Top 6 Natural Monuments around Bécordel-Bécourt
Best natural monuments around Bécordel-Bécourt include features shaped by both natural processes and historical events. The commune is situated in a deep valley with diverse topography, featuring argillaceous soil in its valley and calcareous soil on its plateau, with altitudes ranging from 50 to 110 meters. While the area offers serene, undeveloped countryside, many prominent natural sites are also significant historical landmarks. These include large mine craters, which are now preserved as natural features and memorials.
Best natural monuments around…
Last updated: May 24, 2026
Lochnagar Crater
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Hawthorn Ridge Crater (Battle of the Somme, First World War)
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La Boisselle Mine Crater
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Dorsetshire Regiment Monument
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Mametz Wood Welsh Division Memorial
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Very moving place of memory. Never forget 💮.
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Enormous crater! Should you take with you on the tour: few are so well preserved and accessible.
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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.
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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.
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Lochnagar Crater is the largest artificial mine crater of the First World War on the Western Front. It was created by a massive explosion of 60,000 pounds of explosives under German lines on July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. You can tour the crater and discover its history thanks to the information panels. You can also pay your respects to fallen soldiers by visiting the memorial cross and memorial plaques.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most significant natural monuments to visit around Bécordel-Bécourt?
The natural monuments around Bécordel-Bécourt are primarily sites shaped by World War I events that have since become naturalized landscapes. The most prominent is the Lochnagar Crater, a massive mine crater. Other notable sites include the Hawthorn Ridge Crater and the La Boisselle Mine Crater, all bearing witness to historical events while now being part of the natural scenery.
What kind of natural features define the landscape of Bécordel-Bécourt?
Bécordel-Bécourt is characterized by a diverse topography, situated in a deep valley with a wide gap. The landscape features argillaceous soil in the valley and calcareous soil on its plateau, with altitudes ranging from 50 to 110 meters. This creates a serene, undeveloped countryside with natural channels that can become significant torrents during heavy rains, reflecting the area's historical connection to streams and hollows.
How did the natural monuments around Bécordel-Bécourt come to be?
Many of the prominent 'natural monuments' in the area, such as the various craters, are actually the result of massive mine explosions during World War I. These sites, like the Lochnagar Crater, were created by human conflict but have since been preserved and reclaimed by nature, becoming significant historical landmarks integrated into the natural landscape.
Are there hiking opportunities near these natural monuments?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities that allow you to explore these unique sites. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Lochnagar crater and German military cemetery of Fricourt — loop from La Boisselle' or the 'Somme Trench Museum – Dorsetshire Regiment Monument loop from Albert'. You can discover more hiking trails in the area by visiting the Hiking around Bécordel-Bécourt guide.
What other outdoor activities can I do in the Bécordel-Bécourt area?
Beyond hiking, the Bécordel-Bécourt area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous routes for mountain biking, such as the 'Beaumont-Hamel trails – Ulster Tower loop from Albert', or enjoy running trails like the 'Fricourt Salient and Lochnagar Crater Loop'. For more details, check out the MTB Trails around Bécordel-Bécourt and Running Trails around Bécordel-Bécourt guides.
Is Bécordel-Bécourt suitable for family visits?
Yes, many of the sites, including the Lochnagar Crater and the Dorsetshire Regiment Monument, are categorized as family-friendly. These locations offer a chance to learn about history in an outdoor setting, making them suitable for educational family outings.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments?
The natural monuments and surrounding countryside are generally pleasant to visit during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is milder and the vegetation is lush. These seasons are ideal for walking and exploring the outdoor sites. While winter visits are possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially muddy paths, especially around the craters.
Can I bring my dog to the natural sites around Bécordel-Bécourt?
Many of the outdoor natural sites and trails around Bécordel-Bécourt are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your canine companion. It is always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with historical significance or near agricultural land, and to respect local regulations regarding pets.
Are the natural monuments around Bécordel-Bécourt accessible?
The accessibility of the sites varies. While many are open-air and can be reached via paths, some, like the Hawthorn Ridge Crater, may involve muddy or uneven terrain. General access to the sites is typically via walking paths through fields and countryside. Specific information on wheelchair accessibility for individual sites is not widely available, so it's best to check local conditions if mobility is a concern.
Where can I find accommodation or places to eat near Bécordel-Bécourt?
While Bécordel-Bécourt itself is a small commune, the nearby town of Albert offers a wider range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. You'll find various choices for dining and lodging there, which serves as a convenient base for exploring the natural and historical sites in the surrounding area.
Is parking available at these natural monument sites?
Parking availability can vary by specific site. For popular locations like the Lochnagar Crater, there are often small designated parking areas nearby. For other, less formal sites, roadside parking might be an option. It's advisable to check local signage and be mindful of private property when parking.
How long should I plan for a visit to these natural monuments?
A visit to a single site like the Lochnagar Crater, including time for exploration and reflection, might take 1-2 hours. If you plan to visit multiple craters and monuments, or combine it with a longer hike, you could easily spend half a day or a full day exploring the area's unique blend of history and nature.
Are there any other historical sites integrated with the natural landscape?
Beyond the craters, the region features other historical sites that blend into the natural environment. The Dorsetshire Regiment Monument, for example, is situated in a picturesque area surrounded by fields and trees, commemorating a WWI unit within a serene natural setting. Similarly, the Mametz Wood Welsh Division Memorial is set within a wooded area, honoring those who fought there.
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