Picardy

The province of Picardy is a living illustration of French history and its cities resonate with the names of influential rulers whose role was to be decisive for their country's future: Clovis in Soissons, Hughes Capet in Noyon...
History lovers can choose from a great many theme itineraries introducing them to regional architecture, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. The most popular routes (Route des Valois, Route du Lys de France, Route de la Rose de Picardie) pass by Celtic citadels, medieval fortified castles, abbeys and of course the six famous cathedrals including that of Amiens, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether on foot, astride a bicycle or aboard a boat, you will be offered countless opportunities to make the most of your holiday: treading the steep cliffs at Mers-les-Bains or strolling down alleys in some of France's prettiest villages such as Gerberoy or Parfondeval. Bolder tourists will take up the challenge of canoeing on the Thiérache, sand yachting along heavenly beaches or galloping through Ermenonville Forest on horseback.
Picardy is cut across by 1,200 kilometres of rivers. The northern canals of the Oise, the Ourcq and the Aisne flow through a variety of landscapes. Anglers can set up their fishing tackle in the Somme Lakes, the Noye Valley, the River Thiérache or the ponds around Soissons. Several thousand species of birds can be observed in the wild in two national reserves: the Parc du Marquenterre and the Parc de la Baie de la Somme.