About Picardy (Picardie)

map of picardie

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

Aisne guide 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

Oise guide 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

Somme guide 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

Pcardy cuisine 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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