Somme, Oise and Aisne are the three departments which make up
Picardy, a northern French administrative region of more than 1.5 million residents. Located just to the south of the famed English Channel, this region borders both the regions of
Nord-Pas-de-Calais and of lle-de-France and is renowned as one of the places in which a great deal of very brave men had their lives taken away in wars occurring during the last century. Despite the battle history in this region, however,
Picardy is indeed a place of tranquility and peace.
Several small stretches of unspoiled coastline in this region offer striking cliffs, sandy beaches and impressive sand dunes, making it ideal for frequent weekend trips and breaks to northern France. With very little development, the original beauty of the coast has been, to the delight of many visitors, maintained. It was these views that created popular subjects for artists such as Degas, Seurat and Sisley. The majestic forests, lush meadows and rolling valleys do not go unnoticed by nature lovers - the canals and rivers of the region make it very popular for fishing, water sports and sailing, while the forests and plains are perfect for cycling and horseback riding. Also not to be forgotten is the bird sanctuary which hosts a wide range of flora and fauna. Other popular activities include golf on some of France's finest golf courses and archery, for which there is an annual spring festival.
The rich eventful past and the spectacular environmental beauty make
Picardy quite attractive as a destination for persons interested in culture and history to buy property. With the high property prices in
Paris,
Picardy has the advantage of being a less expensive alternative for non-French property buyers.
Numerous churches, abbeys and splendid cathedrals are to be found in the gothic art cradle which is
Picardy. The massive cathedrals and beautiful old houses in some towns are not just centers of heritage, but rather remain very much alive and working.
With its strong agricultural industry,
Picardy is well known for its beef cattle and dairy as well as for being a very strong arable region in which 25% of all of France's agricultural exports are produced. Pas-de-Calais offers a wide range of artisan breweries where beers of exceptional quality are produced. The beers are also used to cook scrumptious receipes such as beer sauteed pork, or beer stewed rooster. Endives, cabbages, artichokes, and onions traditionally accompany eels from the Somme river alongside a special vinegar and egg sauce. For dessert, try the local beaten cake or the
Amiens macaroon.
With its beautiful landscapes and splendid scenery, wealth of activities, rich culture, low property prices and booming industries in agriculture, agrofoods and agricultural machinery,
Picardy is not only a great vacation spot but it is also an excellent choice for setting up new residence as well as for finding prosperous employment opportunities. This is what is attracting people to come settle down here or invest in a second home.
