The Picardy region includes the Baie de Somme and much of the river's plains, including the atmospheric, memorial dotted fields of French Flanders. Picardy also offers beautiful rural views, rich cuisine and plenty to pique the interest of travellers with a cultural bent. Some of the best places to stay in Picardy are places in which to relax, recharge and reflect, on beautiful vistas, fresh air and hard-won peace.

Amiens is Picardy's capital, much famed, unfortunately, for its own role in both World Wars. Amiens was almost entirely rebuilt after WWII, but many of its visitors come because of its position within the First World War. Amiens occupied some of the most contested lands in all of history, the Western Front.

Like Amiens, nearby Arras suffered terrible shelling during both wars, but this town's old architecture was carefully rebuilt and restored, so if you're looking for old Amiens, visit Arras. Modern Amiens, Arras and Laon are actually lively places, with plenty of interesting cultural attractions, and pretty vistas.

Outside of the towns and cities, on Flanders fields, you'll find the beautiful, stark memorials to those lost on both sides, and from the numerous different armed forces fighting for the Allies. Some of the most poignant places to visit are the tunnels at La Boisselle, which were dug by soldiers in preparation for the battle of the Somme, and the crater-pocked battlefield and preserved trenches at Vimy Ridge.

Remembering the fallen isn't the only reason to visit Picardy. The Baie de Somme is a beautiful place (stay in St Valery sur Somme), known for its wonderful artist-inspiring light - both Degas and Seurat painted its moods extensively. The mouth of the Somme is also home to seals. The estuaries along Picardy's small stretch of coast are also well known by birdwatchers.

And if you're travelling with kids you might be interested to hear that Picardy is also home to Parc Asterix.

The region is also very accessible from Calais and Boulogne, so the best places to stay in Picardy can make great stopping off points on the way either to or from a ferry.

What Not To Miss

• Château de Chantilly is an opulent chateau with a splendid art collection, equine museum, and glorious gardens.
• If you're visiting with the family then enjoy an action-packed day out to Parc Astérix and try out their large number of rides.
• The Gothic Amiens Cathedral is a simply stunning spot - be sure to remember your camera. Beauvais Cathedral is a similarly astounding architectural marvel.
• Château de Compiègne, an 18th-century palace restored by Napoleon and now featuring two museums, and Château de Pierrefonds, a medieval castle with a parapet walk, are both well worth visiting.

The best places to stay in Picardy

For a Romantic Break

• Le Macassar, just out of Amiens, is a luxurious, Art Deco style B&B surrounded by romantic gardens. The two rooms and four suites are decorated in bright colours, and some have murals. And there are four public spaces, a Moroccan style den, the Majorelle room - named for the turn-of-the-century cabinet maker of the same name, the library and the gallery, which are both Art Deco wonderlands.
• Domaine de Barive is a beautiful château surrounded by 1000 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens. Boutique rooms and suites mix modern design with traditional materials and colours. There's a very good, very French restaurant and an excellent spa.
• Chateau de Noyelles is a charming stay with chic, elegant rooms decorated with antiques and grand mirrors. Tuck into magnificent seafood dishes in the dining room - a splendid grown-up getaway spot.
• Another stunning stay, Chateau De Behen is an elegant 18th-century home in the centre of a wooded park. Their traditional rooms boast glorious countryside views, and there are plenty of activities available to keep everyone busy.
• Chateau de Fere enjoy a lovely location amidst 60 acres of parkland. The property itself is magnificent, oozing Medieval charm, with traditionally-decorated accommodation to match. Tuck into splendid French cuisine in the dining room. Sumptuous!

For Relaxing

• The Auberge du Jeu de paume is a sophisticated five-star château with a Michelin star. The decor is traditional and elegant - probably close to 'sumptuous' without being extravagant. Expect antiques, Toile du Jouy fabrics, marble floors and a racecourse and polo field.
• Les Corderies is a beautiful modern spa hotel right on the coast. As well as the stunning views, this casually luxurious hotel has a top of the range spa and a fabulous restaurant serving traditional cuisine with clever twists.
• Set in a 300-year old farmhouse, Auberge Le Fiacre is a peaceful hotel with light rooms, lovely gardens, a heated pool, and splendid cuisine.
• Auberge A La Bonne Idee is a charming maison d'hotes with country-chic accommodation, a large garden, and a terrific menu. A lovely rural retreat.
• Three-room Chateau d'Auteil is a delightful spot set in an impressive country house. Their elegant rooms feature plenty of antiques and you can head off on long walks around their extensive gardens.
• Le Chateau De La Tour is a sophisticated stay set in a castle-like hotel. It boasts smart rooms, a stylish bar, a restaurant serving up traditional cuisine and easy access to Paris.

For the seaside

• Set in a turreted red brick house, Les Tourelles boasts simple but rooms overlooking the sea. It's incredibly child-friendly, whilst the restaurant serves up truly scrumptious seafood that's bound to impress.
• Located in Saint Valery sur Somme, Au Velocipede is a delightful B&B with smart yet simple rooms and an eco-restaurant serving up locally-sourced food.
• La Femme D'A Cote is a stylish stay with sleek and minimalist accommodation. Enjoy lovely breakfasts before setting off for the day.
• Le Cise is a collection of smart, contemporary rooms and suites with minimalist furnishings and plenty of light. You'll love meals in their fine-dining restaurant, whilst there's also a sauna, pool, and a jacuzzi.
• Hidden Bay Hotel is a stylish stay with simple but smart rooms overlooking the bay. Come back after a day on the beach to enjoy lovely seafood from the restaurant.

For an apartment or villa

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• You're best off flying to Paris, either Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport, before taking a train on to your final destination in Picardy.
• Weather-wise, you're best off visiting in July or August when the average temperature rises to 19°C.
• This, however, is peak tourist season - for a quieter and cheaper alternative, consider visiting in May or October.
• If you'd like the freedom of having a car with you then check out the selection with Rentalcars.

Still not sure which to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Picardy.
• Widen the net to include our recommendations in nearby Paris.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.