Picardie

Picardie really isn't a wonderful region for watersports, particularly given the relative expanse of coastal areas that France provides. While there are a number of lesser known spots, and ones better suited to windsurfing and kitesurfing than anything else, there is much better surfing and sailing elsewhere in the country. The region boarders with Ile-De-France, the capital region, and is a good gateway to the capital.

There is a good amount of shipping in this area, and beaches aren't wonderfully maintained in relation to other regions with more significant areas of coastline. The coast of Picardie is somewhat insubstantial, and it's main feature is a delta providing more kayaking and fishing than anything else.

Much the same as other regions on the northern coast, the Atlantic weather fronts are still very much in operation here. Precipitation is less than you might see in southern England, but this area is still amongst the wettest in France.

The one truly magnificent thing about Picardie is its tailoring for tourism. More than adequate road and rail networks to bring you from the coast to inland areas, and either up to Blegium or down toward Britanny. The region is amongst the oldest in France, and has a good deal of history, culture and entertainment to suit everyone from small children to the elderly. That said, while there is good, but often pricier accommodation, the relatively minimal coastal watersport scene deters many would-be enthusiasts.

Picardie is a reasonably safe area, with tourism seeing a small degree of petty crime. It's worth noting that much of the tourism is based in rural areas, with canoeing being a favourite, so windsurfers and kitesurfers would be unlucky to fall victim. Sailing in coastal Picardie is the most dangerous of pursuits, as there is a good amount of shipping along this stretch of land.