About Picardie

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.