What is picardie famous for

Before the last Ice Age, the region just south of the English Channel was attached to the chalk lands of southern England. For many people, Picardy will stand for a place where far too many men lost their lives in the wars of last century: during World War I, it was the scene of the battles of the Somme, several of the most costly and devastating battles of the war.

Agincourt, Crecy and Saint-Quentin are also well-known, poppy-carpeted battlefields. But despite its battle weary history, Picardy is a land of peace and tranquility. The region has one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in the whole of France. Due to little development, the coast has kept all its original beauty and visitors will find it bathed in the half tones of light that artists such as Sisley, Degas or Seurat came to capture.

The exterior of the cathedral is smothered in a technicolour light performance in a show that makes audiences gasp in wonder. This free 50 minute show runs throughout the summer.

Read more about Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The great chateau of Pierrefonds was built at the end of the 14th century by Duke Louis of Orleans. His restoration of this medieval castle is simply astonishing. Think cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings dripping with roses and wonderful views over the lush countryside. Discover more about gorgeous Gerberoy. Saint-Quentin is listed town of Art and History and famous for its art deco style.

On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the city centre market adds a buzz to the day and a chance to shop for scrumptious French delicacies and local produce. The hortillonnages of Amiens are floating market gardens. The best way to experience this historic heritage site is with a guided electric environmentally friendly boat tour from April to October. The lush, flower filled island gardens reflect a close relationship between man and nature and make for a unique nature escape right in the heart of the metropolis.

From spring to autumn a fabulous Arts and Garden festival is held in the Hortillonnages. To the north of the Somme bay lie miles of sandy beaches and dunes. And here is where you will find the hectare Marquenterre park. Some species of migrating birds stop over or nest here. Raj-mahal Amiens. Auberge du Pont de Rethondes Compiegne. Roots Mers Les Bains. Il Calcio Chateau-Thierry. La Renaissance Aisne.

Le Cocteau St-Quentin. Le Verbois Saint-Maximin. Le Comptoir Senlis. Now there are more than 5, different kinds of plants, from 2, species, most of which are from Central and East Asia. The collections are arranged in French parterres, an English garden and a less formalised wild space.

One of the many shocking things about the First World War, and the Battle of the Somme in particular, is the amount of missing soldiers without graves. The 72, British missing servicemen are remembered at Thiepval, which is the largest monument for missing Commonwealth servicemen in the world.

Nearby, Beaumont-Hamel is dedicated to members of the Dominion of Newfoundland who died in the war. The site has the largest preserved section of the Somme battlefield, a large, cratered green field etched with trenches. A memorial for the grim first day of the battle on July 1 is the Lochnagar Crater, created when a mine with 2. When it heats up in summer this resort, hemmed on two sides by chalk cliffs, is an elegant way to get some sea air.

The beach has large pebbles, but is a joy in summer when you can wander along the promenade and go down to water to dip your feet in the sea.