Top 6 Natural Monuments around Montauban-De-Picardie
Best natural monuments around Montauban-De-Picardie include sites that blend historical significance with natural landscapes. This region features a landscape shaped by events of the First World War, offering unique natural monuments and viewpoints. Visitors can explore craters, memorials, and scenic spots that provide insight into both the area's past and its natural features. The area offers 6 natural monuments to explore.
Best natural monuments around Montauban-De-Picardie
- The most popular natural monuments is Frise Viewpoint, a viewpoint that reveals a striking view of the meanders of the Somme. This peaceful setting contrasts with its past marked by the battles of the First World War.
- Another must-see spot is Lochnagar Crater, a man-made monument and natural monument. This site is the largest man-made World War I mine crater on the Western Front, created by a massive explosion that marked the start of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
- Visitors also love Dorsetshire Regiment Monument, a man-made monument and natural monument. This monument commemorates the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, a British infantry unit which fought its first battle at this location during the Second World War.
- Montauban-De-Picardie is known for its historical sites, viewpoints, and unique craters. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, many of which are linked to its wartime history.
- The natural monuments around Montauban-De-Picardie are appreciated by the komoot community, with 34 upvotes and 54 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Lochnagar Crater
Highlight • Monument
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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Frise Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
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
Dorsetshire Regiment Monument
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
La Boisselle Mine Crater
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Mametz Wood Welsh Division Memorial
Highlight • Monument
With its wings in motion, the dragon, facing Mametz Wood, tears through barbed wire with its claws.
On July 10, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, the 38th Welsh Division was forced to capture Mametz Wood, a stronghold of German resistance that was preventing any eastward advance of the British Army. The wood was taken after fierce bayonet fighting, at the cost of very heavy losses, on July 12, 1916. For most of the soldiers, it was their baptism of fire: 4,000 men were put out of action, including 600 killed and 600 missing. Having lost a quarter of its strength, the 38th Welsh Division was relieved after a week and did not participate in a major offensive again until July 31, 1917.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
8
0
The 38th Welsh Division Memorial, unveiled in 1987, is dedicated to the soldiers of the 38th Welsh Division who fell at the Battle of Mametz Wood in July 1916, at the start of the Battle of the Somme, and "marks their sacrifice for Freedom" with a red dragon, the symbol of Wales. With its wings in motion, the dragon, facing Mametz Wood, tears through barbed wire with its claws. On July 10, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, the 38th Welsh Division was forced to capture Mametz Wood, a stronghold of German resistance that was preventing any eastward advance of the British Army. The wood was taken after fierce bayonet fighting, at the cost of very heavy losses, on July 12, 1916. For most of the soldiers, it was their baptism of fire: 4,000 men were put out of action, including 600 killed and 600 missing. Having lost a quarter of its strength, the 38th Welsh Division was relieved after a week and did not participate in a major offensive again until July 31, 1917.
0
0
Just off the road to Bapaume, is the site of the grand mine. At 7am on the 1st July 1916 the biggest explosion in history cause this hole o e of several that marked the start of the Battle of the Somme. Well worth a visit.
0
0
Very moving place of memory. Never forget 💮.
1
0
The Frize mountain belvedere reveals a striking view of the meanders of the Somme, in a peaceful setting that contrasts with its past marked by the battles of the First World War. Traces of this history are still visible in the trenches and shell impacts. Mentioned by Blaise Cendrars, this land rich in history today offers visitors an exceptional panorama of a landscape of marshes and ponds.
2
0
Enormous crater! Should you take with you on the tour: few are so well preserved and accessible.
2
0
An impressive example of the power of destruction: 100 years later, you still stand at this crater and can't imagine what really happened here. Well documented and can also be visited by groups, the area has space for stay and exchange.
3
0
Lochnagar Crater is the largest man-made World War I mine crater on the Western Front, created by a massive explosion that marked the start of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. You can tour the crater on a walk , discover history through information panels and pay tribute to the men and women who suffered during the Great War. The Lochnagar Crater Foundation organizes annual commemoration ceremonies and maintains the site as a memorial.
5
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Montauban-De-Picardie?
The natural monuments around Montauban-De-Picardie offer a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. You can discover unique craters like the Lochnagar Crater and the La Boisselle Mine Crater, which are significant geological formations resulting from WWI events. Additionally, the Frise Viewpoint provides striking views of the Somme River's meanders.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Montauban-De-Picardie?
Yes, several natural monuments in the area are suitable for families. The Lochnagar Crater, Frise Viewpoint, Dorsetshire Regiment Monument, La Boisselle Mine Crater, and Mametz Wood Welsh Division Memorial are all categorized as family-friendly, offering educational and scenic experiences for all ages.
What historical significance do the natural monuments in Montauban-De-Picardie hold?
The natural monuments in Montauban-De-Picardie are deeply intertwined with the history of the First World War. Sites like the Lochnagar Crater and La Boisselle Mine Crater are direct results of massive explosions during the Battle of the Somme. Monuments such as the Dorsetshire Regiment Monument and the Mametz Wood Welsh Division Memorial commemorate the soldiers who fought in these historic battles, offering a poignant connection to the past.
Can I go hiking near the natural monuments?
Absolutely. The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Lochnagar crater and German military cemetery of Fricourt — loop from La Boisselle' or the 'Frise Lock – Somme River and Dam Viewpoint loop from Curlu'. For more detailed information and routes, explore the Hiking around Montauban-De-Picardie guide.
Are there options for cycling or running near these sites?
Yes, the area around Montauban-De-Picardie is also suitable for cycling and running. Gravel biking routes include 'Froissy Lock – Towpath Along the Somme River loop from Gare de Froissy Musée'. For runners, there's the 'Fricourt Salient and Lochnagar Crater Loop'. You can find more routes in the Gravel biking around Montauban-De-Picardie and Running Trails around Montauban-De-Picardie guides.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6767456" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lochnagar Crater</a>?
The Lochnagar Crater is the largest man-made World War I mine crater on the Western Front. It was formed by a massive explosion on July 1, 1916, marking the start of the Battle of the Somme. Today, it's a preserved site of remembrance, measuring 90 meters in diameter and 25 meters deep, with annual commemoration ceremonies.
What makes the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3438285" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frise Viewpoint</a> special?
The Frise Viewpoint offers a striking panorama of the Somme River's meanders. Despite its peaceful setting today, it bears traces of its past from the First World War, with visible trenches and shell impacts. It provides an exceptional view of the surrounding marshes and ponds.
Are there any specific memorials among the natural monuments?
Yes, the region features significant memorials. The Dorsetshire Regiment Monument commemorates the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, a British infantry unit that fought its first battle here during WWII. The Mametz Wood Welsh Division Memorial, with its red dragon, honors the soldiers of the 38th Welsh Division who fell during the Battle of Mametz Wood in 1916.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Montauban-De-Picardie?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and profound historical significance. The peaceful settings of viewpoints like Frise Viewpoint offer stunning landscapes, while sites like the Lochnagar Crater provide a powerful, tangible connection to WWI history. The opportunity to explore these sites on foot and reflect on their past is highly valued.
Is public transport available to reach these natural monuments?
While specific public transport routes directly to each monument can vary, the region around Montauban-De-Picardie is generally accessible. For detailed information on bus or train connections to the broader Somme department, it's advisable to check local transport schedules or tourist information resources.
Are there any permits required to visit the natural sites?
Generally, no special permits are required for visiting the natural monuments themselves, as many are open historical sites or viewpoints. However, if you plan to engage in specific activities like organized group events or access certain protected areas, it's always best to check with local tourism offices or site management for any specific regulations.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Montauban-De-Picardie can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring, with fewer crowds. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can offer a stark, reflective atmosphere, especially at the historical sites. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Most popular routes around Montauban-De-Picardie
Most popular attractions around Montauban-De-Picardie
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Montauban-De-Picardie:
