Creil is located on the banks of the Oise River in the Picardy region of northern France. Unfortunately, the town’s grand chateau, built by King Charles V in the 14th century, is now demolished, but the Maison Galle-Juillet is a wonderful newer museum located in what was once the chateau’s courtyard and contains pottery, paintings and provincial furniture.

The entire Picardy region is brimming with unspoiled forests, canals, rivers and plains, making it a veritable haven for those who love water sports and fishing. Horseback riding is also very popular here, as is archery and golf. The region is known as the “cradle” of Gothic art and architecture, as it is home to six magnificent cathedrals, as well as countless abbeys and other, smaller churches. The Somme River winds throughout the region, and provides a home to wildlife, but much of Picardy is flat agricultural land - until you travel southeast, where the countryside shifts into wooded hills that merge with the plains of nearby Champagne.