The attractions of Picardie

The predominant image of Picardy tends to be the poppy and images of the First World War. Yet this region has so much more to offer, not least its stunning coastal scenery and wildlife.

There is also a rich cultural dimension, which now includes a museum dedicated to the artist Matisse. Opening in February 2008 Matisse’s house in Bohain en Vermandois (02 Aisne, Picardie) Maison Matisse, was where Matisse grew up and lived until he was in his twenties. “The Town hall decided to buy the house and convert it into a museum dedicated to the artist. Exhibitions, pictures, drawings, testimonies, videos tell us more about Matisse’s young life. Audio guides and guided tours are available in English. Free entrance”. – see www.musee-matisse.com/

Further west is Jules Verne’s House in Amiens (80 Somme, Picardie). After major refurbishment, the house where Jules Verne lived from 1882 to 1900 reopened to the public last March.

The visitor can discover through the 700 objects on display the personality of the famous writer and what inspired him, through a ‘clin d’oeil’ to his imaginary world and his day to day life in Amiens.
From the winter garden to the attic, you can relive the adventures of his heroes, Phileas Fogg, Michel Strogoff, Captain Nemo and many more.

For more info see www.amiens.fr

Then in Noyon (60 Oise, Picardie) there is the John Calvin museum. John Calvin, the leader of the Protestant Reformation in Geneva, was born in Noyon in 1509.

Located on the site of his birth house, the John Calvin Museum is a modern museum dedicated to the French reformer. The Museum was founded by the History of French Protestantism Society during the period of post-war reconstruction after 1918. The museum’s collections include history of protestantism, through a magnificent collection of books, prints, etchings, paintings and furniture such as “Placard contre la messe” (Poster against Mass) and The Olivetan Bible.

For more info see www.ville-noyon.fr

www.picardietourisme.com has lots more information on visiting the region.