Top 7 most beautiful cities in Picardy to visit2026 ranking

Designated as an official Town of Art and History in France, Chantilly sits about 40 kilometres from Paris and 10 kilometres from Senlis.

A Princely Estate

The main draw here is the Château of Chantilly. Built in the sixteenth century for Anne de Montmorency, the property later belonged to the noble House of Condé, then passed in 1830 to Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last king Louis-Philippe. The estate remains exceptionally well preserved. History and architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to inspect, as successive noble families each left their architectural mark. Visitors can tour the Petit Château, furnished in period style, and the Château Neuf, a nineteenth-century reconstruction. The Condé Museum's painting collection spanning the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, alongside the impressive Book Cabinet housing 19,000 volumes, warrant a thorough visit.

Gardens and Stables

Exploring the wider estate reveals a classic French formal garden featuring the Temple of Love complete with statues of Venus and Eros, alongside surrounding woods, lakes, and ponds. The Grandes Écuries, or Great Stables, rank among the town's highlights regardless of your equine interest. Constructed in the eighteenth century, this building houses the Living Horse Museum, tracing the history of the domestication of the horse. Real horses occupy the historic stalls. Visitors can watch dressage demonstrations and equestrian shows combining theater, acrobatics, and horsemanship.

Town and Forest Trails

Away from the main estate, the town offers additional stops. The racecourse ranks among the largest in France and still hosts active horse racing events. The Potager des Princes provides a family-friendly walk past birds and flowerbeds. Historic buildings dot the town center, including the sixteenth-century Hôtel de Beauvais, the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church, and the Pavillon de Manse, also known as the Prince's Mill. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Chantilly forest covers more than 6300 hectares of trails.

When to go

Northern France weather is notoriously variable, making the warmer months the ideal time for a visit. April through September or October offers the most favorable conditions. Note that the château and stables close to the public for most of January.

How to get there

Taking the train is the simplest way to reach Chantilly. The estate offers a combined train and admission ticket for $29*. Take the RER D commuter train from Paris to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station, which takes 45 minutes. Driving from central Paris takes about one hour.

As the historic capital of Picardy and the administrative seat of the Somme department, Amiens packs quite a punch. Often called the Little Venice of the North because of the canals and bridges crisscrossing the streets, Amiens actually holds the record in France for the most UNESCO World Heritage listings. That alone makes it worth spending a few days exploring.

A Unique and Lively City

Amiens stands out as one of the prettiest cities in northern France, officially recognized as a Town of Art and History since 1992. Its defining feature is the extensive canal network beloved by boaters. Known as rieux, these waterways snake through 65 kilometres of the city for a scenic boat ride. You will also learn about the hortillonnages, floating gardens right in the middle of town that have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Today, these plots have been restored and are farmed using organic agricultural methods.

Once you are back on dry land, head over to Saint-Leu, the most charming neighborhood in Amiens. This historic district features houses dating back to medieval times, having miraculously survived the bombing raids of World War II. Picture colorful facades, local artisans, art galleries, and bookstores. The neighborhood comes alive at night thanks to the many restaurants and bars popular with local college students.

Lingering Remnants of the Past

The star attraction of Amiens is its magnificent Cathédrale. This Gothic masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest church of its kind in France. The sheer scale is what hits you first, as it is twice the size of Notre-Dame de Paris. Every summer and during the winter holidays, a light and sound show lights up the cathedral's front square.

Another stop in the Picardy capital is the Maison de Jules Verne, which appeals to visitors of all ages. This is where the famous author lived for 18 years and wrote most of his masterpieces. Glass roofs, period parlors, and a cabinet of curiosities pull you right into the writer's imaginative world, showcasing his fascination with the sea and travel. You can also check out the cirque d'Amiens, inaugurated in 1889 by Jules Verne himself. It is one of the few surviving purpose-built circus buildings in France.

When to go

If you want warmer weather, aim for May through September to visit Amiens. That said, the city offers enough to see and do year-round, even if you run into a rainy afternoon.

How to get there

Amiens sits just 1 hour and 10 minutes from Paris by train, making rail the easiest way to reach the city from the capital. The trip from Lille takes under an hour as well. There is also an airport for longer-haul routes, Amiens-Picardie, though commercial flight options are limited.

Two and a half 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 tucked into the Oise department within Hauts-de-France. Home to about 1,700 residents, it is best known for hosting the Parc Astérix amusement park. If you find yourself staying in the area, you are likely heading to the Gaulish-themed park, but it is well worth taking the time to explore the rest of Plailly.

Quieter attractions and walks

The main draw of Plailly is undoubtedly Parc Astérix, which pulls in over 2 million visitors a year, a bar it has raised several times since. Founded in 1989 and based on the comic book heroes created by Goscinny and Uderzo, the park appeals to all ages.

Beyond the summer crowds around the edge of town, Plailly offers plenty of other points of interest. The Cavée du Gué is a charming natural park that families particularly enjoy. Pathways have been set up so visitors can observe the wildlife and plant life of this wetland area. Sheep and goats graze peacefully here during the warmer months, and you can even spot beehives in April.

Plailly also has several walking trails winding through the surrounding woods. One of the best-known is the Christ à Bouchard trail, which starts in the heart of town and leads hikers through the forest. The Bois de Morrière is protected for its diverse scenery, notably the striking sandstone boulders scattered along the path. The Pierre Monconseil is its most notable landmark.

Historic churches and châteaux

The town of Plailly also holds historical and cultural weight. Saint-Martin Church, classified as a historical monument since 1862, is a fascinating site. Built in the early 12th century in the early Gothic style, its foundations likely date back even further. Architecture enthusiasts will spot the influence of the famous Senlis Cathedral here. As you leave the church, take a look at the lovely fountain in the town square. Plailly is also home to several châteaux, including Bertrandfosse and Vallière. Only ruins remain of Montmélian, dating from the 12th to the 15th century, but the sight of its thick, two-meter walls still standing makes it worth a quick stop.

Design fans will want to check out the Propriété Hamet, built in the late 19th century by an ironworker from Paris. This brick-and-stone residence features a striking wrought-iron gate.

When to go

You can visit Plailly year-round, though you will want to time your trip with the opening schedule of Parc Astérix. The park welcomes visitors from April through November, staying open continuously from mid-June to late August.

How to get there

Driving from Paris to Plailly takes 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. Shuttles also run directly from Paris to Parc Astérix, dropping you off right next to 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 serves as the prefecture for the Aisne department in northern France. The city is defined by its hilltop setting crowned by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which earned it the nickname of the crowned mountain. Numerous paths and narrow staircases known as grimpettes connect the upper and lower towns. A funicular once linked the train station district to city hall before budget cuts shut it down in 2016. Laon has preserved a wealth of historic architecture, starting with defensive ramparts stretching over 7 kilometers!

A Major Medieval Stronghold

Entering the old town means passing through remarkably preserved medieval gates like the porte d'Ardan and the porte de Soissons. Laon flourished during the Middle Ages, housing an episcopal palace that now functions as the local courthouse. It also served as a prestigious royal residence under the Carolingians. Built in the twelfth century, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame stands as a prime example of early Gothic architecture that later influenced Notre-Dame de Paris. The Saint-Martin abbey complex dates back to the early twelfth century. Aside from its charming cloister transformed into gardens, the building remains closed to the public.

To dive deeper into local history, head to the Musée archéologique showcasing regional and Mediterranean artifacts alongside a fine arts wing featuring a watercolor by Delacroix. Right next door stands the chapelle des Templiers, a testament to the city's historical prominence. Wandering the alleyways of the medieval core reveals numerous frescoes and trompe-l'œil murals decorating the ancient stone walls!

A City of Surprises

Beneath the surface lies an extensive network of underground galleries carved into the soft limestone plateau that once served as stone quarries. Exploring these subterranean passages reveals fossilized seashells, former shooting ranges, and traces of troglodytic dwellings.

Near the porte des Chenizelles, taking the panorama staircase leads straight to the Cuve Saint-Vincent, a downtown green space where nature meets urban life. Once dominated by vineyards, this leafy basin now offers quiet walking paths.

History enthusiasts will find deep connections to the First World War around Laon. The Chemin des Dames, site of some of the conflict's heaviest fighting, sits about fifteen kilometers south of the city, complete with a viewing platform for panoramic views. Nearby, the caverne du Dragon opens up the hidden underground world of the Great War, functioning as a subterranean barracks that bears witness to the daily lives of both French and German soldiers.

When to go

Spring and summer offer the best weather for visiting Laon. The city hosts its medieval festival every year in early September, providing a lively atmosphere for exploring the historic streets.

How to get there

Driving to Laon is straightforward via the N2 or the A26 autoroute. Direct rail connections link the city to Paris, Amiens, Reims, and Hirson in the northern Aisne.