The Somme

Sunday morning means market! And, yes a very large market was in the streets around Grenay. After breakfast we sauntered along and then realised how extensive the market was - snaking around the streets of the centre of Grenay. 

When we returned to the van we found two Frenchmen calling the Gendarmerie because a car had parked over the gateway to where they, and us, had parked. If the driver  was at the market I could see us blocked in for the next hour or so! In stepped the mayor who introduced himself and he suggested another exit point which meant removing some posts. We complimented him on the renewal happening within the village. We left shortly after. 

We drive south of Lens to Arras, Bapaume, Albert and then Villers-Bretonneux. 

Arriving at Villers-Bretonneux the new John Monash Centre was our focus. We parked up and the experience started with a visit to the loos! Very swish! 

The Centre is designed not to detract from the cemetery and memorial tower, with grasslands growing on the flat rooves of the constructions. 

The story of the Australian involvement in WWI is told through a very high tech exhibits which are very effective and moving. Well worth the detour to see this  Centre. Pity, though, that a map inside the door representing the contribution of troops to the Allied’s commitment missed Tassie off the map! 

We later drove on to a very scenic overnight stop on the River Oise at Pont-Sainte-Maxence. A number of Dutch folks in vans have selected this site as  well.