Understand

Step into Albert, a town founded as a Roman outpost named Encre in 54 BC, and be transported to a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the echoes of history as you explore the site of the renowned Battle of the Somme in World War I. Let your imagination run wild as you witness the tales of courage and resilience that unfolded amidst the chaos of war. During those tumultuous times, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebires stood as a symbol of hope. However, tragedy struck as a shell struck the statue of Mary and the infant Jesus atop the basilica, causing it to lean perilously close to falling. Legends and folklore surrounding the "Leaning Virgin" emerged among soldiers from different nations, heightening the mystique of Albert. British soldiers, who fought valiantly at the Battle of the Somme, became intimately acquainted with this iconic image during their time in the town. In a harrowing turn of events, the Germans recaptured Albert during the Spring Offensive of 1918. To hinder the enemy, the British bombarded the basilica, leading to the fall of the statue in April that year. The statue was forever lost, a poignant symbol of the tumultuous times. Eventually, the Germans were forced to retreat, and Albert was reclaimed by the British until the end of the war. The spirit of resilience prevailed as Albert underwent a complete reconstruction after the war. The town's main streets were widened and reimagined, breathing new life into the once-devastated area. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebires, a testament to human determination, was faithfully rebuilt according to its original design. Explore the present replica of the statue by sculptor Albert Roze, and pay homage to the fallen through the war memorial within the "Abri" Museum. This enchanting town also found its place in literature through the imagination of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. In his mesmerizing short story, "The Garden of Forking Paths," Albert becomes a pivotal location housing a British artillery park facing imminent destruction during World War I. Lose yourself in the pages of this tale and feel the weight of history envelop you as you stand amidst the echoes of the past in Albert

Map & Climate

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first popular French dish is Ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew traditionally made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. This hearty, non-meat dish is typically served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Another famous French dish is Coq au Vin, a braised chicken dish that originated in Burgundy. It involves marinating chicken pieces in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic before slow-cooking them until tender and flavorful. The final dish is often garnished with parsley and served with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

Lastly, the iconic French dish, Croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries made from layers of laminated dough, which are then curved into a crescent shape and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although they are not typically a savory or sweet dish, croissants can be filled with various ingredients like ham and cheese (called a jambon-beurre) or almond paste and sugar (an almond croissant).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing