Belfry of Abbeville, Medieval bell tower in Abbeville, France
The Belfry of Abbeville is a stone tower that stands above the city center, built with Gothic design and a rectangular base with four turrets at its corners. Inside, the belfry holds a museum displaying prehistoric finds and regional artifacts across multiple levels.
Construction of this belfry began in 1209, marking it as one of the earliest towers of this kind built in northern France to display municipal authority. World War II bombing badly damaged the structure in 1940, destroying the medieval roof, though later restoration in 1986 brought it back.
This belfry now houses the Boucher-de-Perthes Museum, showcasing prehistoric remains and objects connected to the Somme region's past. The exhibits fill several floors within the tower, allowing visitors to explore local heritage while surrounded by the structure's imposing stone walls.
Entry to the belfry happens only with a guide who will lead you through the tower and its museum floors at set times. Reaching the upper levels involves climbing many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and expect a physically demanding visit.
The belfry survived bombing raids during World War II, though the destruction was extensive enough to require a full roof reconstruction decades later. Few visitors know that the museum inside actually focuses on prehistoric life in the region rather than the tower's own history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
