In Picardy, there is a deep attachment to the land, to sure and certain values dictated by a common sense of joy and sharing. The people of Picardy have a taste for the “good” and the “fine” things in life, always with this notion of a pleasure shared – swapping recipe tips for a special dish or a culinary knack, or good places to eat nearby. Real and simple pleasures are deliciously Picardian like the traditional leek tart. In Picardy, life’s pleasures are both subtle and generous – the pleasures of the garden or fishing, but also the joys of being round the table. When it comes to food, Picardy abounds with a great range of restaurants, guest houses or farm inns with menus offering local Picardy produce and cuisine. Furthermore and not widely known, 10% of the official champagne producing area is in the Aisne in Picardy, along the Marne valley.
Essential spots to visit for pleasure for the eyes and the taste buds alike include Chantilly and its chateau, but also its cream of course. The Picardy restaurateur who, some twenty years ago, revived the Condé prince’s hamlet in the chateau grounds and recreated the original recipe sometimes surprises visitors with a demonstration of whipped cream followed by a tasting. Enjoying a few red fruits from Noyon topped with Chantilly cream is a fine way to experience Chantilly’s unique flavour.