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This region in northern France borders the Ile-de-France to the south, and the Nord-Pas-de-Calais in the
north. For many people, Picardie will stand for a place where far too many men lost their lives in the wars
of last century: during World War I, it was the scene of the battles of the Somme, several of the most
costly and devastating battles of the war. Agincourt, Crecy and Saint-Quentin are also well-known,
poppy-carpeted battlefields. But despite its battle weary history, Picardie is a land of peace and tranquility.
The region has one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in the whole of France. Due to little
development, the coast has kept all its original beauty and visitors will find it bathed in the half
tones of light that artists such as Sisley, Degas or Seurat came to capture. The Somme estuary, which
is very popular with sailing enthusiasts, is lined with pretty fishing hamlets. Le Crotoy is an estuary
village that has long attracted many artists and writers and it was here that Jules Verne wrote Twenty
Thousand Leagues under the Sea. The dunes and marshes along the majestic Somme harbour a bird sanctuary
and the area is also host to a huge range of fauna and flora.
With unspoilt shores, plains and forests, canals and rivers the région is a haven for anyone who enjoys
fishing and water sports. It's also an ideal place for cycling and riding. Horseriding is an important regional
sport and Chantilly is the country's thoroughbred capital. The Grandes Ecuries, next to the racecourse, stables
240 of the country's finest horses. Archery has also been a popular sport since the Middle Ages and there's a
major archery festival each spring. For golfing enthusiasts there are some of the best golf courses in the
whole of France to choose from.
Picardie is known for its dairy and beef cattle and is also a strong arable region which produces 25% of all
French agricultural exports, and is the second largest wheat producer in the country. Grain accounts for 54%
of the region's farm income and intensive vegetable cultivation is important, especially in the high yielding,
arable land of Somme River valley where market gardeners intensively cultivate the soil of tiny plots linked
by a network of narrow canals.
- Regional information for Aisne, Picardy
There are six territories in Aisne each with its own identity. To the north lies 'La Thierache' known as 'Little
Normandy' for its cereal fields, plains and delicious Maroilles cheese.
- Regional information for Oise, Picardy
The Oise was once home to kings and noblemen who left their mark in the many chateaux,
abbeys and cathedrals. Its forests, lakes, valleys, half-timbered houses and
meandering rivers make it hard to believe that you are just 45km from Paris! The
place to relax - over 2000km of walking trails and 10 golf courses.
- Regional information for Somme, Picardy
Some of France's finest monuments and cathedrals are situated in the Somme. Its
capital, Amiens boasts fine stone churches and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Local
produce includes Peronne beer and smoked eels.
- Picardy food and drink
The traditional cuisine of the north tends to be quite hearty, with the forests of the Ardennes providing
game such as venison and wild boar. T
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