© Cap Régions éditions/Arnaud AncelSamara

Samara, la fabrication du feu

Samara

At the heart of the Somme valley, the Samara archaeological and nature park retraces over 600,000 years of history. At this fascinating site, children and adults can explore prehistoric dwellings. Samara is also a place for meeting and sharing, where guides will explain to you how our ancestors lived. Workshops are held, during which you can learn about the art of cutting flint, throwing an assegai or making fire.
The arboretum and the marshes can be freely accessed.

Picquigny

This village, north-west of Amiens, has retained a certain middle-age cachet, with some typical houses from the period and wide stone stairways that take you to the splendid collegiate church and the castle's vestiges. A listed historical monument, the castle dates from the 11th century and was owned by the Lords of the town, the Vidames of Amiens, until the 18th century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century and added to in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, you can still see the kitchen, cellars and prisons. In the castle, the Saint Martin Collegiate Church was listed a Historical Monument in 1906. It used to be the castle chapel, founded by Eustache de Picquigny, the first Vidame of Amiens in 1066.idame d’Amiens, en 1066.

Industrial heritage

The development of the industry of jute and canvas for packaging in France is closely linked to our region and more particularly the area West of Amiens. In the 19th century, the Scot James Carmichael settled in Ailly-Sur-Somme, followed by the Saint Brothers in the Nièvre valley.
The latter built a real industrial empire, known all over the world and recognised as one of the finest examples of paternalism in France. They built workers’ cities, crèches, schools, co-operatives, maternity clinics, etc., near their factories which were dotted along the valley, along with their castles.

Second World War memorial sites

The landscapes of West Amiens are forever marked by the second world war battles. Hangest-sur-Somme, Bourdon, Cavillon, Picquigny are some of the sites and monuments that remind us that thousands of men fought on these lands.

The military cemetery of Bourdon

More than 22,000 German soldiers who fell in the Second World War rest in this cemetery. In the centre is a circular construction with a marble statue by Professor Gerhard Marcks: “the white lady” symbolises the pain of mothers all over the world who lost their sons in the war.

Local specialities

At the markets of Ailly-sur-Somme on Saturday morning, Picquigny on Sunday morning or directly from the producers, come and taste our local products: ficelle picarde, gâteau battu, avocet and watercress.

The prehistoric festivals – 13, 14 and 15 August

During these festive days, SAMARA tells the story of 600,000 years of history. Enjoy the shows of fights and become real homo sapiens.
From the birth of fire to the Gallo-Roman civilisation, via the origins of agriculture or the first uses of metal, SAMARA offers a living journey in the footsteps of your ancestors. Guides in costume and a variety of entertainment in store!

Medieval festival of Picquigny

For 48 hours in September, the Picquigny castle relives the Middle Ages. Children and adults, enthusiasts and novices will enjoy the warm atmosphere of this exceptional festival at Picquigny castle. On the agenda: street entertainment, medieval combats, camps, songs of yesteryear, a historical parade, a medieval market, shows, and more.

The festival of Pipasso

In October, the town of Picquigny hosts the festival of Pipasso, an event that spotlights Picardy tradition and culture. This is the opportunity for all music lovers to hear the Picardy bagpipes, the Pipasso, and a variety of traditional instruments that will ring out in the exceptional setting of the Cour d’Honneur at the Picquigny castle. The day ends with a Picardy meal and a ball.