The Picardy Region has suffered much throughout history. The Somme Valley was the scene of many horrific battles of the First World War. The battle of the Somme is one of the bloodiest military operations in history and is the resting place for thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers. 
The names of Fromelles, Hamel, Pozières, Villers-Bretonneux are part of Australian military history and there are a number of poignant memorials throughout the region to Anzac war dead. | Today it is hard to reconcile the picturesque and peaceful countryside of Picardie with the gruesome carnage of the Great War. 
Every Australian who goes to Europe should pay a visit and reflect on how lucky they are that they were never called upon to make such sacrifices. 
Getting to Picardie is easy from Paris with several direct train services to Amiens or Arras. The Eurostar from London to Paris passes through Arras. | 
Picardy Quick Facts Population: 1,890,000 Departments: Aisne (02), Oise (60), Somme (80) Major Centres: Amiens, Arras, Douai, Cambrai, and Lens What to see and do: What to eat: What to drink: Local beer (more than 50 varieties), Genever Gin Airport: Lille, Paris CDG or Beauvais Official tourism site for Picardy Official tourism site for Nord-Pas de Calais Official tourism site for the Somme Departement Wikipedia on Picardie and Nord-Pas de Calais |
