We’re always eager to find out about under the radar travel designations especially one’s that are relatively unknown in an already popular tourist. Enter Picardy! This under-the-radar region is often said to be one of France’s best-kept secrets. Located only one hour’s journey from Calais this little talked about but beautiful historic region stretches north from the suburbs of Paris and vineyards of Champagne to the beaches of the Bay of Somme on the English Channel. With an easily accessible location not far from Paris, Belgium or the UK and attractive countryside as well as historic towns and cities this area definitely deserves more attention. Here’s what fabulous thing to do in Picardy, France…
The varied scenery

Copyright CRT Picardie

Copyright Vincent Colin

Copyright Ærophotudio.fr
Picardy offers a huge variety of landscapes through its three departments, The Somme, Oise and Aisne. The Somme is mostly known for its poignant and moving battlefields of the First World War and war memorials but Baie de Somme is also worth exploring. The estuary affords lovely views as tides alternately hide and expose vast expanses of sand. The surrounding bay also forms a unique habitat for all kinds of birds and marine life, including a colony of about 300 sandbank-lounging seals at Pointe du Hourdel. It’s regional capital is also known for its Gothic cathedral, the floating gardens on its canals and Jules Verne’s former home, which has now been turned into a charming museum.

Copyright NBryant
Auvers-sur-Oise is also blessed with lovely landscapes and is a place associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh. Peruse round impossibly beautiful Chateux, delightful cafes and museums themed round impressionist cafes and visit the historic house where Vincent van Gogh passed away. The department of Aisne also has strong connections with the first world war with large areas ravaged during the fighting. Although many historical monuments have since been restored and this region is still full of impressive cathedrals, abbeys, pretty villages and of course plenty of gorgeous Chateux.
There’s plenty to do

Copyright NBryant

Copyright Xavier Damis
Whether you’re into sightseeing or just relaxing, the region has plenty of options on offer. Picardy is home to some major historic sites including the country’s finest medieval cathedrals to fine châteaux and historic towns to the battlefields of the First World War. The main cities such as Amiens, Soissons, or Compiègne offer some important attractions in their own right and the smaller town such as Noyon, Chauny or La Ferté Milon are also worth a visit for both their character and charm. Amiens is a beautiful canal town and home to a Gothic cathedral, the floating gardens on its canals and Jules Verne’s former home, which is now a museum and should feature high on your itinerary!
Nature lovers would also be satisfied with acres of forests and natural parks waiting are perfect for walking and cycling and the bountiful supply of lakes and rivers will also be a paradise for those looking for water sports like sailing. The vineyards of Champagne make the perfect backdrop to a wine tasting tour and the Marquenterre Ornithological Park which is home to hundreds of birds will keep the twitchers happy.
It appeals to both couples and families

Copyright Mers-NBryant
Picardy with its acres of tranquil landscapes and wine regions should keep the couples happy and the many parks and gardens should offer plenty of opportunities for romance. There’s also plenty to do for families. For starters there’s the famous Astérix Theme Park (Parc Astérix) is the biggest in France and has frequently been voted the best Themed park and La Ferme d’Antan is a farm 7 miles southwest of Amiens that recreats how life used to be in Picardy. There is a variety of animals as well as ancient artifacts and antiques. Samara is a life-size exhibition of prehistoric times, including dinosaurs and neolithic civilisations. Situated in the Somme valley west of Amiens, this brilliant family attraction is able to transport visitors back to thousands of years ago. Set over 30 hectares, there is an arboretum, botanical gardens and a painstakingly recreated prehistoric village.
18 Comments
Julios Smith
27 October, 2015 at 11:59 amAwesome pictures. The tulips are wonderful.
James C. Tyler
15 October, 2015 at 1:29 pmWhat a wonderful looking place, great photos!
Becky Moore
16 October, 2015 at 8:39 pmWe agree! 🙂
Emma
13 October, 2015 at 7:57 pmWhat a lovely part of France and seems like there’s plenty to do too! Definitely given me some thought for my next holiday!
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 8:45 pmLooks gorgeous doesn’t it?
Raych
13 October, 2015 at 7:55 pmWhat a gorgeous looking place and fantastic photos, especially of the chateaux!
Scott B
13 October, 2015 at 7:54 pmI’ve visited this region and it is a great place to visit I’m surprised more people don’t know about it!
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 8:46 pmVery true, it’s very under most tourist’s radar!
Maddy
13 October, 2015 at 7:10 pmMy goodness! It looks amazing! I’ve never heard of it, but I’m glad I have now. I’m visiting Paris for a third time soon, so I might have to get out of the city and check this place out. Thanks for sharing!
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 8:47 pmPleased you liked the post Maddy and enjoy Paris!
Jess @UsedYorkCity
13 October, 2015 at 3:43 pmWow, this is certainly a wonderfully kept secret! I would have loved to take a trip here when we were in Paris this summer–guess I’ll just have to make a return trip to France very soon!:-)
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 8:48 pmHa ha makes a good excuse to return! 😉
Suze - Luxury Columnist
9 October, 2015 at 10:46 pmI was very impressed with that photo of the arch in the field, where is it taken. I used to live in France and Amiens is a beautiful town
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 8:51 pmMust have been a lovely place to live! 🙂
Marc
9 October, 2015 at 5:29 pmWow. I didn’t know that we have so much to see there. I have been there but haven’t explored this much. Great pictures and I need to return to Picardy next time.
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 9:06 pmDefinitely more to it than people realise 🙂
Agness
9 October, 2015 at 11:45 amIt’s really great to see that it’s a perfect travel destination for everyone – including solo travelers, families and couples. I used to travel on my own or with my best friend, but now I feel like spending more time on the road with my boyfriend.
Becky Moore
13 October, 2015 at 9:06 pmAw very sweet 🙂