorated with pointed dormers. At the top of the tower, an outdoor gallery allows you to admire the panorama. The belfry spire peaks at 55m.
6
0
The South African National Memorial at Delville Wood is a First World War memorial located on the territory of the municipality of Longueval, in the Somme department. It commemorates the engagement of South African troops during the Great War. A commemorative museum traces the history of South Africa's participation in World War I, World War II and the various conflicts of the Cold War. The British Military Cemetery at Delville Wood is located opposite the memorial. Delville Wood represents, for South Africans, the place where South African Union soldiers were first engaged on the Western Front. On July 14, 1916, the South African brigade, made up of four battalions, about 3,150 men, had been ordered to hold its positions "at all costs". Under the incessant fire of the enemy artillery, they had resisted and known a true hell (Delville wood will be renamed Devil wood, the wood of the Devil). When they were relieved on July 20, they left 1,080 of theirs, killed or missing, and 1,735 wounded. Wikipedia
2
0
passage on the scene of the battle of Arras at Ecoust st mein and bullecourt (where there is a museum), mentioned in the film "1917"
0
0
Bancourt is deeply rooted in World War I history. You can visit the Bancourt British Cemetery, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, which is a burial ground for 2,480 fallen soldiers. The Bancourt Communal Cemetery also holds historical significance, containing graves of Royal Flying Corps officers and a New Zealand soldier. For more details on the British Cemetery, you can refer to its Wikipedia page.
Yes, several historical sites around Bancourt are suitable for families interested in learning about the past. The Delville Wood South African National Memorial, which includes a museum tracing South Africa's participation in various conflicts, is considered family-friendly. Bapaume Town Hall, with its rich history of rebuilding after WWI, is also a family-friendly historical site.
Beyond Bancourt itself, the region offers several poignant WWI memorials. The Delville Wood South African National Memorial commemorates South African troops. The Pipers' Memorial Longueval is a unique tribute to all pipers who died during the war, regardless of their regiment or origin. Additionally, the area around 1917 — Écoust-Saint-Mein is connected to the Battle of Arras and featured in the film '1917'.
There are several hiking opportunities around Bancourt. You can explore routes like the 'Château de Saint-Léger loop from Ervillers' (9.9 km, moderate) or the 'Bois Loupart loop from Grévillers' (6.4 km, easy). For more options and detailed routes, check out the Hiking around Bancourt guide.
Yes, the region offers various cycling routes, particularly for mountain biking. You can find routes such as the 'Newfoundland Memorial – Beaumont-Hamel trails loop from Achiet' (66.3 km, difficult) or the 'Monument to Abel Guidet – Bapaume loop from Bapaume' (30.6 km, moderate). Discover more routes in the MTB Trails around Bancourt guide.
While Bancourt itself is known for its historical sites, several regional nature reserves are within a 30-40 km radius. These include the Réserve naturelle régionale du Marais de Wagnonville, Réserve naturelle des Marais d'Isle, and Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred, offering opportunities to experience local flora and fauna.
The historical sites and cemeteries in Bancourt are accessible year-round. However, for comfortable exploration of outdoor memorials and battlefields, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder weather. The region's history is particularly tied to intense fighting in April and August-September 1918, and the winter of 1916-1917, making any time a poignant visit.
Absolutely. Approximately 22 km away, Arras boasts the Arras Citadel (Vauban fortifications) and the 'Beffroi et hôtel de ville d'Arras.' The Carrière Wellington museum in Arras is another significant historical site. Péronne, about 19 km from Bancourt, is known for its impressive museum commemorating life during the war. Further afield, Amiens (47 km) is home to the remarkable 13th-century Gothic-style Amiens Cathedral.
Bancourt is a quieter village. For a wider range of amenities such as cafes, pubs, and accommodation, it is recommended to visit nearby towns like Bapaume, which is home to the Bapaume Town Hall and the Monument to Abel Guidet. Larger cities like Arras or Amiens offer even more extensive options.
The Monument to Abel Guidet in Bapaume honors a French politician, MP, and resistance fighter who was arrested by the Nazis in 1943 and died in the Gross-Rosen camp in 1944. The monument, erected in 1948, commemorates his memory, and the Bapaume Town Hall houses an urn with soil from Gross-Rosen and a painting of him.
Yes, if you're interested in running, there are several trails in the vicinity. You can find routes like the 'Monument to Abel Guidet loop from Bapaume' (11.4 km, moderate) or a 'Running loop from Beaulencourt' (12.4 km, moderate). For more running options, consult the Running Trails around Bancourt guide.
Yes, the Pipers' Memorial Longueval is noted as being wheelchair accessible. This memorial pays tribute to all pipers who fell during the Great War, featuring a bronze statue of a piper and plaques listing regiments that lost pipers.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: