1. Amiens: the capital cathedral;
The magnificent portal of Amiens Cathedral / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : benkrut via depositphotos
Amiens is the capital of Picardy. Its most famous monument is Amiens Cathedral is the largest in France. It's 145 meters long by 54 meters wide. It has to be said that it's one of the most accomplished examples of Gothic architecture in France and Europe. Built in the XIIIᵉ century, it impresses with its size and the richness of its sculptures. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it offers visitors a unique architectural experience because it has literally gone through time, which has added beauty to it (the Renaissance left the stalls, the 18th century quite a bit of furniture...) without taking too much away from it (the French Revolution hit the cathedral very little). Special sights: the portal of the Last Judgment, the "musician kings" found in various places, notably on the roofs, playing music, the labyrinth on the floor, the spire, which was erected in 1533 and restored by Violet le Duc in the 19th century. In summer, a sound and light show highlights it.
Les hortillonnages d'Amiens / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com Chretien via depositphotos
Amiens is also home to the amazing gardens known as "hortillonnages"islands and floating gardens traversed by 65 kms of canals and covering 300 hectares just a stone's throw from the city. A must-see is the Saint Leu district, a former working-class neighborhood, which is riddled with pretty colorful or timber-framed houses on either side of the Somme river that flows there. You can also visit the home of Jules Verne, who ended his life here. The visit reveals some fifteen rooms and the astonishing tower that enabled the writer to immerse himself in his great passion for astronomy. The author was a driving force behind the creation of the municipal circus which, incidentally, bears his name, cirque Jules Verne, and is well worth a visit. Also worth a visit: le zoo d'Amiens (some 100 species and 700 animals).
The Saint Leu district and its houses, each more original than the last / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com packshot via depositphotos
2. The Château de Chantilly: a princely showcase for the treasures of humanity.
Le château de Chantilly/ Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Nestled in the heart of a 7,800-hectare estate,the Château de Chantilly is a jewel of French heritage. Rebuilt in the XIXᵉ century by the Duc d'Aumale, who inherited the château from the de Condé family and decided to turn it into a museum: the Condé Museum. Renowned for its collection of ancient paintings, rivaling the Louvre. The gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, offer a bucolic stroll through French parterres, canals and groves. The Grandes Écuries are home to the Musée du Cheval and host internationally renowned equestrian shows.
The stables of the Château de Chantilly/ Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
3. Discover nature in the Baie de Somme
The Bay of Somme/ Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com Image by myrtille27 from Pixabay
Categorized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the Baie de Sommeis a true paradise for nature lovers. its vast stretches of sand, marshes and dunes are home to exceptional wildlife, including France's largest colony of calf seals. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, with more than 300 species of birds listed. Whether on foot, by bike or by boat, exploring this preserved ecosystem is an unforgettable experience. There are 3 different zones to explore: that of the lower part of the estuary, covered by water, that of the mudflats, which is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. It's a vast larder for many birds. And the third zone is that of the mollières, areas of mud, sand and grass that are sometimes covered at the equinoxes.
The Bay of Somme / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: corlaffra via depositphotos
4. Asterix is Picardy! The proof is in the Parc Astérix
Located in Plailly, the Parc Astérix is a must-see destination for thrill-seekers and fans of the famous comic strip. With over 40 attractions divided into six themed universes, the park offers an immersive experience in the world of the Gauls. From dizzying roller coasters to humorous shows and refreshing water attractions, young and old alike will enjoy a day of adventure and fun.
The emblem of Parc Astérix. Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance: depositphotos Image by BreizhAtao
5. Beauvais and its cathedral
The unfinished cathedral of Beauvais / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Dépositphotos : borisb17
La cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Beauvais is an unfinished masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Begun in the XIIIᵉ century, it was intended to be the largest cathedral in France, but successive collapses interrupted its construction. Despite this, it boaststhe world's tallest Gothic choir, culminating at 48 meters. Its astronomical clock, made up of 90,000 parts, is a marvel of precision and ingenuity not to be missed during your visit.
The gardens of the bishopric of Beauvais. The most famous bishop of Beauvais was Pierre Cauchon, who presided over the trial of Joan of Arc / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: borisb17
6. Saint-Quentin is so good!
Quentin's stunning town hall/ Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : davidmartyn via depositphotos
A town of art and history, Saint-Quentin seduces with its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Its flamboyant Gothic town hall boasts a façade adorned with 173 sculptures. The basilica, a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, houses the relics of Saint Quentin. Art Deco enthusiasts will be delighted by the many facades and interiors they'll see around town testifying to this era, including the Jean Vilar theater and the Art Deco palace.
7. Compiègne the imperial château
The exterior of the Château de Compiègne / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Denis Doukhan de Pixabay
Compiègne ist an imperial city that has retained the charm of its prestigious past. The Château de Compiègne, a former royal and then imperial residence, offers a plunge into French history, with its richly decorated apartments and car museum.The domanial forestof Compiègne, one of the largest in France, is ideal for hikes, bike rides or family picnics, in the heart of unspoilt nature.
The interiors of Compiègne have seen all the French sovereigns pass through, including Louis XV, Napoleon 1er who made it his favorite stay along with Fontainebleau and Napoleon III who left the theater / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com Annemarie Bon de Pixabay.
8. Laon where time passes
Laon Cathedral / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: borisb17 via depositphotos
Perched on a hill, the city of Laon is nicknamed "the crowned mountain"because of its majestic cathedral that dominates the skyline. This Gothic cathedral,one of the first of its kind, is remarkable for its six towers and animal sculptures. The ramparts offer a panoramic view of the surrounding plain, while the medieval lanes invite you to take a stroll out of time, discovering ancient houses and private mansions.
Laon Cathedral / Detail / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Eveline de Bruin de Pixabay
9. Saint-Riquier Abbaye the astonishing abbey that has stood the test of time
Founded in the VIIᵉ century,the Abbey of Saint-Riquier is an impressive testament to religious architecture in Picardy. Rebuilt in the XVIIIᵉ century, today it houses a cultural center offering exhibitions and concerts. The abbey church, with its Baroque façade and luminous interior, is a real gem to discover.The surrounding gardens offer a pleasant stroll, blending history and serenity.
The facade of Saint Riquier Abbey / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : By Friedrich Tellberg - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1040021
10. Pierrefonds castle, where Viollet le Duc is at liberty
Pierrefonds Castle/ Image chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Rémi Certhoux from Pixabay
Le château de Pierrefonds originel was built between 1396 and 1407 by Louis d'Orléans. In ruins,it was rebuilt rather than restored in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, who gave it a neo-medieval reinterpretation. Situated in the Oise region, it combines defensive architecture with medieval-inspired decor. The interiors of Château de Pierrefonds, reinvented by Viollet-le-Duc, plunge visitors into an idealized Middle Ages.
The forest is magnificent around Pierrefonds / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Image chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Jürgen Sieber de Pixabay
Here we discover the majestic Salle des Preuses, Napoleon III's imperial apartments, a neo-Gothic chapel and a crypt populated by spectacular recumbents.Today, it is open to the public and managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux
