Picardy: Cathedrals and Châteaux
Gothic art born in Picardy: the cathedrals of Amiens, Laon and Beauvais, and the châteaux of Chantilly and Pierrefonds.
Three days in Picardy, discovering its cathedrals and châteaux. The route links Amiens Cathedral, the largest in France and UNESCO-listed, the Château de Chantilly and its Condé museum, Beauvais Cathedral with the world's highest choir, and the Château de Pierrefonds restored by Viollet-le-Duc. It's a journey of monumental architecture, from flamboyant Gothic to the medieval reveries of the 19th century. The sites are close to one another, ideal for a weekend from Paris. Check opening times (some monuments close one day a week) and plan an evening at the Amiens sound-and-light show in season. A heritage Picardy that is often underrated.
Practical info
- Stops
- 5
- Duration
- 3 days
- Transport
- 🚗 Car
- Distance
- ≈ 240 km
- Best time
- Spring and autumn
Itinerary
- 1
Cathédrale d'Amiens
Plus grande cathédrale gothique de France, UNESCO, spectacle polychrome.
- 2
Château de Chantilly
Musée Condé, grandes écuries et crème chantilly.
- 3
Cathédrale de Beauvais
Le choeur gothique le plus haut du monde, 48 m sous voûte.
- 4
Château de Pierrefonds
Château-fort restauré par Viollet-le-Duc, silhouette de conte de fées.
- 5
Cathédrale de Laon
Cathédrale romane-gothique sur son promontoire, boeufs sculptés sur les tours.
