Hostels in Picardy

Picardy is a region in northern France. It was a former historical province until boundaries changes in 2016 and is now part of the Hauts-de-France region. The province stretches from the southeastern Somme to the coast and down to the northern edges of Paris and Champagne. Culturally, the region is very Flemish. Picardy was originally part of the Frankish Empire (5th century); by the end of the 15th it was fully incorporated into France under King Louis XI.

Some of the largest cities in the province include Amiens, Beauvais, Peronne, and Soissons. The easiest way to get to any of them is by train or car from Paris; it is less than one hour away! If you’re coming from outside of France, you may already be flying into the region - Beauvais -Tille (or Paris-Beauvais) airport is the hub for budget airlines like Ryanair, Blue Air, and more. If you want to see the region at your leisure, you’ll be better off getting your own transportation. One of the charms of this region is the small unassuming villages, cathedrals, and more. The village of Gerberoy is often called the prettiest village in France.

You’ll find most hostel accommodation in Picardy in the larger towns, like Amiens, Beauvais, and Laon. The French phrase for “hostel” is “auberge de jeunesse.” Its worth knowing a bit of French instead of assuming that everyone can or will speak English! Once you are settled into your hostel, you should get out and explore all of the historical attractions that this region has to offer.

You very likely recognise the name Somme from the famous World War I battle. Lying right in the middle of Western Europe, on a coast near England, Picardy has been home to numerous battles over the centuries, not just the infamous World War ones. In the Middle Ages, towns like Amiens, Beauvais, and Laon, built cathedrals and city walls that were fought over by the Hapsburgs, Spanish, French, and English. The cathedrals in this region are some of the largest in France and also among the first Gothic cathedrals. The one at Amiens is the most impressive; this is a must-see!

Picardy is also relatively flat, since it lies at the mouth of the Somme River. It is well known across France for having thriving wetlands, a lush farming community (including sugar cane, introduced by Napoleon), and Europe’s best nature reserves. The Baic de Somme, on the far western edge of the region, is a great place to see a regenerating seal colony. Your hostel can help arrange tours. Lastly, don’t miss the many chateaux that were built by French nobility. Chantilly is likely the most famous one, since it also houses massive stables for the king that decided he would be reincarnated as a horse.

Handwritten by local expert for Picardy hostels Jakob Lombardi