The Castle is a listed monument

Surrounded by a dry ditch to the south and west, the imposing ruins of the mediaeval castle of Picquigny testify to its origins in the XIVth century. The building formed a parallelepiped strengthened by circular towers at its corners following the standard layout from the beginning of the XIIIth century. The south entrance was preceded by a mock barbican composed of two gates; one for pedestrians and the other for carts. It was equipped with a pointed draw-bridge of which you can still see the vertical grooves; a carved and emblazoned reveal crowned this entrance. East of this entrance the curtain wall, erected at the end of the XVth century to a height of almost 20 metres, housed three levels: the first reserved for the garrison, the second for a large reception room, the third for private apartments.

History of the building

Picquigny was first mentioned in 942, with regard to the murder of Guillaume Longue-Epée (William Long Sword), Duke of Normandy. Built at the beginning of the XIth century, the stronghold remained, until 1780, the property of the Lords of Picquigny who bore the hereditary title of Vidames of Amiens (defenders of the bishop). The Lords of Picquigny were at the same time loyal to the Abbey of Corbie. Their lands covered over three-quarters of the Amiens region. The castle was rebuilt in the XIVth century and added to in the XVIth and XVIIth centuries. The remnants are still imposing and picturesque. They have remained with us thanks to the careful attention of the Société des Antiquaires de Picardie to whom they were bequeathed in 1912.

Practical info

Opening times
Guided tour at 11 am, 3 pm, 4:30 pm from 01/07 to 31/08 (and by prior appointment from Easter to 31/10).

Prices
Adults : 3 €
Children (under 12) : 2 €  

Tourist Office
115, place du Général de Gaulle
80310 PICQUIGNY
Tel / Fax : +33 (0)3 22 51 46 85
E-mail : picquigny.tourisme@wanadoo.fr
Website : http://picquigny.tourisme.monsite.wanadoo.fr