Terroir or ‘land’ is the watchword: Picardy’s rolling landscapes of lush green fields dotted with market gardens are ideal for crops including wheat, carrots, endives, watercress, rhubarb and apples, as well as for feeding contented cows whose rich milk goes into iconic dairy products including Chantilly cream and Maroilles cheese.
Visitors to Picardy are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to enjoy regional cuisine, from rustic village restaurants and classic brasseries and bistros to luxurious Michelin-starred dining rooms. Dishes can be homely – the likes of flamiche (leek pie) or ficelle picardie (savoury crêpes with cheese, ham and mushrooms) – or elaborate.
Conviviality is key to enjoying local produce – and that includes Picardy’s renowned cider and Champagne. Other must-trys include Amiens’ duck pâté and macaroons, gâteau battu (a brioche-like cake) and the extraordinary produce of the Baie de Somme, whether it be the freshest seafood (mussels, oysters and more), mineral-rich salt-marsh lamb or foraged local plants including samphire – or even surprises such as locally farmed saffron.
And don’t miss a browse at some of France’s best food markets, including Les Halles du Beffroi in Amiens (try the goats cheese with local rose petals), or the city’s unique floating market with vegetables fresh from its hortillonnages or market gardens.
Practical Information
Practical Information
How about dinner with champagne?
© CRT Picardie/ AS Flament
Samphire: a gift from the Bay picked in spring
© CRT Picardie / S Bouilland