Read the introduction to top Le Nord and Picardy attractions
Le Nord and Picardy are the northernmost regions of France, extending from the English Channel (La Manche) almost to the Paris outskirts. Besides historic towns and cities—such as Dunkirk, Amiens, and Lille—Le Nord and Picardy teem with churches, castles and palaces, and battlefields, among other attractions. In other words, these regions are rich hunting grounds from a traveler's perspective.
Short travel times between points of interest are another convenient benefit you can count on. To get from Calais or Dunkirk to the French capital city, for example, you'll need no more than four hours by car or three by train. And, since rolling plains are the predominant feature of nature, you'll enjoy easy sightseeing during your visit.
Top Rated Le Nord and Picardy Churches and Cathedrals
- Amiens Notre-Dame Cathedral is a UNESCO site featuring the highest nave in France (42m/138ft) and outstanding wood carvings. Among other highlights, you'll find the Weeping Angel by Nicolas Blasset and choir scenes introducing the lives of saints John and Fermin.
- Gothic Saint-Pierre in Beauvais is a mammoth cathedral without a nave!!! Yes, that's right. If its constructors weren't too ambitious and had they managed to avoid missteps, the Beauvais Cathedral would have been the tallest human-made structure for centuries. Still, the never-completed cathedral is grand in appearance. Besides its size, Saint-Pierre's highlights are chiming and astronomical clocks.
Most Visited Castles and Palaces in Le Nord and Picardy
- Château de Compiègne was a royal residence that houses three museums today. And these are the Imperial Apartments, Second Empire Museum, and the National Car Museum. Moreover, the palace grounds boast statues and a rose garden.
- Château de Chantilly is a Renaissance palace surrounded by a canal, housing a renowned art gallery. In addition, the complex boasts English, French, and Anglo-Chinese gardens. Next to the property, visitors can attend equestrian shows and demonstrations.
- Château de Pierrefonds is another top Le Nord and Picardy tourist attraction. It came a long way from being a medieval castle to becoming an imperial residence in the 19th century. Restored by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the most famous French 19th-century architects, the fortress features immense towers and imperial apartments.
Battlefields of the First and Second World Wars in the Area
- Battle of Dunkerque in WWII (1939-1945) was among the most significant operations during 1940 on the Western front. It was a strategic retreat of British, French, and other allied soldiers pressed by Wehrmacht—the German armed forces. The withdrawal was a big success, and, today, the town area features war sites such as memorials and cemeteries.
- The Somme region was a stage of a grueling campaign during the First World War (1914-1918). It took place from June to the end of November of 1916 and resulted in a stalemate, for the most part. Casualties on both French and German sides mounted to around a million. Nowadays, many memorials and museums dot the countryside between Albert and Bapaume. Somme 1916 Museum, British Tank and Thiepval memorials, and Beaumont Hamel Memorial Park are among the most significant ones.
