Saint-Riquier
"Centule, the city of a hundred towers
Saint-Riquier, the gateway to maritime Picardy, was once called "Centule", "the town of a hundred towers".
Today the village retains many traces of its rich historical past including its 50m high flamboyant Gothic abbey church, its abbey and gardens, its 13th century belfry and its prison.
A medieval city of great importance, Saint-Riquier was one of the greatest religious, intellectual and cultural centres in Europe thanks to its abbey founded in 625. Today, illustrations, accounts of facts, real or imaginary characters, tales and legends make its prestige.
Saint-Riquier is always distinguished by a rich programme of cultural and artistic events.
Take the time to lose yourself in this place steeped in history and, as you stroll along, discover the remains still standing in the village. Quickly discover our brochure on this village full of history
Today the village retains many traces of its rich historical past including its 50m high flamboyant Gothic abbey church, its abbey and gardens, its 13th century belfry and its prison.
A medieval city of great importance, Saint-Riquier was one of the greatest religious, intellectual and cultural centres in Europe thanks to its abbey founded in 625. Today, illustrations, accounts of facts, real or imaginary characters, tales and legends make its prestige.
Saint-Riquier is always distinguished by a rich programme of cultural and artistic events.
Take the time to lose yourself in this place steeped in history and, as you stroll along, discover the remains still standing in the village. Quickly discover our brochure on this village full of history
The Abbey and its park
The Abbey of Saint-Riquier, founded in 625, is home to a departmental cultural centre. A nursery for the arts, Saint-Riquier Abbey offers a rich, renewed and diversified cultural season. Exhibitions and cultural and artistic events take place there throughout the year.
The abbey and its grounds can be visited freely during a guided tour (all year round for groups, on Wednesdays and Saturdays in high season).
The Abbey Church
Built on the site of the Carolingian church destroyed by Norman invasions and fires, this 13th century building was restored by 4 abbots between 1257 and 1536 and went through the various stages of the Gothic period. 96 metres long, 27 metres wide and 50 metres high, it has a flamboyant Gothic façade from the XVᵉ century. Free to visit; except for the treasure room, which is open to the public on a guided tour only, through the Centre Culturel Départemental.
The belfry
In 1126, the burghers obtained from the abbots of Saint-Riquier the communal charter for the town, i.e. communal freedoms and independence from the lord. This charter is symbolised by the construction of the belfry in 1283. The belfry is also a watch tower, which was renovated in the 16th and 18th centuries. The prison can always be visited with a guide. The belfry has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
The Chapel of the Hôtel-Dieu
From the 18ᵉ century where you can see works by Pfaffenhoffen, Veyren, Parrocel and its cloister from the 17ᵉ century. The oldest mention of this institution dates back to 1199. It was originally run by a community of brothers and sisters from the congregation of St Augustine.
The House of Napoleon
This house, near the village square, is notable for an architectural curiosity. Its gable, in the shape of Napoleon I's bicorn, is topped by his statue. It is the tribute paid to the Emperor by one of his grunts, Sergeant Louis Joseph Petit, who, after being wounded at the battle of Ligny on 16 June 1815, came to settle in Saint-Riquier. It was around 1840 that he had this house built.
Its towers and fortifications
The fortifications can be discovered during a guided tour or from the walking trail.
The Traverse du Ponthieu
Walking, horse riding and cycling. A 24 km walk from Abbeville to Auxi-le-Chateau, which passes through Saint-Riquier, traces a route with a rich heritage.
Services
Boutique (craft products, souvenirs, etc.)
Free WIFI
Ticketing
Walking tour booklet and family game booklet (free)
Contact
Tourist Information Office of Saint-Riquier
Rue de l´hôpital, Le beffroi - 80135 Saint-Riquier
Phone. : +33 (0)3 22 23 62 65
E-mail: tourisme@terresetmerveilles.fr
