Picardy
The region of Picardy contains the departments of Aisne (02), Oise (60) and Somme (80) and is one of the least known regions of France.
It’s mainly famous for its battlegrounds from the first and second world wars, particularly the Somme, although the region is rich in earlier history and architecture.
The Battle of Crécy also took place in Picardy.
The picturesque village of Gerberoy in the Oise is worth a visit, along with the gothic cathedral at Amiens, and the numerous châteaux, churches and abbeys in the region.
Picardy has a generally flat and uninteresting agricultural landscape, with just a 37km (23mi) coastal strip around the mouth of the river Somme near Abbeville, although this is one of a number of attractive areas, including the valleys of the Aisne, Oise and Somme rivers.
The region’s main towns include the regional capital Amiens (80), Beauvais, Compiègne, Chantilly, Saint-Omer and Saint-Quentin.
The scenery of Picardy is dominated by intense agriculture, and the raising of livestock. With beaches in the north, and fields in the south, this mild-mannered region has lots to explore.
The weather in Picardy is much like the south of England, which it is very close to; windy, cool winters, and mild summers with a regular rainfall.
Cider, pancakes, very fresh seafood, foie gras, chantilly cream, leek tart, rissoles and pre-salé lamb (raised on the salt marshes) are the specialities of this varied regional gastronomy.
To view some Gites in Picardy, please visit Gites in Picardy.
All the best
