Airaines

Airaines (Picard: Araine) is a commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France in northern France.

Geography
The commune is situated 30 km north west of Amiens, about 30 km south of Abbeville, at the junction of the D901 and D936 roads.

Hamlets and neighbourhoods

 * Dourier : Originally a hamlet to the northeast of the town, now a suburb.
 * Dreuil-Hamel : Stretching out to the west, sprinkled with orchards and meadows, this commune was once separate. By decree of 26 September 1972 it was joined with Airaines in a simple merger.

History

 * In earlier times, the town flourished, due mainly to the importance of the castle of the dukes of Luynes.
 * During World War II, the town was subject to much destruction in June 1940. The Market hall was destroyed.
 * The years 1985-2000 saw the closure of several important economical activities, resulting in high unemployment

Places and monuments

 * Saint-Denis church
 * The Priory (Notre Dame church)
 * Dreuil-Hamel church, abandoned and in danger of collapsing
 * The towers of the dukes of Luynes
 * The memorial to Charles N'Tchoréré
 * A monument aux morts with sculptural work by Albert Dominique Roze

People
Charles N'Tchoréré (15 November 1896 - 1940) was a Gabonese military commander who was shot by the Germans in World War II during the battle for France.

Twin towns

 * 🇩🇪 Kriftel, Germany