Airaines

Airaines is a commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France in northern France.

Geography

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

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.
Population

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
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

was a Gabonese military commander who was shot by the Germans in World War II during the battle for France.