The Historic Town of Abbeville in Picardy
Picardy is all too often ignored by holidaymakers who simply pass through the region on their way to the south of France but the area makes a great stop-off point to spend a few days at the start or end of your holiday. There are lots of gites in Picardy that will accept short-term bookings, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing break before driving onto your main holiday destination.
The town of Abbeville is well-located for a short break and its proximity to the Bay of Somme attracts a lot of international visitors. Like much of the surrounding area, Abbeville was very heavily bombed during World War II so many of the important buildings and monuments have been restored and may still show signs of damage.
The town's Collegiale Church of Saint-Vulfran was built in the 15th Century and is one of the most popular attractions. Built in the striking Gothic style found throughout so much of northern Europe, its spectacular facade has been restored in recent years and is well worth seeing. The interior of the church is just as impressive and boasts a range of intricate carvings. Abbeville's Church of Saint-Sepulcre is another popular attraction and is known for its famous magnificent stained glass windows.
Designed by Alfred Manessier, the windows were installed in the 1980s as a replacement for those damaged during the war. Visit on a sunny day if possible as the light streaming through the windows is truly impressive. The Chateau de Bagatelle is another must-see and the surrounding gardens and parkland are perfect for leisurely walks and picnics in the warm summer months. Another picturesque walking spot is the stunning Parc de la Bouvaque. With several ponds and an impressive array of wildlife, the park is popular with nature-lovers and is great for a relaxing morning or afternoon.
For those wanting to soak up the sun on hot days, there are plenty of stunning beaches within easy reach of Abbeville, ranging from lively developed resorts to picturesque nature reserves where building and development is forbidden. Abbeville hosts a large market every Saturday and Thursday and you'll find some great bargains here. The range of local produce is not quite as varied as in the warmer, southern towns but you'll find some wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables as well as local meats and fish.
If you're staying in one of the rustic self-catering gites in Picardy, Abbeville is a great place to stock up on supplies for your kitchen. As well as the markets, the town has all the usual bakeries, butchers and grocery stores you'd expect.