Capital of maritime Picardy, the city of Abbeville boasts a magnificent building of Flamboyant Gothic style, the Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, with a magnificent carved facade.
Also to be visited: Saint-Sépulcre church, which features beautiful contemporary stained glass windows by Alfred Manessier, and the Château de Bagatelle with its French-style formal garden and landscaped park.
Historic capital of maritime Picardy, Abbeville is only 25 kilometers from the English Channel and the Bay of Somme. The beautiful city, endowed with rich historical monuments, is crossed by the Somme. Between urbanism and nature, the town has found its balance. And it is in an exceptional natural setting that shines the city, a real jewel in a green setting. It is in 831 that the commune appears for the first time in the historical writings. But the site was occupied long before, since Jacques Boucher of Perthes found traces of the Pleistocene there. The Middle Ages were marked by territorial wars. Sometimes under the English leadership, sometimes turning French again, the city underwent terrible torments. If the First World War spared the city, the second was fatal to its beautiful corbelled houses. Greatly destroyed, the town has rebuilt a new face.
Despite all the twists and turns of history, Abbeville retains a remarkable historical heritage. The magnificent Saint-Vulfran collegiate church is a masterpiece of Gothic art on the theme of the Trinity. The imposing building is definitely worth the detour, both for its architecture and the treasures it houses. The church of Saint-Sépulcre, for its part, dates from 1098. Built at this time in support of the crusades led by Godfrey de Bouillon to deliver the tomb of Christ, the building is a remarkable architectural work. The church also has splendid stained glass windows on the theme of the victory of life over the anguish of death.
During your visit to Abbeville, you absolutely must visit the Boucher de Perthes museum. Dedicated to the Father of Prehistory, this museum brings together two collections: that of the Boucher family and that of the Fine Arts. During your walk in the city, you will certainly pass in front of the belfry. This high guard tower stands out with its dominant presence, some 19 meters high. Continuing, you will see the Carmel and its gardens. This unique architectural ensemble dating from 1821 housed the nuns until 1998. You will continue your tour through the Château de Bagatelle and its delightful French and English gardens. Dating from the 18th century, the building still houses period furniture. A visit to the Saint-Gilles church is also a must-see in Abbeville. Built between 1485 and 1528, the building was completely restored in 1860 in a neo-Gothic style. Once again partially destroyed in 1940, it was rebuilt and adorned with a contemporary style inside. It is listed as Historic Heritage.
To discover Abbeville, two circuits, to discover the heritage, are offered to you. You will therefore be able to not miss anything of the prestigious buildings that dot the town. For nature breaks, four parks open their doors to you. Bouvaque Park has two large lakes and allows you to discreetly observe wildlife from its observation huts. The Emonville garden will delight you with its rare species of trees such as the sequoia. The 2 bridges garden is an English garden with more than 500 perennial plant species. The Jardins de la Plume are a group of nature enthusiasts, eager to help you discover the environment through workshops and activities.
To discover the surrounding nature, you will have the choice between hiking and cycling on the marked trails. You can also discover Abbeville by air in a microlight or a tourist plane. Unless you prefer to explore the trails on horseback! You choose. And to relax, the Abbeville golf course presents its green.
Guided tours and workshop tours offered during the All Saints’ Day holidays.
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There is no shortage of demonstrations in Abbeville.
It all starts in February with the current music festival. In March, the blues invade the city with the Nuits du Blues. In April, birds and the environment are in the spotlight with the Bird and Nature Festival. Educational outings and conferences are on the program. In May, amateur and professional choirs make their voices heard with the international festival of choirs and voices. In June, sport is in the spotlight. The cycling night brings together lovers of the little queen. This is followed by the Bruno Willecoq Memorial bringing together professional and amateur runners. In July, hip-hop takes to the city's stages with Hip-Hop Impact. In August, Abbeville Summer Groove gets the city dancing.
Exhibition outside the walls of the Belfry Boucher Museum of Perthes - Manessier in Carmel.
In July and August, guided tours offered by the Heritage Center. €4 per adult - Duration: 1 hour Information and reservation required with the Public Service on +33 3 22 20 29 69.
National Architecture Day in October.
Exhibitions throughout the year.
Naturalist exhibition as part of the Bird and Nature festival in April.
 | A gathering for escapism and relaxation at the heart of the countryside | From 20 to 28 april 2024 |
