Picardy is a historic region of France, located prominently between Paris and Belgium. It is dotted with many small towns and villages that have stood the test of time and provide a glimpse into the culture and history of this region.
If you’re intrigued by what makes Picardy unique compared to other parts of France, you’ll want to explore its deep roots. From medieval castles to Renaissance architecture, you’ll discover the stories of those who lived in this fascinating part of France centuries ago.
The beginning of a story full of twists and turns
The history of Picardy dates back several centuries and the region was divided, in the 1st century, between several populations, namely the Ambiani, the Bellovaci, the Suessiones and the Viromanduri. After being conquered by the Romans, it was inserted into the province of Belgium. A few towns with a thriving urban life, such as Soissons, Saint-Quentin, Arras, Senlis and Beauvais, have existed for centuries in Picardy. Historically known for its passage through different invasions and wars, it has also experienced some periods of peace that have fostered economic growth.
Picardy, a region ravaged by war
The history of Picardy dates back to the 5th century, when it underwent a dramatic change in its socio-economic life following the destruction of the Franks. The Carolingian era saw some economic boom in cities like Amiens and Quentovic, but all of this was interrupted by the brutal Norman raids in the 9th century. As a result of this turmoil, a massive revival of the towns took place in the 11th century, which led to the emergence of the textile industry in Abbeville, Beauvais, and Amiens.
Medieval wars such as the Hundred Years’ War marked the fate of Picardy, which was annexed by England in 1420, but quickly regained its autonomy during the same century. This peace did not last long, as the Wars of Religion followed by the Spanish invasion left the country in ruins during the Thirty Years’ War in 1636.
Draw strength from your past in order to rebuild yourself better
Picardy is a region in northeastern France with an incredibly rich and varied history. Its importance in the seventeenth century was largely attributed to the burgeoning textile industry that used local resources to produce sought-after materials such as Beauvais tapestries, Saint-Quentin textiles, Amiens velvets, and Abbeville cloth. However, it was not only industrialization that played an important role in the history of Picardy, but also agriculture that thrived thanks to the physical conditions of the region.
It is no coincidence that many offensives took place in Picardy during both World Wars, most notably the Somme Offensive in 1918 which ultimately changed the course of World War I. Today, Picardy is famous for the richness of its heritage that it has preserved over time to the delight of its visitors.