Picardy is a fabulous region that genuinely has something to offer everyone- whether you are looking for a relaxing short break, a place to stop off en-route to other areas of the country, or seeking a more cultural holiday, exploring the battlefields of the Somme- you will find it all in this unique area. There is the dramatic grandeur of the coastline, the gentle beauty of the rolling inner landscape and towns with some of the finest architecture in Northern France. What’s more, it’s easy to forget that all this is only a few miles across the English Channel!

There are such a variety of towns and villages in this part of France that it’s hard to select just a few! One of our personal favourites in this area is the magnificent town of Arras. It was virtually destroyed in the First World War but has been expertly restored and has some magnificent architecture and one of the most attractive and alluring market squares in Europe. There is also the charming town of St. Omer, which is equally beautiful and boasts a fantastic Saturday market. Perhaps the jewel of this regions vast architectural heritage is the immense Gothic cathedral at Amiens, which is protected by UNESCO and is a truly breathtaking sight.

For those that want to escape the clamour of the town, there is a long, golden coastline to explore, dotted with wonderful resorts and dramatic cliff structures. The most famous of these resorts is probably Le Touquet, which has come to be known as the Paris of the North. During the 1930’s this glamorous retreat became the playground for the ‘smart set’ of the English literary scene, who regularly used to decamp here for leisurely weekends. There is also the enchanting town of Montreuil with its ancient ramparts and Boulogne with its still-standing medieval city walls.

As if this isn’t enough, there are miles of nature reserves to explore, or you can always wander inland, through rolling hills, miles of farmland and gently flowing rivers- we’re certain that Picardy will leave you with wonderful memories.