Top 7 most beautiful cities in Picardy to visit2026 ranking

Did you know that Chantilly is officially recognized as a City of Art and History in France? This town in the Picardy region sits about 40 kilometers from Paris and 10 kilometers from Senlis, making it a straightforward day trip.

An exceptional princely residence

The main draw here is the Château de Chantilly. Built in the 16th century for Henri d'Orléans, the son of the last king, Louis-Philippe, the estate belonged to the noble line of the Princes of Condé. The château has survived the centuries in excellent condition. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate how each successive noble family added their own touch to the structure. You can tour the Petit Château, which is furnished in period style, and the Château Neuf, a faithful recreation of the 19th-century building. The painting collections of the Musée Condé and the impressive Cabinet des Livres, holding 19,000 volumes, are worth the time.

Gardens and horses

After the interiors, explore the rest of the Chantilly estate, which ranks among the finest in France. You will find a formal French garden with its Temple of Love featuring statues of Venus and Eros, along with surrounding woods, lakes, and ponds. Do not miss the Grandes Ecuries (Great Stables), regardless of your interest in equestrian sports. This 18th-century building houses the Living Museum of the Horse, dedicated to the history of the human-equine relationship. You can see real horses housed in the historic stalls. If your timing is right, catch a dressage demonstration or one of the equestrian shows, which combine theater, acrobatics, and horsemanship.

City sights and forest trails

Beyond the estate, Chantilly has plenty to offer. The hippodrome is one of the largest in France and still hosts regular horse races. For families, the Potager des Princes is a park perfect for bird-watching and wandering through flower beds. The town itself features several historical buildings, including the 16th-century Hôtel de Beauvais, the église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, and the Pavillon des Manses, also known as the Moulin des Princes. If you have extra time, the forest of Chantilly covers over 6,300 hectares and is ideal for long hikes.

When to go

Northern France is not exactly known for constant sunshine, so plan your visit during the warmer months if possible. April through September or October are the most pleasant times to visit. Note that the château and stables are closed to the public for most of January.

Getting there

Taking the train is the best way to reach Chantilly. The estate offers a combined ticket for the train, château, park, and stables for 25 EUR (about $27). Take the RER D train from Paris to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station, a trip that takes about 45 minutes. You can also drive, which takes about an hour from the center of the capital.

As the historic capital of Picardy and the seat of the Somme department, Amiens packs a serious punch for its size. Locals call it the Little Venice of the North, a nod to the web of canals and bridges that define its layout. You might be surprised to learn that Amiens holds the record for the most UNESCO-listed sites of any city in France. It makes for a compelling reason to spend a few days exploring the area.

A unique and lively city

Amiens stands out as one of the most attractive cities in Northern France, earning the official designation of City of Art and History back in 1992. The highlight here is undoubtedly the network of canals, which are a major draw for river tourism fans. These rieux, as they are known, snake through 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) of the city, offering a quiet, romantic boat ride. You will also get a look at the hortillonnages, a series of floating gardens that have been cultivated right in the middle of town since the Middle Ages. Today, these plots have been restored and are used for organic farming.

Once you are back on dry land, head straight for Saint-Leu, the most charming corner of Amiens. This historic district features homes that date back to the medieval era. It is a rare section of the city that managed to survive the bombing raids of World War II unscathed. With its colorful facades, local artisans, galleries, and bookstores, the neighborhood comes alive at night as students from the local university fill the bars and restaurants.

Lingering echoes of the past

The undisputed star of Amiens is its Cathédrale. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains the largest building of its kind in all of France. The sheer scale is what grabs you first. It is twice the size of Notre-Dame in Paris. If you visit during the summer or the winter holidays, you can catch the massive sound and light show projected right onto the cathedral facade.

Another essential stop in the Picardy capital is the Maison de Jules Verne, which is a hit with both adults and kids. This is where the legendary author lived for 18 years and wrote the majority of his most famous works. From the glass roofs to the personal salons and that iconic cabinet of curiosities, you get a direct look into the writer's dreamlike world and his lifelong obsession with exploration and the sea. While you are here, take a look at the cirque d'Amiens, which was inaugurated in 1889 by Jules Verne himself. It is one of only two permanent circus buildings in France, with the other being in Paris.

When to go

If you are looking for mild weather, aim for a trip between May and September. That said, the city has enough to offer that it remains worth a visit in any season, even if you have to deal with a bit of rain.

Getting there

Amiens is just a 1 hour and 10 minute train ride from Paris, which is easily the most efficient way to get there from the capital. The trip from Lille is just as convenient, taking less than an hour. There is a local airport, Amiens-Picardie, but it sees very limited commercial traffic.

Two hours from Paris, a village of 300 residents guards the gateway to one of Europe's largest bird sanctuaries. At the park observatories of the Parc du Marquenterre, visitors can spot white spoonbills and gray herons. On the nearby dunes, golden-coated Henson horses graze freely before carrying riders for a gallop along the beaches of the Baie de Somme. Out here, nature sets the pace.

Plailly is a small town in the Oise department of the Hauts-de-France region. Home to about 1,700 residents, it is best known as the location of the famous Parc Astérix. If you are staying in the area, you are likely here for the theme park dedicated to the Gaulish comic book heroes. However, it would be a shame to visit without exploring the rest of Plailly.

Quieter attractions and walks

The primary draw is clearly Parc Astérix, which attracts over 2 million visitors annually, hitting a record high in 2017. Founded in 1989, the park based on the stories by Goscinny and Uderzo remains a major destination for all ages.

Beyond the summer crowds near the park, Plailly offers quieter spots for visitors. The Cavée du Gué is a charming nature park that is particularly popular with families. The area is set up for public observation of the local wetlands flora and fauna. Sheep and goats graze here during the warmer months, and you can see beehives in April.

Plailly also features several walking trails in the surrounding woods. One of the best known is the Christ à Bouchard trail, which starts in the center of town and takes you through the forest. The Morrière woods are noted for their diverse landscape, specifically the striking sandstone boulders scattered along the path. The Pierre Monconseil is the most notable landmark in this area.

Period churches and castles

The town retains significant historical and cultural character. The église Saint-Martin, a registered historical monument since 1862, is a compelling site. Built in the early 12th century in the primitive Gothic style, its foundations suggest even earlier origins. Architecture buffs will spot the influence of the nearby Senlis Cathedral. After leaving the church, take a look at the fountain in the place de l'Église. Plailly is also home to several châteaux, such as Bertrandfosse and Vallière. While only ruins remain of Montmélian (12th to 15th centuries), the two-meter-thick walls that are still standing are worth a look.

For more architectural interest, see the Propriété Hamet, built at the end of the 19th century by a Parisian ironworker. The brick and stone residence features an impressive wrought-iron gate.

When to go

You can visit Plailly year-round, though you should align your travel dates with the opening schedule of Parc Astérix. The park is open from April through November, with continuous daily operations from mid-June to late August.

Getting there

The drive from Paris to Plailly is quick, taking about 55 minutes via the A1 and A3 highways. You can also take the RER commuter train from the capital toward the Oise department, followed by a bus. Dedicated shuttles run directly from Paris to Parc Astérix, placing you right on the doorstep of Plailly.

In 1066, William the Conqueror waited here for the winds that would change the course of English history. Today, this medieval town perched above the Baie de Somme draws travelers looking to slow down. You will find alleyways lined with hollyhocks, a fisherman's quarter with colorful facades, and a shifting light that draws in photographers. Harbor seals lounge on the sandbars while a small steam train chugs across the estuary. It is a quiet escape just two hours from Paris.

Le Crotoy sits on the north bank of the Baie de Somme, just a two-hour trip from Paris. This fishing village features the only beach in northern France with a south-facing orientation. You can watch seals lounge on the sandbanks and thousands of migratory birds stop over in an area where the shifting light has drawn artists for generations. It is a raw, coastal escape that feels miles away from typical tourist crowds.

Laon is the capital city of the Aisne department in northern France. The city is defined by its hilltop position, crowned by the cathédrale Notre-Dame, which earned it the nickname of the "crowned mountain." Countless paths and narrow stairways, known as grimpettes, connect the upper and lower town. A funicular once linked the train station district to the town hall, but it was dismantled in 2016 for financial reasons. Laon has preserved a wealth of historic monuments, most notably its defensive ramparts that stretch for over 7 kilometers (about 4 miles).

A Medieval City of Significance

You enter the old town through medieval gates that remain in remarkable condition, such as the porte d’Ardan and the porte de Soisson. Laon experienced a major boom during the Middle Ages, housing an episcopal palace that now serves as the city courthouse. It was also a prestigious royal residence during the Carolingian era. The cathédrale Notre-Dame dates back to the 11th century and stands as a prime example of the early Gothic style that later inspired Notre-Dame de Paris. The Saint-Martin abbey complex dates to the early 12th century. Aside from its attractive cloister, which has been converted into gardens, the building itself is not open for tours.

To dig deeper into the history of Laon, head to the Musée archéologique. It holds impressive local and Mediterranean collections, along with a fine arts section featuring a watercolor by Delacroix. Right next door, you will see the chapelle des Templiers, a testament to the city's historical prominence. Afterward, spend some time wandering the lanes of the medieval town to spot the various frescoes and trompe-l'œil murals that decorate the old walls today.

A City Full of Curiosities

Laon is defined by an impressive network of underground tunnels. The city is built on a hill of relatively soft limestone, which encouraged extensive quarrying in the past. Throughout this labyrinth, you can find seashell fossils, old shooting galleries, and even signs of troglodyte dwellings.

Near the porte des Chenizelles, take the panorama staircase to a spot where nature and culture blend perfectly in the center of Laon: the Cuve Saint-Vincent. Once dominated by vineyards, this green space is now a great spot for a stroll.

For history buffs, Laon was deeply impacted by World War I. The Chemin des Dames, site of one of the war's deadliest battles, is located just a few kilometers south of Laon. An observation point there offers a wide view of the landscape. Additionally, the caverne du Dragon opens up the hidden side of the Great War. This underground barracks provides a stark look at the daily lives and activities of both German and French soldiers.

When to Go

Laon is best visited in the spring and summer. The medieval festivals, held every year in early September, offer a great opportunity to get a feel for the city.

How to Get There

By car, you can take the N3 or the A26 motorway. Laon is connected by train to Paris, Amiens, Reims, and Hirson in the Ardennes.