Castles, abbeys and belfries: the listed heritage of the Somme

In the north of the département, Valloires Abbey seems lost in the fields, on the border with Pas-de-Calais. It's a must-see in the vicinity of the nearby Baie de Somme, for strolling through its superb gardens and discovering the characteristic Baroque décor of this 18th-century abbey.

Rue is a discreet village in the middle of fields and marshes, set back from the Baie de Somme and the Parc du Marquenterre. From its current location, it's hard to imagine that Rue was once a thriving port in the Middle Ages, deriving its prosperity from the salt trade in particular!

The gradual silting up of the Bay of the Somme took its toll on the port activity of Rue, which is now a peaceful little town... One of the reasons to visit Rue is its remarkable belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the heading "Belfries of Belgium and France".

The other listed belfries in the Somme? Abbeville, Amiens, Doullens, Lucheux and Saint-Riquier.

Just a stone's throw from Abbeville, at the gateway to the Bay of the Somme, don't miss Saint-Riquier. This pretty village may only have 1,200 inhabitants, but its rich heritage bears witness to its past influence in the region: the towers and remains of the ramparts, the old Hôtel-Dieu, the UNESCO-listed belfry, and above all the Royal Abbey.

The flamboyant Gothic façade of the abbey church still stands impressively in the village square. A meeting place for culture lovers: Saint-Riquier Abbey is the venue for numerous festivals and exhibitions throughout the year.

⏰ Open: April-September, Monday to Saturday 10am-12pm and 2pm-6pm / October-March, Monday to Friday 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm

👛 Admission: €2 / guided tours €5

Visit information and programme on the Saint-Riquier Abbey website

Just north of Amiens, Naours hides one of the most curious historic sites in Picardy. Underground, an incredible underground network of galleries stretches for 3,000 metres, complete with everything you need for everyday life: hundreds of chambers, squares, wells, stables for livestock, a chapel and its Virgin Mary...

For centuries, this labyrinth served as a hiding place, or "muches" in Picardy, for the inhabitants of Naours: it is said to have sheltered up to 2,000 people! The Norians suffered many invasions, wars and pillaging between the Middle Ages and the 17th century... Much later, the Underground City was a popular destination for soldiers on leave from the First World War!

Note: it's always 9°C in the galleries, so keep warm!

With its imposing appearance, the Château de Rambures is one of the most recognisable monuments in Picardy. It is located in the south of the Somme, 30 minutes from the Bay of the Somme. A fortified castle built in the 15th century, the building has been altered many times, which explains the variety of styles found in its astonishing architecture.

Don't miss a tour of the castle's English-style gardens, which are particularly delightful!