Welcome to Picardy
In the north of France we find one of the lesser known and, at the same time, most charming regions of this country where you will be able to enjoy your holidays the most in areas full of charm and activities.
Picardy extends over an impressive plain that borders Belgium and even if is not located at a very high altitude, it is surrounded by green spaces that make it an ideal region for hiking and nature lovers.
It is divided in three departments which are Aisne, Oise and Somme and is a very close destination to Paris, where you can visit two of the most important cities in the area which are Beauvais and Amiens, famous for the Treaty of Amiens.
Picardy is one of the forgotten regions of France, yet it is a region with spectacular scenery and a lot of history, especially that connected to the First World War, as it this region was the stage of many battles during the Great War.
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What to see
If we start with its monument heritage, we highlight the Cathedral of Amiens, with a marked Gothic character, it is one of the jewels of the region and also an artistic element this region identifies with. The cathedrals of Beauvais and Laon are also worth a stop.
For those who want to enjoy history through monuments, Compiègne has a historical imperial complex that speaks volumes about the history of France. The Abbey and gardens of Valloires invite you to take a leisurely stroll with spectacular views.
Château de Gerberoy and Senlis, as well as the Château de Pierrefonds and Chantilly Castle will make you feel like royalty. And if you are travelling with children, plan a day out at the Parc Asterix and have fun with them.
What to eat
Picardy's gastronomy is influenced by the countries it borders with, so we can find some Belgian and Flemish flavours in its recipes.
The typical products of northern gastronomy are duck and pork, around which most of its gastronomic tradition is structured, among which the most outstanding is pheasant in cider.
But this is not the end of its recipe book, with the ficelle picarde as one of its most representative dishes, maroille, the local cheese par excellence, and among the sweetest dishes, the macaron d'Amiens and chantilly cream.
With all this variety, who could resist its gastronomy?
Nature
The Picardy region is characterised by a large number of natural spaces that encompass the blues of the busy coasts in summer and the greens of its forests. In addition, the region stretches all the way to the English Channel in a flat relief with few alterations to the terrain, and offers tourists a rich variety of places of interest./p>
One of these places is the Marquenterre Ornithological Park, a real oasis for birdwatchers who, in addition to being a protected area, is also a fairy-tale like landscape.
Of course, you can't miss the opportunity to visit and see the Bay of Somme, another of Picardy's characteristic panoramic views, which has made it to the list of Grand Sites de France.
Our festivities
As in all the regions of France, the calendar is full of significant special dates and celebrations derived from its folklore, where you can enjoy the most deeply rooted traditions in the form of gastronomy, music and celebrations.
The biggest festival here is held on July 14th, which is the National Day, commemorating Bastille Day. On this day you will enjoy dances, parades and fireworks among many other things.
Other events not to be missed are the famous Days of the Rose held at the Abbey of Chaalis, and in another of its architectural landmarks, the Nights of Fire are held at the Château de Chantilly.
