REGIONAL FEATURE

Our stopping-off point in Picardy is the commune of Saint Michel in the Thiérache area in the northeast of the Aisne department, and most importantly, home to our featured couple Eric and Wendy de Jong (see LIVING THE DREAM).

Unofficially, the commune is called Saint-Michel-en-Thiérache. More than half of its area is occupied by forest, which played an essential role in its history and current economic development.

The forest surrounding Saint-Michel will delight history enthusiasts. The remains of about forty military blockhouses built back in 1936 are dotted along the ramblers’ trails on the Franco-Belgian border. These point to the role the region played in both great wars of the 20th Century. Indeed, the famous battlegrounds of the First World War are a few miles away to the West.
For history enthusiasts, Thiérache offers a journey through time, with landmarks like the Chateau de Guise along with the ruins of feudal strongholds scattered across the area. Many local villages are also built around Gothic churches, each one a testament to the past of this influential region.

The appeal of Thiérache extends far beyond its historical landmarks. Nature reigns supreme here, with vast expanses of unspoiled countryside waiting to be explored. If you are visiting, make sure you take hiking boots with you so that you can explore the Thiérache Regional Natural Park, where dense forests, meandering rivers, and hidden waterfalls create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Cyclists can follow the winding paths of the Greenway, a network of scenic cycle routes that wind through the heart of the region, offering breathtaking views at every turn and quite a few ‘Kodak’ picture moments too!

For those seeking a taste of local culture, Thiérache delivers in spades. There’s lots of opportunity to visit bustling markets where farmers sell fresh produce straight from the fields or enjoying a glass of regional wine while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of a village cafe. And for those not to worried about adding a few inches to the waistline, why not try the croustillons, crispy doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar, or indulge in hearty stews made with locally sourced produce.

As you traverse the region with its history unfolding, the echoes of World War I reverberate across the sombre battlefields of the Somme, where visitors pay respect to the fallen amidst the tranquil countryside. In the medieval cities of Amiens, Laon and Beauvais, towering cathedrals rise majestically, skywards, while museums and memorials chronicle the region's tumultuous history.

Yet, Picardy's allure extends beyond its historical landmarks. Nature as we have already seen takes centre stage. Explore the Baie de Somme, a sprawling estuary where the twittering of birdlife creates magical soundtrack to the backdrop of marshes and sand dunes.

For those with a thirst for adventure, Picardy is a playground of outdoor pursuits. Lace up your hiking boots and traverse the rolling hills and verdant forests that blanket the countryside. Take to the water and paddle along meandering rivers or saddle up for a horseback ride through picturesque landscapes. And when hunger strikes, the region's culinary delights are extensive, from savoury crepes filled with ham and mushrooms to succulent seafood drawn fresh from the coast.

Whether you're drawn to its historical allure, enchanted by its natural beauty, or seeking adventure in its rugged terrain, this captivating region offers something for all the family. So, make sure it’s on your list of things to see and do on your next visit to the Eastern side of France.