La Barre Monument

La Barre Monument is a commemorative site in Abbeville near the railway station and the aqueduct spanning the Somme River. It consists of a tapered stone column bearing a bronze plaque with inscriptions about the emancipation of human thought.

The monument commemorates an 18th-century event that deeply divided French society. Public donations funded its construction during the second half of the 19th century, reflecting growing support for secular values.

The monument commemorates a figure persecuted by French authorities and attracts visitors interested in the history of intellectual freedom. The site is regularly visited by secularists and freethinkers who gather here to express their values about free thought.

The monument is located at an easily accessible spot near the railway station within walking distance of the town center. Visitors can explore the site freely at any time, though it is particularly busy during commemorative ceremonies held several times yearly.

The column displays inscriptions that go beyond simple historical facts and express philosophical ideals of enlightenment thinking. These messages transform the site into a quiet testament to intellectual courage.

Location: Abbeville

GPS coordinates: 50.10357,1.82594

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00