Known as the birthplace of France, Picardy boasts six cathedrals, medieval towns, castles, famous museums, the Asterix amusement park, outstanding nature sites, forest trails, unique culinary specialities and even its own language: Picard.
Amiens is home to the largest cathedral in France, a Gothic monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the House of Jules Verne. The cathedrals of Soissons, Noyon, Laon, Senlis and Beauvais are also beautiful examples of Gothic architecture.
Lose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a pretty medieval town with a pleasure port and a traditional mariners’ quarter.
Chantilly, famous for its whipped cream, is worth a visit for its estate, made up of the castle, which houses the second largest collection of ancient paintings after the Louvre, the Grandes Écuries, and its park.
Saint-Quentin has a flamboyant Gothic-style town hall and a rich Art Deco heritage.
Compiègne, a royal and imperial city, is laden with history. Visit its town hall, its churches and its Imperial Palace.
If you are travelling as a family, spend a day at Parc Astérix.
Nature lovers can go hiking and discover the Marais d’Isle nature reserve, home to rare birds, or the Somme Bay, which houses the largest colony of harbour seals in France.
History buffs can follow the Battle of the Somme Remembrance Trail.
During your stay, why not enjoy a beer and taste the many local specialities, such as Maroilles cheese, a Flamiche leek tart or Amiens macarons.
Start your holiday in Picardy by flying into Beauvais Airport, or travel by car or train through the Channel Tunnel. Shuttle buses run from the main transport hubs to cities such as Amiens and Saint-Quentin.
Gothic or art nouveau architecture, local gastronomy or large green spaces: Picardy caters to all tastes.
