Aveluy between the Ancre and the valley
The Ancre flows through Aveluy; the village centre lies in a steep-sided valley running from north to south. The river and valley give the landscape a distinctive character. At the same time, the village’s history is closely linked to the First World War. Aveluy may therefore appeal to travellers who want to combine time outdoors with historical themes.
The village pond, which covers just over five hectares, is a starting point for walks. Fishing is also possible there, with coarse fish and predatory fish listed. At the village pond, you can spend time by the water in different ways: taking a walk or fishing. Check the current rules and permit requirements before fishing.
The City-Stade in Aveluy offers another way to get active. It is surrounded by a track suitable for running, cycling, skateboarding and inline skating. A picnic table is also available to visitors. Access rules and the availability of facilities may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.
Local history and remembrance
The village of Aveluy was completely destroyed in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme in the First World War. During the war, Aveluy Wood served the British Army as a major ammunition and supply depot. This historical context shapes how visitors see the memorial sites in the village and its immediate surroundings.
On the western edge of the village stands the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel, which served the parish for religious services for a long time. The First World War memorial sites also include the extension to Aveluy Communal Cemetery: it contains 613 burials and commemorations from this period and was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. From the village entrance, you can reach the extension by taking the first right-hand turn in the village. Check local road conditions before setting out.
The Circuit du Souvenir passes through the area around Aveluy, with its memorials to Commonwealth dead from the First World War. The chapel, cemetery extension and nearby memorials offer different ways to explore the history, from the former function of a place to remembrance of those who fell.
Exploring on foot and by bike
For a longer walk, try the Thiepval-Authuille-Aveluy circular trail. It is 13.5 kilometres long and takes about four hours and 30 minutes. This gives you a specific time frame for the route. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Aveluy is also part of a long-distance cycling route: the commune is one of the places along the Véloroute n°32 de la Mémoire. The route connects Amiens and Arras via Corbie and Albert. It is 90 kilometres long in total and relatively easy. Check the signage and route conditions before setting off.
Aveluy is home to the reconstructed Church of Saint-Fiacre, one of the sights along the Véloroute n°32 de la Mémoire. It adds a historical point of interest along the cycling route. Access to the church interior may vary; check before visiting. This makes it possible to weigh up the village’s different attractions—walks by the water, hiking, cycling and history—according to your own travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Vaux-Marquenneville, Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme, PĂ©ronne, Cocquerel, Belloy-Sur-Somme, Vironchaux, Creuse, Dury.
For the main travel overview: Somme.
