What to do in Picardy: Top 12 must-sees to visit2026 ranking

Located 25 miles from Paris, Chantilly Castle houses the Musée Condé, the second largest collection of antique paintings in France. This 284-acre estate features gardens by Le Nôtre, monumental princely stables, and equestrian shows. It is more intimate and less crowded than Versailles, with every displayed work being an original that never leaves the premises.

Located about 20 miles north of Paris, Parc Astérix is one of the most visited theme parks in France. The park is modeled after the iconic comic book series by Goscinny and Uderzo. With over 40 attractions, it delivers high-speed thrills, including the Tonnerre 2 Zeus roller coaster, plus family-friendly shows, water games, and live performances featuring Gauls and Romans.

Located in a traditional Picardy farmhouse in Lanchères, the Maison de la Baie de Somme features 300 taxidermied birds within sound-equipped dioramas of the estuary. Explore six thematic rooms, outdoor trails with ponds, and bird blinds. Guided tours offer chances to spot seals and migratory birds, making this an ideal stop after the Parc du Marquenterre.

The Baie de Somme Nature Reserve protects 3,000 hectares of mudflats, salt marshes, and dunes near Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont. Over 300 bird species stop here during migration, while 600 harbor and gray seals form the largest colony in France. The Parc du Marquenterre offers 13 observatories along 6 km of trails. Explore this Ramsar site via guided tours, independent hikes, or kayaking.

Amiens Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a Gothic masterpiece defined by its massive scale. Its facade features intricate carvings, while the interior stuns with stained glass and a 42.30 meter high nave. Beyond the historic choir stalls, the cathedral hosts Chroma, a summer light show that illuminates the sculptures with color.

Located in the Baie de Somme, Marquenterre Park is a 200-hectare nature reserve famous for its migratory birds. More than 300 species live here, including the Eurasian spoonbill and the pied avocet. Three marked trails offer immersive hikes through dunes, meadows, and marshes. This park is a prime destination near Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont for nature and bird enthusiasts.

Aqua Mundo - Le Lac d'Ailette in Chamouille is a manageable, family-friendly water park set in a Canadian-style village bordering a lake. Located 25 miles from Reims and 95 miles from Paris, it features slides, pools, and water play structures. It offers fitness classes including aqua-boxing, aqua-step, aqua-fitness, aquagym, and aqua-body.

Located north of Paris, Chantilly Racecourse combines professional equestrian sport with deep local history. Inaugurated in 1834, the track sits within the Domaine de Chantilly, framed by the chateau and the Grandes Écuries (Great Stables). Famous for hosting the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane, it draws racing fans annually to Chantilly.

The Hortillonnages of Amiens are a unique network of floating market gardens crisscrossed by canals just steps from the city center. Tour them by traditional boat, explore the biodiversity, or walk from Parc Saint-Pierre. Every Saturday, the water market lets you buy produce directly from local growers keeping this centuries-old tradition alive in Amiens.

The Jules Verne House in Amiens offers a look into the daily life and creative world of this iconic France author. Explore reconstructed rooms, including his personal office, alongside original manuscripts, correspondence, and rare first editions. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and cultural events focused on his work and scientific passions.

The city of Laon, in the Aisne department, holds a preserved medieval core and one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in France. Construction on Notre-Dame de Laon began in the 12th century, continuing until the mid-14th century. Perched on a hill, the cathedral gives the city its nickname, the crowned hill. Its architecture and scale provide a look at early Gothic design.

Founded in 1963 by Jean Richard, La Mer de Sable is the oldest family theme park in France. Tucked into the forest of Ermenonville, the park features three zones dedicated to the American Far West. With 25 rides and 5 shows on unique geological terrain, it offers plenty for young adventurers.