Picardie, a region in northern France is a place of battlefields, cathedrals and hanging gardens. ,
- Château de Chantilly: Located just north of Paris, Château de Chantilly is a magnificent Renaissance castle surrounded by beautiful gardens. Explore the art collection, visit the horse museum, and take a leisurely stroll around the lake.
- Amiens Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline of Amiens, the capital of Picardie. Admire its intricate architecture and visit the interior, which holds the famous medieval labyrinth.
- Baie de Somme: Experience the natural beauty of the Baie de Somme, a bay renowned for its diverse wildlife and landscapes. Take a leisurely walk along the sandy beaches or enjoy a scenic boat tour.
- Pierrefonds Castle: Step back in time at Pierrefonds Castle, an enchanting fortress that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Explore the medieval grandeur, climb the towers, and imagine what life was like in the Middle Ages.
- Compiègne Forest: Discover the peaceful retreat of Compiègne Forest, a vast woodland area suitable for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. Don’t miss the grand estate of Château de Compiègne, Located within the forest.
- Saint-Quentin: Explore the historic town of Saint-Quentin, known for its beautiful Art Deco architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visit the town hall, the basilica, and stroll through the streets lined with colourful houses.
- Gerberoy: Experience the charm of Gerberoy, a small village known for its half-timbered houses and colourful flower displays. Wander through narrow streets, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and visit the rose garden.
- Thiérache fortified churches: Take a journey through time by exploring the Thiérache region’s fortified churches. These medieval gems are scattered across the countryside and showcase the region’s history.
- Laon: Admire the views from the hilltop town of Laon, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the cathedral, stroll through the cobbled streets, and visit the town’s ancient ramparts.
- War Museum of the Great War in Péronne: Learn about the First World War at the War Museum of the Great War in Péronne. Discover its comprehensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, bringing history to life.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Charmers
- Hortillonnages d’Amiens: Explore the floating gardens of Amiens known as the Hortillonnages. Board a traditional flat-bottomed boat and cruise through the maze of flowers and vegetation.
- Festival des Hortillonnages: Plan your visit during the Festival des Hortillonnages and witness the transformation of the floating gardens into a magical wonderland, with floating art installations, music, and performances.
- Château de Coucy: Venture to the ruins of Château de Coucy, an imposing medieval fortress. Discover its dramatic history while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside.
- Côte d’Opale: Explore the Opal Coast, renowned for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and seaside towns. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, hike along the coastal trails, and indulge in seafood.
- Musée Jean Calvin in Noyon: Learn about the life and legacy of Jean Calvin, one of the key figures of the Protestant Reformation, at the Musée Jean Calvin in Noyon. Discover artifacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings in this museum.
- Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: Visit the fishing town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, with its harbour, narrow streets, and beautiful coastal scenery. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the quayside and savor fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
- Abbaye de Saint-Riquier: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Abbaye de Saint-Riquier, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its Romanesque and Gothic elements. Explore the beautiful gardens, attend a classical music concert, or visit the annual music festival.
- Musée départemental de l’Oise in Beauvais: Experience art and history at the Musée départemental de l’Oise in Beauvais. This museum houses a diverse collection, including works by Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy.
- Soissons: Discover the historic town of Soissons, known for its rich Roman heritage. Explore the ruins of the ancient amphitheatre.
