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Best Way to Get to Harbonnieres France

Posted by on

Hi All
Happy New Year.
My wife and I are travelling to the UK, stopping in London for 7 days then driving up to Scotland, down to Wales then back to London - about 35 days in all.

While in London the first time, I want to visit Heath Cemetary in Harbonnieres France. I want to do it in a day then back to London. The reason for the visit is to see my great uncle's grave. He died in the first world war. looking at spending a short time at the cemetery. My wife thinks its a waste of time and money - but I may never be back again. I think I will be the only family member to visit his grave after he died.
Can anyone tell me the best way to navigate the trip and any advice about travelling in France.

I have looked at rail from St Pancras International to Lille Europe then hire car or taxi to Harbonnieres. I'm an Australian so was not looking forward to driving a hire car (Fiat 500) on the left side of the road to Heath cemetery. Thats why I looked at a taxi from Lille to Heath cemetery. With the taxi I would have to keep the taxi with me for the return trip and the extra cost there if the driver waited.
Are there any ride share business or independent people that want to make money driving tourists around. Any tips on my planned trip would be most helpful.
Thanks everyone.
Paul

Posted by
7052 posts

You don't need to travel to Paris (unless you want to of course), you can change train in Lille. Either take a regional train from Lille to Amiens (ca 1:20) or a TGV to Haute-Picardie. The latter station is in the middle of nowhere so should be the easiest option if you are not too comfortable driving in France.

Posted by
148 posts

Badger's suggestion of train from Lille to Haute-Picardie is a good one; the big question is if one can find a taxi or rental car at TGV Haute-Picardie (middle of nowhere) 🤔

So maybe taking the London-Lille-Amiens-Heath route could work. Since train service to these smaller cities are less frequent; you might end up arriving there late in the afternoon. So you might consider staying overnight at Amiens. Hope this help!

London St Pancras International - Lille (Eurostar, 1 hrs 22 mins)
Lille - Amiens (TER, 1 hr 17 mins)
Amiens - Heath Cemetery (taxi/rental, 30 - 40 mins; 29 km)

https://goo.gl/maps/WyD3zqUWHaWYYcHG8
https://goo.gl/maps/vZz8jLHNBA6ngUFG6
https://goo.gl/maps/bn5ywyGB9DNSDjro7

Posted by
7052 posts

It seems like Avis has some presence at Haute-Picardie, but it is probably a good idea to confirm that.

Posted by
148 posts

@Badger: Good eyes!! Indeed Google Map shows an AVIS right next to the TGV Haute Picardie station :) And thanks for your great suggestions.

@Paul: Google Map shows the direct TGV trains from Lille to Haute Picardie currently only run late in the afternoon; not sure if this will change in the summer. Something to keep in mind.

So you now have a second option:

London St Pancras International - Lille (Eurostar, 1 hrs 22 mins)
Lille - Haute Picardie (TGV OUIGO, 33 mins)
Haute Picardie - Heath Cemetery (AVIS rental, 16 mins; 13.3 km)

https://goo.gl/maps/WyD3zqUWHaWYYcHG8
https://goo.gl/maps/bbNuPuZnxq2mRe9D7
https://goo.gl/maps/kz7z4BGe3wiWEw5o9

In case you need to stay overnight due to the late train schedule; there's a hotel 10 mins drive from TGV Haute Picardie station.
château d'Omiécourt
Château d, 4 Rue du Bosquet, 80320 Omiécourt, France

https://goo.gl/maps/NLGVuCGYu9JBmQvF7

Posted by
7052 posts

Don't trust Google too much when it comes to trains. SNCF shows earlier departures as well. Just note that there are two railway stations in central Lille, but they are within walking distance of each other.

Posted by
14822 posts

I don't have any concrete advice but I would say DO IT!

I've visited a number of American, Commonweath and yes, German Cemeteries from WWI and WWII and although I do not have any family members buried there it's always rewarding to go. I'm not sure how it works with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission but with the American Battle Monuments Commission you can contact those in charge of a cemetery and they will actually meet family members at the location and show them around. I would at least try to make an email contact with the folks in charge of the Heath Cemetery.

I hope you'll come back after your visit and let us know how it went!

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