Saint-Riquier is situated 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Abbeville.
Founded in the 5th century, the town which was once called Centule grew up around the monastery founded in 625 by Riquier, son of the governor of the town.
The abbey reached its peak at the time of Charlemagne in 800 and had more than 300 monks and a reputable school.
In the Middle Ages the town gradually became known as Saint-Riquier.