About
the Picardy Region.
Population
AREA
DEPARTMENTS
(Ranked 12
)
1,886000 (2006)
97/km˛
19,399
Km˛
Capital Amiens
Aisne
02
Oise 60
Somme 80
Picardy the
birth place of France when in 486 Clovis made Soissons the capital of the Franks
and when Hugues Capet was elected as King of France at Senslis and then in 987
at Noyon was crowned making Picardy the first Region of France. Its here in
Picardy that great Gothic Cathedrals were built. Amiens cathedral is the largest
Gothic cathedral in Europe, but there are also remarkable examples at Beauvais,
Soissons,Senils,Noyon and Leons.
It is claimed that there are more historic
building and chateaux in the Picardy region than in any other region of France.
The town of Leons still has a complete medieval wall.
Chantilly is famous for
both its cream and its Chateau which houses one of the finest collection of
historical paintings in France, second only to the Louvre inParis. Chantilly
Race Course is home to Europes largest Polo Club and also the museum of the
living horse.
Pictardy has the least spoilt coastline in France, with long
sandy beaches and 70kms of sand dunes with the rivers Somme and Authie both
entering the English Channel here. The coastal marshes and estuaries are the
stopping off piont for many migratary birds. Within the Picardy region are more
than 4000 hectares of lakes and 1200 kms of rivers making it ideal for types of
water sports and activities. This Region also has vast forests notabily of Oak
and Beech. The hiker and biker are also well catered for with over 2000kms of
pathways and lanes to explore.