Is Picardie part of a new administrative region?

Yes, since 2016 Picardie has merged with Nord-Pas-de-Calais to form the new region of Hauts-de-France, though the historic identity remains strong.

What is the closest international airport?

Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) is in Picardie, serving budget airlines. Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is about 1.5 hours by car/train from Amiens.

Are the Somme battlefields accessible without a car?

Limited public transport serves key sites; guided tours from Amiens or Arras are recommended, or rent a car for flexibility.

Can I visit the floating gardens in Amiens?

Yes, the Hortillonnages offer guided boat tours from April to October—book in advance during peak season.

What local dish should I try?

Ficelle picarde—a savory crêpe filled with mushrooms, ham, and cream, baked with cheese—is a must-try regional specialty.

Varies by nationality. EU citizens do not need a visa. Many others can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Check with the French consulate.

What is the currency?

Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.

Is English widely spoken?

English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. Learning a few French phrases is helpful.

What is the best way to get from Paris to Picardie?

Take a high-speed TGV from Paris Gare du Nord to Amiens (about 1 hour) or Lille. Regional trains also connect.

Are there any must-try local dishes?

Yes, try ficelle picarde (savory crêpe), macarons d'Amiens, and local cider or beer.

Can I visit the Somme battlefields independently?

Yes, many sites are accessible by car or guided tours. The Historial de la Grande Guerre in Péronne is a great starting point.

Is Picardie family-friendly?

Absolutely. There are parks, castles, and interactive museums like the Parc Astérix nearby.

What is the weather like in winter?

Winter (Dec-Feb) is cold and damp, with temperatures around 0-7°C. Some attractions may have reduced hours.

Are there any local festivals?

Yes, the Festival de l'Oiseau in the Baie de Somme (April) and the Fête de la Saint-Jean in Amiens (June) are popular.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe and of good quality throughout the region.

What souvenirs should I buy?

Local products like macarons, cider, beer, and pottery from the region.

Do I need to rent a car?

Not necessary for cities, but a car is recommended for exploring rural areas and battlefields.

Picardie

RegionFrance, Europe

Picardie is a STATE in France, Europe.

Picardie, a historic region in northern France, offers travelers a captivating blend of Gothic grandeur, serene countryside, and poignant World War history. The region's crown jewel is Amiens, home to the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens, the largest Gothic cathedral in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the enchanting Hortillonnages, a unique network of floating gardens and canals often called the 'Venice of the North.' History enthusiasts will find profound significance in the Somme battlefields, where memorials and museums honor the sacrifices of World War I. The charming medieval town of Laon perches dramatically on a hilltop, boasting one of France's first Gothic cathedrals and breathtaking views. Picardie's coastline along the English Channel features picturesque resorts like Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, where vast bay landscapes create stunning light effects beloved by painters. The region's culinary traditions shine through specialties like ficelle picarde (ham and mushroom crêpe), macarons d'Amiens, and local ciders. With its peaceful canals, historic châteaux like Pierrefonds (a fairy-tale castle restored by Viollet-le-Duc), and vibrant weekly markets, Picardie provides an authentic French experience away from crowded tourist trails.

Best time to visit Picardie

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful landscapes. July-August is peak season with warmer temperatures and festivals like Amiens' 'Les Rendez-vous de la Bande Dessinée' (comics festival) but can be busy. April brings blooming gardens, while November is somber but meaningful for WWI remembrance ceremonies. Winter is cold and quiet, ideal for cathedral visits and museum exploration.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 11°
Feels like: 4°
Humidity: 86%
Wind: 43 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 8-15°C, more rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn colors, fewer crowds.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

CDG

Paris Charles de Gaulle

International

120 km away

ORY

Paris Orly

International

150 km away

LIL

Lille Lesquin

International

100 km away

BVA

Beauvais-Tillé

International

70 km away

Getting around

"Regional trains (TER) connect major towns like Amiens, Laon, Beauvais, and Saint-Quentin efficiently. Buses serve smaller villages but schedules can be limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring rural areas, battlefields, and coastal spots. Taxis are available in cities but not always economical for long distances. Popular apps include SNCF for trains, BlaBlaCar for carpooling, and Google Maps for navigation. Cycling is excellent along marked routes like the Avenue Verte and Somme Valley paths."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airports and shops from €5

Calling code

+33

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Picardie is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in tourist areas and train stations. Avoid isolated areas at night, particularly in larger cities like Amiens. Be cautious when driving in rural areas—watch for agricultural vehicles and wildlife. Common scams are rare but beware of distraction techniques in crowded places. The Somme battlefields have unexploded ordnance; stay on marked paths and do not touch any metal objects. Coastal areas have strong tides; heed warning signs at beaches."

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Tourist Police

European Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Picardie has modern healthcare facilities including Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) d'Amiens, the region's main hospital. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the GHIC. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Tick-borne encephalitis is rare but possible in forested areas; use insect repellent when hiking. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies (marked with green crosses) are widely available for minor ailments."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' upon entering. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up or leaving small change (5-10%) is appreciated for good service. Mealtimes are important—many shops close for lunch (12-2 PM). Picardie has strong local pride; showing interest in regional history and products is welcomed. Sunday is traditionally a day of rest with limited commercial activity outside tourist areas."

French

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range three-course meal for one

Hotels

$60-120 | budget hotels range $60-120/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Prices are lower than Paris. Accommodation in smaller towns is cheaper.

Timezone

Europe/Paris +01:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,900,000

Area

19,399 km²

Government

Regional Council (Conseil régional) within the French unitary semi-presidential republic

ISO code

Type

Region

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Pikardija, Pikardio, Пікардыя, Picardía, Pikárdia, ピカルディ, Пикардия, Picardy, Picardië, FR-S, Piccardia, Pikardia, Picardia, Pikardi, Пікардія, Pikardiet, Picardie, Lapangan Terbang Blagnac, TLS, Tolosa, Tolosa Okzitania, Tolosa de Francia, Tolosa de Llenguadoc, Toloxa, Toloza, Toulouse, Toulouz, Toulouzi, Tołoxa, Tuluz, Tuluza, Tuluzae, Tuluzo, Tulūza, Tólóza, touruzu, tu lu zi, tu lus, tullujeu, tulujha, tulus, tuluza, twlwz, Τουλούζη, Тулузæ, Тулуза, Тулузо, Թուլուզ, טולוז, تولوز, तुलूज़, तुलूझ, ਟੁਲੂਜ਼, துலூஸ், ടൂളൂസ്, ตูลูซ, ཊོའུ་ལོའུ་སེ།, ტულუზა, ቱሉዝ, トゥールーズ, 圖盧茲, 圖魯茲, 툴루즈

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric CityBattlefieldsCathedralsCountrysideBirdwatchingCiderFamily-FriendlyHiking