Northern France: Picardie

Region at a glance

Major city: Amiens

Short trip from Paris, Six gothic cathedrals

World War I memorials, Castles

Picardy, where Clovis made Soissons the first capital of the Franks in 486, is the first region and the historical beginning of France. The harmonious region is still predominantly rural with an unobtrusive art of living that has developed over the centuries.

Calm woods, great forests, green pastures and quiet ponds blend with the peaceful, simple lifestyle of its people.

It is the birthplace of Gothic architecture with six cathedrals, the largest of which is located in Amiens. The town of Chantilly is credited with the invention of whipped cream. Senlis offers a true taste of an unspoiled French village.

Prehistoric sites, Gallo-roman remains, abbeys, churches, castles and WWI battle sites bear vivid witness to this region's rich history.

Places of interest

Abbeville Church of Saint-Vulfran, Bagatelle Chateau, Somme Bay natural reserve.

Amiens Birthplace of Robespierre, town hall, grand square of narrow houses with underground passages

Aisne Surrounded by 60 fortified churches

Chantilly Horse capital of the world

Chateau Thierry Medieval castle, WWI American cemetery

Laon 12th century cathedral, WWI trenches, Vauclair Abbey

Saint Quentin 11th to 18th century basilica, 16th century town hall

Soissons Cathedral of Saint Jean des Vignes, National Museum of the Franco-American Cooperation in the Blérancourt Chateau

Senlis Gothic cathedral

Technical tourism and sports

Pottery and laces, horticulture

Horseback riding, hiking, cycling, self-drive boating and golf.

Cuisine

Fresh fish and seafood is popular in this region. A favorite local dish is Carbonnade Flamande, beef and onions cooked in beer. Also popular is chicory flavored coffee.