Picardy is a "human" region where economic development has succeeded in reconciling innovation and industrialisation with preservation of the environmental quality of areas of cultural or natural interest. From the Bay of the Somme to the vast domanial forests of Compiègne, Chantilly or Saint-Gobain, the marshlands of Thiérache or the Pays de Bray, the broad sweeps of the Picardian plateau and the Champagne vineyard of the Marne Valley, Picardy is characterised by the exceptional variety of its landscapes which complement a largely well-preserved architectural heritage. The leading French Region in terms of the number of listed sites, Picardy has the world’s greatest concentration of Gothic buildings. Together with the many abbeys, châteaux and fortified churches, six cathedrals soar skywards - each a hymn to perfect harmony.

This rich heritage provides a favourable setting for major cultural events, such as the Festival of Cathedrals. Shows in the prestigious Imperial Theatre of Compiègne, the Amiens International Jazz and Film Festivals, the Light and Sound spectacles in Amiens and Ailly-sur-Noye also contribute to the Region’s influence. From medieval towns to bird sanctuaries, from the Hystory of World War I to the Parc Astérix, Picardy is a source of leisure activities - with something to suit all tastes.

Located at the center of a triangle of great dynamism (Paris-London-Brussels), with a market of 250 millions consumers who can be reached within one day by truck, Picardy also represents an economic launch-pad for investors. All major European trade routes pass through Picardy - which holds all the assets when it comes to investments, complemented by industry and technology enjoying full expansion with top-level services.