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French region of Picardy
The Land of Lords and Kings

Capital: Amiens
Population: 1,857,481
Specialities: Chantilly Cream, Salt Marsh Lamb, Seafoods, Tarte au Maroilles Cider and Champagne
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Picardy

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Background on the region

Picardy
Photo: S Bellet
This northerly region of France, less than a hour's drive from Calais, embraces three départements, the Oise (60), the Somme (80), and the Aisne (02). Some of the most beautiful countryside of Northern France lies waiting to be discovered, spreading from The Nord Pas de Calais to the Ile de France and from the Haute Normandie to the Southern Champagne slopes.

You can taste the quality of air on one of France's most unspoilt and uninterrupted coastlines. Compare the elusive light formations of the shore with the mellow grandeur of the largest woodland and forest area in Europe. Do not miss the magnificent 'Baie de Somme' or the largest bird park in Europe, the Marquenterre.

Picardie beckons as a land of peace and tranquillity with unspoilt shores, plains and forests, which have for centuries inspired artists and poets alike. This magnificent backcloth provides the perfect foil for the discovery of Picardie's vast historic and cultural heritage, from the pageantry of the earliest medieval fortresses to the poignancy of the memorials dedicated to those lost in the battle of the Somme. Discover the 16th century fortified churches of the Thiérache; a frontier country in North East Picardie, some 60 bastions watching over the lush bocages. Compare these with the princely palaces of Chantilly, Condé, Brie and Troissereux. Museums in Picardy are of national significance, from tapestries and porcelain to the Historial de la Grande Guerre Museum in Péronne.

Picardy
Photo: S Bellet
Every aspect of Picardie's sensitive development has enhanced the region. Livelihood and leisure are thriving here. The Somme estuary is a firm favourite with sailing enthusiasts, whilst the dunes and marshes along the majestic Somme welcome nature lovers to a vast bird sanctuary and rich flora and fauna. Unspoilt coastline and waterways are a dream for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. Try sea kayaking in the Baie des Phoques. Of the 21 golf clubs spread across the region, Chantilly-Vineuil, Mortefontaine and Belle Dune are ranked in the top ten courses of France. The plains and forests are a natural playground for the regions most famous sport; horse riding. Chantilly is the thoroughbred capital of France and the Grandes Ecuries stable 240 of the country's finest horses.

The 'Picards' believe that nothing is better than locally grown produce. Sea, forest and pasture ensure a diversity of gourmet pleasures that is truly a joy. From Salt Marsh Lamb to Chantilly Cream, each 'terroir' or local area is blessed with its own speciality. Try the famous, Tarte Moroilles (of rich cheese), accompanied by Clos de la Fontaine Hugo, the local cider from Thiérarche, or fresh seafood from the Baie de la Somme with Chateau Thierry Champagne. These are just two of the perfect ways to celebrate 'The Land of Lords and Kings.'

Facts and figures

Capital: Amiens
Population: 1,857,481
Density: 96 people per sq.km (France = 108,2 per sq. km)
Area: 19,518 sq.km representing 3,5% of France
Economy: services (62,5%), industry (32.4%), agriculture (5.0%)
Unemployment rate: 9,9% (rate for France = 9%)

Specialities: Carbonnade - rich beef stew, ficelle picarde - ham and mushroom pancake, caudière - seafood casserole, Genièvre (local gin)


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