The region of Picardy (Picardie) is located in the Northeast of France between Calais and Paris. It comprises of three departments - Somme, Oise and Aisne - and takes in vast swathes of open countryside, as well as a small stretch of coastline where the Somme meets the sea. For British, Dutch and Belgian buyers the region's proximity to their home countries makes Picardy an excellent location in which to buy French property where quick access is guaranteed. Parisians too who want a countryside retreat that is within easy reach of the city choose to buy property in this region as well.
Despite Picardy's relative popularity Picardy property prices in many parts of Picardy have remained suppressed compared with neighbouring Normandy. A 3-bed townhouse in the historic town of Beauvais for example can be acquired for as little as 120,000 euros, while a detached 5-bed villa in France overlooking open countryside near the small town of Doullens could be yours for less than 200,000 euros.
The climate in Picardy is a little drier than in Normandy too. Summer rainfall is sporadic, especially inland to the south-east. The winters are often dry as well, with rain mainly confined to the spring and autumn months. All in all the climate is perfect for the vineyards of Southern Picardy where there are more than 2,000 acres of wine-producing vines that overflow from the Champagne-Ardennes region. In fact, the vineyards here produce excellent champagne, even though they are not in the 'official' Champagne region.
For buyers who are seeking French property in the unspoiled countryside, Picardy will not disappoint. The region has an excellent selection of large secluded properties in the valleys of Aisne and Southern Oise. Some are nestled on the edge of forests, while others are perched on the valley hillsides and offer spectacular views of the rolling landscape from their vantagepoints. Many properties in this area are of a colombage design, their timbers set in striking contrast to the brick and whitewashed walls.
Further north, the Somme Valley is a popular location in which to find countryside property that is within easy reach of the sea. Picardy property in a triangle between Abbeville, Amiens and Doullens is especially popular with European buyers. The Somme Bay, right on the Picardy coastline, is also popular amongst buyers of seafront property. Here, the coastline remains unspoiled, providing some breathtaking views along the French coastline.
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