Picardy

Ancient Picardy was the birthplace of France, when Soissons was declared the first capital of the Franks in 486. This heritage can be seen in its Gothic buildings.

For a taste of Picardy’s history head to the great cathedrals of Amiens, Laon and Beauvais; or to the chateaux of Pierrefonds, Compiègne and Chantilly.

The Picardy region combines the flat open plains of the historical province of Picardy with the scenic forested hills to the south, which were once part of Île-de-France.

The open plains are dotted with poppies and grow wheat and sugar beet. There is a strong Flemish influence to the cuisine, which features Maroilles cheese, ficelle picarde (pancakes with ham and mushrooms) and gâteau battu - a hat-shaped brioche.