Picardie
31/07/2025
Stéphane Rabenja

The most beautiful villages in Picardy: authenticity and lifestyle

Picardy, a gem in northern France, captivates with the authenticity of its villages and a timeless art of living, characterized by friendliness, preserved nature, and rich architectural heritage. Whether you are looking for a place to settle down, invest, or enjoy unforgettable holidays, this region has all the assets for an exceptional real estate project.

Discover through the must-visit villages of Picardy, the latest trends in the real estate market, and valuable local data to consider a fresh start with complete peace of mind.

Coastal and River Villages in Picardy

To the west, Picardy opens up to the sea and rivers, offering enchanting settings to settle down or spend vacations, such as real estate in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a beloved port of call on the Picard coast.

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: Charming Coastal Village

  • A unique panorama over the Bay of Somme, listed among the most beautiful bays in the world.
  • A lively marina, colorful houses, and preserved medieval alleys.
  • A sweet way of life, with its markets, cafés, and seaside strolls.
  • A place appreciated by both artists and nature lovers.

In terms of real estate, the market in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme shows an average price of €385,000 for 119 m², according to listings published on Green Acres, a major player in the dissemination of listings for second homes in Picardy.

In the department of Somme, 6,196 transactions were recorded in 2024, with an average price of €151,000 for 88 m².

Second homes represent 6% of these transactions, attracting mostly French and foreign clients, predominantly Belgian (74% of foreign buyers, with 52 transactions at an average price of €186,000).

Pierrefonds: Historical River Village

  • Famous for its fairy-tale castle, restored by Viollet-le-Duc.
  • A peaceful lake surrounded by elegant houses and lush forests.
  • Numerous hiking trails and cultural events throughout the year.
  • A lively village, perfect for combining heritage and leisure.

Located in the department of Oise, Pierrefonds enjoys an active real estate market: 8,033 sales were recorded in 2024 in Oise, with an average price of €195,000 for 93 m².

A price that remains attractive for purchasing a second home, of which 10% of total sales in the department fall into this category.

Villages of the Picard Hinterland

Far from the coastline, Picardy reveals a hinterland filled with secret villages exuding rural charm.

Gerberoy: Authentic Rural Village

  • Ranked among the « Most Beautiful Villages of France ».
  • Timber-framed houses, flower-filled alleys, and climbing roses as far as the eye can see.
  • A genuine postcard setting, ideal for a second wind in the countryside.
  • Craftsmen, art workshops, and local gastronomy await you.

The department of Oise, which houses Gerberoy, also attracts a foreign clientele who are not residents (26 transactions in 2024, average price of €287,000, average area of 100 m²).

Parfondeval: Authentic Rural Village

  • Typical Thiérache architecture, with its brick houses and slate roofs.
  • Its famous fortified church from the 16th century, the village’s heart.
  • Stunning hilly landscapes, perfect for relaxation or cycling.
  • A friendly microcosm where traditions and modernity intersect, for a peaceful and meaningful life.

In Aisne, which hosts Parfondeval, the average price reached €120,000 for 99 m² in 2024, with strong attractiveness for Belgians (43% of foreign buyers) and Dutch (36%). Second homes account for 8% of transactions.

Finally, the general trend across the three departments shows a slight decline in prices in 2024 compared to the previous year, offering great opportunities for new buyers wishing to embrace the sweetness of Picardy.

See available properties in Picardy

Choosing a Picard village means embracing authenticity and the art of living, between heritage, fresh air, and precious simplicity. Whether to settle down permanently, enjoy a regular getaway, or invest in a charming property, Picardy today ranks among the most inspiring destinations, as revealed by the latest real estate data from Green Acres and local notaries.

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