Quirky accommodation rental Picardie - 1 quirky accommodation

Where Chalk Cliffs Meet Floating Gardens: Your Guide to Picardie, France

Forget the crowds of Paris and the well-trodden paths of Provence. Just north of the French capital lies Picardie, a region where ancient cathedrals pierce the sky, wild seals bask on golden sandbanks, and Champagne flows from vineyards that most tourists never even know exist. This is France at its most authentic, waiting to be explored from your very own unique place to stay.

A Landscape That Surprises at Every Turn

Picardie (Picardy in English) stretches across the three departments of Somme, Aisne, and Oise in northern France. The regional capital Amiens sits just 111 kilometers from Paris, making it remarkably accessible for an escape into a world that feels centuries removed from city life. Covering approximately 19,400 square kilometers, this region belongs to the Paris Basin and features gently rolling terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 300 meters.

The landscape here is remarkably varied. The Somme River meanders from east to northwest, creating an estuary that ranks among the most beautiful bays in the world. The region experiences an oceanic climate, bringing mild temperatures and enough rainfall to keep everything lush and green. Traditional Picard villages stand out with their distinctive red brick houses, often decorated with charming white brick \"lace\" patterns.

Three Departments, Endless Possibilities

• Somme: Home to 70 kilometers of sandy beaches, dramatic chalk cliffs, and the famous Bay of Somme
• Aisne: The ancient cradle of France, where you will find Champagne vineyards and over 60 fortified churches
• Oise: A land of vast forests, fairytale castles, and the legendary Château de Chantilly

Why Picardie Should Be Your Next Escape

While millions of tourists drive through Picardy each year, few actually stop to discover its treasures. This makes it perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences without the crowds. Here is what makes Picardie truly special for your next holiday or weekend trip:

Accessibility That Cannot Be Beaten

Picardie is the part of France most easily accessible for short visits from Britain and Benelux. Drivers heading south from Calais find themselves in Picardy within an hour. Beauvais has an airport with direct low-cost flights from the UK, and Paris Charles de Gaulle airport sits just a few kilometers from the southern edge of the region.

Affordable Authenticity

Unlike the heavily touristed regions of France, Picardie offers exceptional value. You can stay in unique properties that give you access to some of France's finest historical and natural heritage without the premium prices of more famous destinations.

A Food Lover's Paradise

The culinary traditions here are legendary. From fresh seafood and local pâté to the famous Chantilly cream, Picardie offers gastronomic delights at every turn. Traditional specialties include the Picardie Ficelle (a crêpe with ham and mushrooms), duck pâté pie, and eel dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, there are Compiègne cakes, handmade chocolates called Picantins, and the famous Amiens macaroons.

Hidden Gems and Unexpected Treasures

The Floating Gardens of Amiens

Just a short walk from Amiens Cathedral, the Hortillonnages are 300 hectares of floating gardens covering approximately 65 kilometers of canals. This unique site, shaped by generations of market gardeners known as \"hortillons,\" is the only one of its kind in France. Take a traditional flat-bottomed boat called a \"barque à cornet\" through this aquatic labyrinth, where dragon flies flit about and water lilies bob on the surface. Every Saturday, the remaining market gardeners sell their fresh produce at the water market in the Saint-Leu district.

France's Largest Seal Colony

The Bay of Somme is home to France's largest colony of harbor seals, with between 1,500 and 2,000 seals living in the area. Both grey seals and harbour seals can be spotted, especially at low tide when they bask on the sandbanks near Le Hourdel. Guided nature walks lasting around 2.5 hours take you to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Bay of Somme is also ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world and serves as a stopover for migratory birds, with around 250 species recorded.

Champagne Without the Champagne Region

Here is a secret that will impress your friends: Picardie produces approximately 10% of all AOC Champagne. Around 40 villages in the south of the region are part of the world-famous Champagne growing area. The vineyards around Château-Thierry in the Marne Valley have been included in the Champagne production zone since 1936. Visit Champagne Pannier, where 2-kilometer-long medieval cellars dating from the 12th century house maturing bottles of exquisite bubbly.

Fortified Churches of Thiérache

In the Thiérache region of Aisne, you will discover over 60 fortified churches that stand as witnesses to centuries of conflict. These remarkable buildings, built from the 14th to the 17th century, feature defensive towers, arrow slits, and fortified walls that protected villagers during times of war. The circuit of fortified churches offers a 150-kilometer route through peaceful hedged farmland, with churches at Parfondeval, Plomion, Burelles, and Montcornet among the most impressive.

The Birthplace of Gothic Architecture

Picardy is arguably the birthplace of Gothic architecture, housing six of the world's greatest examples of Gothic cathedrals. Amiens Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the tallest complete cathedral in France and has the largest interior of any medieval building in Western Europe. It was built in just 50 years, giving it a rare coherence of style. The cathedral at Beauvais, though never completed, boasts the tallest transept in Gothic history. During summer evenings, Amiens Cathedral is transformed by a spectacular light show that brings the medieval stonework to life in technicolor.

Five Unmissable Experiences Off the Beaten Path

1. Ride the Steam Railway Around the Bay of Somme: The \"Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme\" travels from Cayeux-sur-Mer to Le Crotoy, hugging the bay and offering stunning views over fields and marshes. Step off at charming towns along the way and soak in the timeless atmosphere.
2. Explore Gerberoy, the Village of a Thousand Roses: With fewer than 100 inhabitants, this tiny village is officially one of the most beautiful in France. Its 18th-century cottages are draped in 25 varieties of climbing roses, creating a scene straight from a storybook.
3. Visit the Familistère de Guise: This 19th-century workers' utopia, built by industrialist Jean-Baptiste André Godin, offers a fascinating glimpse into social history. The covered courtyard and communal facilities were revolutionary for their time.
4. Take a Guided Walk Across the Bay of Somme at Low Tide: When the tide retreats, the sand stretches as far as the eye can see. Local guides lead walking groups through this otherworldly landscape, wading through shallow water and introducing you to the extraordinary flora and fauna of the estuary.
5. Discover the Art Inside a Fortified Church: At Saint-Martin de Jeantes, Dutch artist Charles Eyck created frescoes covering over 400 square meters of the interior in 1962, along with five stained glass windows. The result is reminiscent of Modigliani and Chagall, hidden away in a rural church that once sheltered villagers from invading armies.

When History Becomes Pilgrimage

Picardie was the scene of heavy fighting during World War I, and the region holds deep significance for visitors from the UK, USA, Australia, and many other nations. The Somme battlefields, cemeteries, and memorials have become places of pilgrimage. The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is profoundly poignant. The Historial de la Grande Guerre at Péronne offers trilingual displays that provide an excellent overview of the conflict. For many visitors, taking time to honor these sites adds a deeply meaningful dimension to their stay.

Practical Tips for Your Picardie Adventure

Best Time to Visit

Picardie is beautiful year-round, but late spring (May-June) brings blooming poppies and roses, while summer offers warm days perfect for beach visits and outdoor activities. Autumn is ideal for forest walks and fewer crowds, and December brings magical Christmas markets with the cathedral light show.

Getting Around

A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, particularly for visiting the fortified churches, villages, and coastal areas. However, trains from Paris Gare du Nord serve major towns, and the region is perfect for cycling holidays with its relatively flat terrain.

What to Pack

• Binoculars for seal watching and birdwatching
• Comfortable walking shoes or wellies for bay crossings
• Layers for the oceanic climate
• A camera with a good zoom for wildlife photography

Your Unique Stay Awaits

From converted farmhouses in the rolling countryside to quirky cabins overlooking the floating gardens of Amiens, Picardie offers accommodations as distinctive as the region itself. Whether you are seeking a romantic weekend escape, a family adventure, or a peaceful retreat, booking a unique place to stay puts you at the heart of this remarkable region.

The contrast between Picardie's relative obscurity and its extraordinary richness makes it one of France's best-kept secrets. Here, you can explore world-class cathedrals, watch wild seals, taste Champagne from hidden vineyards, and wander through villages that seem frozen in time. All of this is within easy reach of Paris, the UK, Belgium, and beyond.

Book a unique place to stay now and discover why those who visit Picardie always want to return.