"Lots to do. Pleasant place. Good base." Abbeville by benmaxwell

Abbeville was knocked flat in the second world warbecause it was a centre for the French resistance. It is mostly architecturally unexciting, having been rebuilt as a grand project in the 40-50s. But the St Vulfran collegiate church and St Sulpice survived. St Sulpice has a reallly lovely set of modern glass windows by Mannessier. The former has a beautiful facade, which is just being cleaned. The interior which was never finished is pleasant but undramatic.
L'Escalier de Picardie and the Auberge Picarde are particularly recommended by the Michelin guide for good value meals.
The Chateau de Bagatelle is lovely. A pleasant garden and small chateau. The battlefields of the Somme and the lovely woods near the battlefield of Crecy are nearby. The huge sandy beaches with dramatic tides are nearby, as well as pleasant coastal resorts such as St Valery (20 mins in the car). The gardens at the Abbey at Valloires are about 20 minutes away too.

• Pros:Nicest chateau stay ever. Lots to do. Pleasant place. Good base. Great restaurants.
• Cons:Mostly unattractive architecture. Surroundings a bit flat, treeless and empty.
• In a nutshell:Go. You won't regret it.