| Picardie,
France Departments: Somme, Aisne, Oise.
Picardie, France Main Towns: Abbeville, Amiens,
Beauvais, Chantilly, Chaumont-en-Verin, Compiegne,
Creil, Doullens, Ermenonville, Guise, Hirson, Laon (Laon Cathedral pictured above),
Montdidier, Neufchatel, Noyon, Peronne, Pierrefonds,
Poix, Roye, Scissons, Senlis, St Quentin, Tergnier,
Vervins, Villers-Cotterets.
Picardie, or Picardy, is the birthplace of Gothic
architecture with six cathedrals, the largest of which,
Cathédrale Notre-Dame, is located in Amiens and is the
pinnacle of Gothic style. Amiens, the capital of
Picardy, was renowned for its velvets under the Ancien
Régime.
Its cathedrals are the main appeal of Picardy.
Splendid cathedrals at Noyon, Senlis and the delightful
hilltop town of Laon chart the evolution of the Gothic
style. Closer to Paris, two châteaux command attention.
Chantilly boasts gardens by Le Nôtre and a 19th-century
château housing many art treasures. Compiègne, bordered
by a large and inviting forest, plays host to a lavish
royal palace favoured by French rulers from Louis XIV to
Napoleon III.
From here to the Somme valley the legacy of World War
I, with its memorial cemeteries and poppy-strewn
battlefields, makes compelling viewing.
For those who like castles, Chantilly, Compiegne,
Pierrefonds or the castle of Rambures offer interesting
visits. Ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in
France, the village of Gerberoy and the ride in the
little train of the Somme are absolute musts.
The town of Chantilly is credited with the invention
of whipped cream. Pottery and laces are a very well
known product of this region. Fresh fish and seafood is
popular in this region. A favourite local dish is
Carbonnade Flamande, beef and onions cooked in beer.
Also popular is chicory-flavoured
coffee. Search for French Property for sale
and rental in Picardie | 
