Themed Itineraries | A Gardens tour

The near-empty roads of the peaceful Picardy countryside make it just perfect for pottering round in the car. Now that getting the family vehicle across the Channel is so quick and easy - and relatively inexpensive too - there's every incentive to just get on the road without having to pack everything neatly. Just pile it all in - golf clubs, walking boots, racquets, wet suits, the lot. But do remember to leave space for your shopping - which is part of the fun and value of a motoring holiday!

TAKING TO THE 'D' ROADS

Every year there are additions to the already splendid autoroute system in Northern France, so from disembarking, you can be in the heart of Picardy in less time than it takes to find the long-stay airport car park at home. But where having the car along really comes into its own is when you leave the autoroutes behind and take to the 'D' roads because that's where the straight lines stop and you can slow down to enjoy the amazing variety of scenery for which Picardy is so appreciated.
Monet fans go for the high, windy skies of the coastal cliffs or rolling chalk country. Others may prefer the lush green dairy-farm valleys with a picturesque village at every turn, or the reflecting waterscapes of the Somme, but everyone loves the seasonal colours of beech, birch or oak in the ancient hunting woodlands (forêts domainiales) around Crécy, Chantilly, Compiègne or the Thiérache.
Picardy is where a British number plate is always welcome, and even the most minimal efforts at 'Bonjour Madame, Monsieur, ça va?' get a smile.

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