Picardie today
Farming and Nature reserves
Picardie’s landscape, dominated by limestone soils and crisscrossed by gentle valleys with fertile land, is ideal for agriculture, particularly in the Aisne department, graced by the meanders of the Marne, Aisne, and Vesle rivers. Added to this are excellent climatic conditions: an oceanic climate with mild winters and temperate summers. As a result, 60% of its territory is dedicated to crops, while the remainder is composed of verdant forests and vast meadows.
However, intensive agricultural practices of the 20th century led to the decline of many plant species, prompting a concerted conservation effort in recent decades. Thanks to initiatives such as hedgerow restoration and the rapid development of organic farming, Picardie is regaining its natural biodiversity. Alongside these efforts, the region benefits from a network of nature reserves, protected areas, and marine parks, spearheaded by the renowned Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de la Somme – Baie de la Somme Nature Reserve. Together they cover 29% of the Picardie territory, thus preserving its ecological richness under the Natura 2000 umbrella.
Despite its agricultural roots, the Picardie economy has diversified, incorporating the industrial production and wind energy sectors. However, it is along the coastline, where charming seaside resorts with pristine beaches dot the Somme estuary, that tourism truly takes off.
Area: 19, 399km2
Population: 1, 925.00 (01/01/2013)
Wikimedia Commons: Header by Renhur48 CC0 – Parc du Marquenterre by Paul Hermans CC BY-SA 3.0
