Picardy Travel Guide

Heading northwest from Villers-Cotterets along the main road to Compiegne, through the forest, winding in and out of what looks like the setting for a WWII movie about forest dwelling French resistance (in fact the road does become the Rue du 8 Mai 1945 through the village of Pierrefonds) suddenly over the crest of a hill emerges a fairytale vision - the Chateau de Pierrefonds. Turn left off the Rue du 8 Mai 1945 to go into the village and feast your eyes upon this amazing edifice !

Amiens is a special place for Australians - in World War I Australian soldiers were instrumental in halting a German advance towards the town.  Today the Amiens Cathedral is full of plaques and memorials for Australians, and the Australian flag is displayed.  In the town itself, mention you're Australian and they love you!

This is a great day trip for anyone going to Paris.  You can take the train, just like to Versailles, and visit the Chantilly Castle.  It's as good as any museum, and more in the countryside, with fantastic gardens, even a moat, and wonderful treasures inside.  I strongly recommend you take the day out of the city, and see Chantilly!