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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Amiens (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Amiens (France)

“Venice of the North” sounds like an nickname that would be hard to live up to. But Amiens, with its floating gardens and pretty canal district, does a fantastic job.

You could catch a barge and cruise through the Hortillonnages, historic farmland reclaimed in the middle ages from former marshes, or stop at a canal-side cafe on a cobblestone street in Saint-Leu.

And we haven’t even mentioned Amiens’ World Heritage cathedral yet, which has the tallest nave in France and is rammed with priceless gothic and renaissance art.

In Amiens you can go even further back in time, as humans have been living here since the middle Pleistocene epoch, around 350,000 years ago. You can get anthropological at the Parc de Samara, which recreates prehistoric dwellings, or at Musée de Picardie where local artefacts are displayed.

Lets explore the best things to do in Amiens :

1. Amiens Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral

All kind of ingredients come together to make this one of the world’s great cathedrals, and it’s no wonder that the monument is a UNESCO site.

First, the dimensions: Amiens Cathedral was built when the goal was to flood the nave with light, and to do this the structure needed to be as high as possible.

At over 42 metres, the nave at Amiens is only surpassed in France by Beauvais Cathedral, which couldn’t support its own weight.

You have to see the renaissance oak choir stalls inside, and the sublime polychrome sculpture from the 15th and 16th centuries.

But even before you enter you may lose minutes in awe at the gothic carvings on the western facade and southern portal.

On summer evenings these are rendered in colourful light for Amiens’ “Son et Lumière” shows.

2. Les Hortillonnages

Les Hortillonnages

On the western side of Amiens, within walking distance of the cathedral, the city gives way to a 65-kilometre network of canals coursing through reclaimed farmland with small houses.

These floating gardens are the vegetable plots of the “hortillons”, market gardeners who have been working these lands since medieval times.

The real way to see this idyllic man-made landscape is on a flat-bottomed “barque” tour, which takes about 45 minutes and gives you titbits about the how the gardens were formed.

You could then strike out on your own on foot and take extra time to photograph the pretty little bridges that cross the canals.

3. Saint-Leu

Saint-Leu

A few steps from the cathedral the streets are laced with waterways branching off the River Somme.

You could pass a gentle afternoon ambling by the canals with painted old houses that would have had waterwheels attached in the middle ages.

Rue d’Engoulevent, Rue du Don and Rue du Pont À Moinet are supremely pretty, but the whole area warrants exploration.

For a long time this district of Amiens was down at heel, but now there are cafes, restaurants and trendy bars, and a buzzing, young atmosphere thanks to the many students.

On the third Sunday in June the hortillons punt their way along the Somme in their “barques à cornet” to sell their flowers and vegetables from the dock in Saint-Leu.

4. Maison de Jules Verne

Maison de Jules Verne

The red-brick Maison à la Tour at 2, Rue Charles Dubois was Jules Verne’s home for 18 years until his death in 1905. The building is named for a quirky tower, capped by a domed skylight that illuminates the spiral staircase you’ll use to make your way around this riveting attraction.

Fans of Verne’s books will get chills knowing he wrote 30 novels right at this address, and the house is filled with his personal items,  memorabilia and an archive of his writings.

The house’s third floor has been designed to look like the bridge of the Nautilus submarine from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

5. Musée de Picardie

Musée de Picardie

Since it opened in 1867 the Musée de Picardie has been held as a provincial museum without rival.

As well as the usual sumptuous collection of paintings from the 1400s to the 1900s there are exhibits that tell you more about Picardy’s ancient past and prehistory.

You’ll see Palaeolithic hand-axes, Neolithic pottery and weapons from the Bronze Age, all excavated close by.

More recent are the everyday glassware and a legionary’s pack from Roman times, and there’s a stunning 13th-century enamel dove made in Limoges.

And as for the art collection, it’s as good as you’d hope, with pieces by El Greco, Courbet, Jacob Jordaens, Anthony van Dyck and Camille Corot, just by way of an introduction.

6. Marie-sans-Chemise

Marie-sans-Chemise

Albert Roze was a sculptor who was born in Amiens and worked here for his whole career.

In 1897 he created his most famous work, “Marie-sans-Chemise” (Marie, shirtless) , which created a stir at the time: The statue is an allegory of Spring and now sits at the corner of Rue des Sergents and Rue des Crignons.

Roze also created the sculpture for Jules Verne’s tomb, which you can visit in Amiens.

The beautiful rococo-style clock that accompanies Marie-sans-Chemise was made by the architect Émile Ricquier and has three faces that were once lit with gas lights.

7. Zoo d’Amiens

Zoo d'Amiens

You won’t need to look far for things to do with kids in Amiens as the city’s zoo is right next to the centre.

The setting is as green as can be, in 6.5 hectares of woodland with many trees more than 100 years old.

Enclosures are along nature trails and feature anything from African elephants to dwarf goats.

There are 300 animals in total, from around 70 different species.

Where possible the enclosures are bounded by natural obstructions like moats, and by 2019 the park expects to have created even more enclosures.

For now it will take you about two or three hours to see everything.

8. Parc de Samara

Parc de Samara

You can have the anthropological outing of a lifetime at this educational attraction just west of Amiens.

Starting with Cro-Magnon Man and leading all the way up to Roman times you’ll get to know how our distant ancestors lived and track the evolution of human technology.

It’s a thoroughly hands-on attraction too, as each little settlement has huts with workshops, where enthusiastic staff demonstrate prehistoric or ancient crafts like pottery, smithing, basket-weaving, wood-carving and even the basic skill of starting a fire.

The park covers 100 hectares and also includes a hedge labyrinth inspired by the one at Amiens cathedral, and an arboretum with reindeer from Scandinavia.

9. Cimetière de la Madeleine

Cimetière de la Madeleine

Jules Verne’s resting place is one of the things to see at this 19th-century cemetery on the nothwestern outskirts of the city.

But that’s not the only reason to come, as the graveyard is in 18 hectares of hilly woodland and is presented to the public as a calm and leafy place to learn about the kind of wealth that Amiens enjoyed in the 1800s.

There are many ornate tombs and funerary statues belonging to industrialists and other wealthy families, some the worse for wear after 150 years of erosion.

Verne’s memorial, with that sculpture by Albert Roze, has been restored and looks brand new, a physical manifestation of his lasting memory.

10. Tour Perret

Tour Perret

This 110-metre residential skyscraper looks like nothing else in Amiens, and was built right after the war as part of a plan to redevelop the area around the city’s train station.

Auguste Perret was a pioneer of modern architecture, and was also called on to rebuild the entire centre of Le Havre.

His work there has since earned UNESCO status, and the tower in  Amiens deserves a closer look, even if it has been closed to the public for many years.

If by day the concrete tower looks a little austere, at night it’s awash with colour due to an LCD lighting system added in 2005

11. Cité Souterraine de Naours

Cité Souterraine de Naours

About 20 minutes north of Amiens is the town of Naours, where for more than a millennium the population would seek refuge underground in a sophisticated network of limestone tunnels.

They were begun in the year 800 and would be needed on and off long into the future because of the catalogue of invasions and wars that beset this much fought-over region of the country.

You’ll be guided 33 metres beneath a hill into more than 2 kilometres of galleries, learning about the salt smugglers who used the system to avoid Louis XVI’s salt tax and how the German and British armies used the tunnels in both wars.

12. Musée Lombart

Musée Lombart

A few minutes past Naours you can stop in Doullens for this enthralling museum created by Jules François Lombart, a 19th-century chocolate manufacturer.

The attraction, with a purpose-built venue, opened in 1908 to great fanfare: The Minister of Agriculture and other dignitaries from  Paris made their way to the event.

There are paintings by great French School artists such as Camille Corot, Jean Siméon Chardin and Charles-François Daubigny.

But what’s also fun about the museum is how eccentric the collections are, ranging from samurai armour and ancient weapons to Egyptian mummies from the 18th Dynasty, 3,500 years ago.

13. Cycling in the Noye Valley

Folleville

If you’ve brought your bike or want to rent one the tourist office in Amiens can set you up with some smart ideas for days out.

One would be a 31-kilometre way-marked trail in the bucolic landscapes along the Noye River, just to the southeast of Amiens.

You’ll ride through disarmingly pretty villages like La Faloirse, Chirmont and Sourdon, all with traditional houses and locations rich in local folklore.

At Folleville there’s a UNESCO-listed church and the haunting ruins of a medieval castle, while the lake at Berny-sur-Noye has pedalos and crazy golf in summer.

14. Somme River Trips

canoe excursions

Guided canoe excursions are offered on the Somme in summer, and a favourite trip is to float down the river for two hours from Ailly-sur-Somme to Picquigny, both just a few minutes in the car from Amiens.

You’ll be struck by the calmness of the countryside as you go, and if you’re quiet the river’s wildlife will make an appearance.

Herons, little grebes, kingfishers, deer, dragonflies and all sorts of amphibians make a habitat on the banks.

And when you’re on dry land in Picquigny the medieval village will be yours to explore: Ramble up to the ruins of the castle, which reign over the village and the green valley that cradles it.

15. Cuisine

Macarons d'Amiens

Thanks partly to this lush, fertile countryside around the city, Amiens has a serious culinary pedigree.

Of the many local delicacies to try are duck pâté, made with brandy, truffles, apple and pork belly, or on the sweet side, Macarons d’Amiens, composed of almond paste, eggs and honey.

The vegetable gardens in the local wetlands have given rise to the Soupe des Hortillons, a spring vegetable soup with broccoli, carrots and cabbage.

And for a warming main course see if you can find Ficelle Picarde, a regional crêpe stuffed with ham, onions, mushrooms, covered with grated cheese and baked in the oven.

15 Best Things to Do in Amiens (France):

  • Amiens Cathedral
  • Les Hortillonnages
  • Maison de Jules Verne
  • Musée de Picardie
  • Marie-sans-Chemise
  • Zoo d'Amiens
  • Parc de Samara
  • Cimetière de la Madeleine
  • Tour Perret
  • Cité Souterraine de Naours
  • Musée Lombart
  • Cycling in the Noye Valley
  • Somme River Trips

Amiens _ La Place du Don © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Nicolas Bryant

Visit Amiens

A trip to the ‘Venice of the North’

  • Destinations
  • Explore Hauts-de-France’s best-loved towns

To visit Amiens is to let yourself glide poetically through the floating gardens of Les Hortillonnages. It’s to allow your spirits to be lifted by the soaring heights of the city’s famous Gothic cathedral and to discover relaxing and enjoyable museums. You’re guaranteed to get away from it all here in Amiens, a town that truly celebrates life.

4 good reasons to visit

It’s close – only a 90-minute drive from Calais

The city is famous for its impressive Gothic cathedral

Les Hortillonnages, the floating gardens in the centre of town, are renowned

There are plenty of surprises – especially during the magic of summer when the Chroma light show illuminates the cathedral with sparkling colours and the International Garden Festival showcases Les Hortillonnages.

Northern France _ Amiens _ La Place du Don © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Nicolas Bryant

“Upon the wish of my wife, I settled in Amiens, a wise, civilised and even-tempered place where the society is cordial and literate. We are close to Paris, close enough to reflect on it without the noisy hustle and bustle.”

Jules Verne Illustration©crt Hauts De France Jean Luc Verbrugghe

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A taste of amiens - 7 highlights.

Amiens _ Maison Jules Verne © CRTC Hauts-de-France - AS Flament

The celebrated French author lived here for 20 years with his wife Honorine at the Maison à la Tour”. It was here that he wrote his most famous novels. Discover the intimate details of the author’s life here and the secrets that inspired the science fiction stories that were ahead of their time.

Amiens _ Musée de Picardie © CRTC Hauts-de-France – Anne Sophie Flament

Light and bright, the mood of this museum is very conducive to contemplation and reverie. The magic starts as soon as you enter underneath Sol LeWitt’s geometric patterned “wall drawing”.

Amiens _ Le Quai Bélu © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Nicolas Bryant

Gaze at the cathedral while enjoying a snack in one of the many restaurants and bars that line the Quai Bélu. Let yourself be carried away by the tranquil flow of the nearby river Somme. Wind your way down unusual streets to find art galleries, booksellers and artists’ studios tucked away. On Saturday mornings visit the markets that are blessed with produce harvested straight from Les Hortillonnages, the floating gardens.

Amiens _ Macaron d'Amiens © CRTC Hauts de France - Hervé Hughes Hemis

These are nothing like the multi-coloured shell-like macarons you find elsewhere in France. Catherine de Medici brought the Amiens recipe with her when she left Italy for France. It traditionally uses Valencian almonds, originally imported following the Spanish invasion. That’s what Maison Trogneux, whose know-how has been passed down through the generations, tells us. This sweet treat – made without preservatives or colourants – will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Amiens _ Cathédrale d'Amiens _ Spectacle Chroma © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Teddy Hennin

Touch perfection with your fingers at Amiens cathedral, home to a majestic stone bible and a building that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amiens _ Les Hortillonnages _ Festival Art Ville et Paysage © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Teddy Henin

Each year between May and October, you can play Robinson Crusoe during the International Garden Festival. Immerse yourself in a world of islands that borders on the surreal. Be surprised and touched by the talents of the young gardeners and contemporary international artists who showcase nature at its finest.

Amiens _ Les Hortillonnages _ Visite des Hortillonnages d'Amiens en barques © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Stéphane Bouilland

Float serenely through nature in a flat-bottomed boat or barque among Les Hortillonnages, small islands that have been imaginatively transformed into gardens or allotments. Lush nature, aromatic smells and soft colours with only the gentle sound of water to accompany you – it’s a time to let yourself go!

Get planning for your stay in Amiens

Northern France _ Saint Valery sur Somme, Echappée en Baie hotel © CRT Hauts de France - AS Flament

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Lille _ Place du Général de Gaulle © CRTC Hauts-de-France - AS Flament

Visit Amiens

AMIENS, THE MAGIC OF COLOURS...

Amiens, a bieutiful French city, is ranked amongst the most important cities in France to travel and visit. Whether you’re a history buff, garden lover, seeker of cultural events or a simple dreamer, this important French city has become the new essential weekend destination, situated just under two hours from Paris.

Amiens, also a World Heritage travel destination in France, boasts of a host of treasures awaiting your discovery, including the cathedral and Belfry, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, the hortillonnages gardens, Jules Verne’s house and the Saint-Leu district on the very edge of the water, all set in surroundings ideal to explore on foot or by bike.

Treat yourself to a weekend of surprises as you acquaint yourself with the many aspects of Picardy’s capital!

If you’d like to make the most of the season’s mild weather and spend a weekend discovering Amiens, one of the most beautiful European cities, consult our great plans and take full advantage of a program of activities that you do not want to miss!

NOT TO BE MISSED IN AMIENS

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most popular “in France travel” destinations, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site;
  • The hortillonnages, floating gardens to be discovered by boat;
  • Jules Verne’s house in the heart of Amiens 19th century district;
  • The Saint-Leu district with its canals and floating market;
  • The La Hotoie zoological gardens;
  • The nearby Somme Bay;
  • Culinary specialities, including macaroons, chocolate tiles, ficelle picarde (savoury pancakes) and gâteau battu (a rich brioche cake).

VISITING THE CITY

With your City Pass at hand, take advantage of 32 very attractive offers to help you get to know Amiens, its region and neighboring cities in France. You can go at your own pace and follow what interests you most, during any chosen time of the year!

FESTIVALS / EVENTS

  • Amiens Cathedral in a colorful display – from June through to September and in December, located in the cathedral square (open air).
  • As night falls and the show begins lighting up on the portals of Notre-Dame d’Amiens, it brings back to life the figures sculpted in stone during the 13th century. A dazzling revelation of colors from the Middle Ages. It’s a sort of pure wonder and joy that you get to share with the locals!
  • White Night in Amiens – October, to be experienced in the city center and its surrounding districts.
  • Amiens, a World Heritage in France Travel destination, provides you with an out-of-the ordinary night of festivities. Young and old alike can wander around this famous old French city at will, through streets transformed for the night by the cunning hands of artists. Encounters, discoveries and contemporary creation are all included in an amazing program.
  • The Amiens flea markets – spring and autumn secondhand fairs occurring in April and October. These markets bring with them the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and to embrace and share in each other’s differences in a warm-hearted and sociable atmosphere.
  • Amiens’ flea markets bring together close to 2000 amateur and professional exhibitors, with visitors throughout Europe descending on Amiens in search to hunt down those highly sought-after items. This is certainly an experience not to be missed!

GETTING TO AMIENS

SNCF railway station: 1 hour from Paris and 1½ hours from Lille, located in the city center.

TGV railway station: 3½ hours from London and 2½ hours from Brussels, 40 minutes from the city center by shuttle bus.

Airports: Roissy-CDG: 1 hour by TGV, Paris-Beauvais 45 minutes by motorway.

Motorways: A16, A29 and A1.

CONTACT AND USEFUL LINKS

Amiens Métropole Tourist Office

23 place Notre Dame

80000 AMIENS

Tel: 33 (0)3 22 71 60 50

Fax: 33 (0)3 22 71 60 51

  • Visit Amiens (External link)
  • Organise your next trip to the Somme (External link)
  • Contact (External link)

Amiens 

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Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Somme

Amiens - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Somme

Capital of Picardy and city of Art and history, Amiens possesses a gem of Gothic art : the Notre-Dame cathedral. UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral of Amiens is, with its 145-metre length and its 42-metre height, the biggest cathedral in France! It is also a beautifully homogenous building – explained by the fact that it was built within a century. Its magnificent facade and richly decorated portal are truly stunning and feature exceptional statuary. Inside, the 110 oak stalls in the chancel are also remarkable.

A must-see colourful show of illuminations on the cathedral's portal takes place every evening in the summer and the month of December. This is a moment when the spectator can admire the original colours, which used to decorate the facade of the Notre-Dame cathedral in the Middle Ages.

Not far from the cathedral is the Saint-Leu medieval district nicknamed "Little Venice of the North". This former tanners', weavers' and dyers' district is really charming with its small colourful houses sitting along the canals. Walkers can enjoy a beautiful view of the cathedral from Pont de la Dodane bridge. Numerous restaurant and café terraces along the water provide pleasant and relaxing places to stop.

Other places of interest in the historic centre are the shopping streets and monuments all around the cathedral, including the King's lodge (Logis du Roi), the Sagittarius house (Maison du Sagittaire), the bailiwick house (Maison du Bailliage) and the belfry.

Amiens also boasts several interesting museums: the Picardy museum is home to collections of archaeology, sacred art, painting and sculpture; the Hôtel de Berny museum contains objets d'art and antique furniture; while the Maison de Jules Verne, where the famous writer lived for 18 years, houses souvenirs, objects and documents relating to him.

Additional information Amiens

The city of Art and History, formerly known as the Picardie, is located in the Hauts-de-France department of the Somme . The most populous city in the region behind Lille, it is also the first city in France in terms of inscriptions on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Amiens also benefits from an ideal geographical situation, about fifty kilometers from Arras and Beauvais, or from the bay of the Somme, world-famous tourist site.

The small northern Venice, due to its many canals, was born in antiquity, and served as the capital of the people of the Ambiens. Prosperous, Amiens experienced a new impetus in the course of the Middle Ages, of which there remain today many architectural remains. Known for its dyeing, Amiens blue, the city makes a fortune in drapery and textile, even in the course of the nineteenth century. A dynamic city, Amiens is now famous for its tourist activities.

Visitors from all over the world come to admire the most beautiful monuments of the city of Picardy inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage.

Things to see and do

A true masterpiece of Gothic art, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens is famous all over the world. The largest cathedral in France, the building is 145 meters long and culminates at 112 meters in height. Built in the 13th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as a Historic Monument. While the classical Gothic style is predominant here, there are however some elements of flamboyant Gothic and gothic radiating. On the western façade one can admire some beautiful 13th-century Gothic sculptures, while the interior presents real masterpieces of woodwork, especially on choir stalls, as well as original stained-glass windows. We can not fail to appreciate the beauty of the portal of the Virgin with her sculptures or the gallery of the Kings, which represents no fewer than twenty-two monarchs. The cathedral's internal pavement is so successful, mainly because of its labyrinth, which was completely restored in the 19th century. It was 234 meters long and octagonal in shape. It once had in its center the relics of Saint John the Baptist, and was an ordeal for pilgrims who wished to gather there. Every year during Christmas and summer, a free show proposes to discover the original polychromy of the cathedral through the effects of light.

Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amiens belfry dates back to the 12th century and was rebuilt during the 15th century. A symbol of the city's independence, it was completely restored in the late 1980s. This white-stone building rises 52 meters high and takes place near the town hall and the halls.

House of the Illustrious, the house of Jules Verne was occupied by the famous writer and his wife from 1882 to 1900. Today restored, this mansion of the XIXth century proposes to discover more than 700 objects retracing life and the universe By Jules Verne. The ensemble has been included in the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments.

Built by the famous architect of Le Havre, Auguste Perret, the Perret tower was built in the late 1940s and measures more than 100 meters high. Facing the north railway station, it was for a long time the tallest skyscraper in Europe. On the 19th floor, the apartment Tour Perret 360 ° allows to have an impregnable view on all the agglomeration of Amiens.

The Jules-Verne Circus was built in the 19th century in a polygonal shape, on the site of the ancient ephemeral circuses passing through the city of Amiens. Inspired by the Cirque d'hiver in Paris, the building has been awarded the National Pole of Circus and Street Arts and listed in the Historic Monuments. It houses the Circus Arlette Gruss in residence.

The Saint-Leu church was built in the 15th century and is now classified as a Historic Monument. It takes place in the medieval quarter of the same name, and presents a flamboyant Gothic style. Many other religious remains are visible in Amiens, such as the Saint-Jean-des-Prémontrés abbey of the seventeenth century, the Saint-Acheul abbey and its church or the Saint-Germain church which now serves as an exhibition place On the colorization of the cathedral or on the Saint-Germain quarter. The palace of the bishopric of the seventeenth century or the great seminary of the Lazarists, built in the eighteenth century, are also lacking interest.

Strolling through the old streets of Amiens you can admire the facade of the Sagittarius house, Renaissance style, the King's residence a 16th century residence listed in the Historic Monuments, or the vestiges of the Citadel.

The archaeological garden of Saint-Acheul reveals traces of the presence of Palaeolithic man in the region, notably thanks to a stratigraphic section classified to the Historic Monuments. A path marked with explanatory panels gives a better idea of ​​the period studied, while pedagogical workshops are proposed at the entrance to the park.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

The markets of Amiens are held every day except Mondays and Thursdays. A Christmas market takes place in December.

The festival Tendance Europe takes place in January and offers various and varied shows of emerging European artists.

The antique dealers' fair is held in February.

In March, place at the festival of the game and the imagination devoted to fun activities, as well as the chocolate and delicacies fair of Picardy .

The large embroidery, an important garage sale, is held on the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October.

The Leitura Furiosa festival dedicated to calligraphy and writing games is held in May.

In June, the Amiens fair, Festivities in the city, a festival of street arts, a comic strip festival and a water market that recall the traditions of the past with market gardeners 'time.

From June to September, the colorful cathedral illuminates the facades of Notre-Dame, while a Summer in Music offers concerts.

In July, Journey to the Heart of the Summer offers live performances.

The Jules Verne Challenge in August commemorates the first balloon flight, while the Liberty Ball celebrates the liberation of Amiens in 1944.

The Medieval waterside offer nautical games in September.

Festiv'art celebrates the arts in October.

The international film festival of Amiens is held in November.

Cathedral seen from the bridge over the Somme (© Jean Espirat)

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

tourist office amiens france

Restaurants

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Bed & breakfasts

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Vacation rentals

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Related articles Amiens

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Getty Images/iStockphoto

One of France's mightiest Gothic cathedrals is reason enough to visit Amiens, the former capital of Picardy. The mostly pedestrianised city centre, tastefully rebuilt after WWII, is complemented by lovely green spaces along the Somme River. Jules Verne lived the last 34 years of his life here; his former home is now a museum. Some 30,000 students from the Université de Picardie Jules Verne give the town a youthful energy.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Amiens Cathedrale Notre Dame

Cathédrale Notre Dame

A Unesco World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic cathedral in France (at 145m long) and the largest in the world by volume was begun in 1220 to house the…

House-museum of Jules Verne in Amiens, France.

Maison de Jules Verne

Jules Verne (1828–1905) wrote some of his best-known works of brain-tingling – and eerily prescient – science fiction under the eaves of this turreted…

Beffroi d'Amiens

Beffroi d'Amiens

Constructed between 1406 and 1410, Amiens' massive square belfry – a Unesco-listed monument – has a mid-18th-century top reaching 52m, which was rebuilt…

Musée de Picardie

Musée de Picardie

Housed in a dashing Second Empire structure (1855–67), the Picardy Museum contains archaeological exhibits, medieval art and Revolution-era ceramics. It's…

Tour Perret

Tour Perret

One of Europe's earliest skyscrapers, the reinforced concrete Perret Tower (110m) faces the train station. It was designed by Belgian architect Auguste…

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Amiens Tourist Office

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Over the centuries, Amiens has confirmed its avant-garde character and at the same time remained true to its fabulous heritage. Its philosophy is to draw from the past to build the future. And that is the source of its wealth, its depth and originality. The Notre-Dame cathedral, a listed World Heritage Monument, is a perfect illustration of the audacity of Amiens. The writer, Jules Verne, felt this spark and made it his adoptive town, his ideal city.

Today, contemporary art is visible in every district. Take the time to get to know Amiens and be won over by its charms.

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  • Address 23 Place Notre Dame Amiens Hauts-de-France 80000 France
  • Website Website
  • Open Times The Tourist Office is open all year round:- From Monday to Saturday:• 9.30am to 6.30pm, from 1st April to 30th September,• 9.30am to 6pm, from 1st October to 31st March,- Sunday:• 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm

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Things to Do in Amiens, France - Amiens Attractions

Things to do in amiens, explore popular experiences, tours in and around amiens.

tourist office amiens france

Somme Battlefields from Paris with Australian memorial & Amiens Cathedral

tourist office amiens france

Sweet tour in Rouen (Small Group )

tourist office amiens france

  • Full-Day Private WW1 Australian Battlefield Day Tour from Amiens

tourist office amiens france

PRIVATE Australian Western Front Battlefields 3-Day Tour Ypres to Amiens

tourist office amiens france

  • Full day Private Australian Battlefields Tour

tourist office amiens france

  • WW1 Somme Battlfields

tourist office amiens france

  • Australian private Somme tour including Sir John Monash Centre

tourist office amiens france

Half a Day Private Battle of the Somme Tour

tourist office amiens france

Musee Somme 1916 Admission Ticket

tourist office amiens france

Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour

tourist office amiens france

Top Attractions in Amiens

tourist office amiens france

Tours & Sightseeing

tourist office amiens france

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  • Les Hortillonnages d'Amiens
  • Cathedrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens
  • Maison de Jules Verne
  • Parc Samara
  • Parc Saint-Pierre
  • Zoo d'Amiens
  • Barques des hortillonnages
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Somme Battlefields from Paris with Australian memorial & Amiens Cathedral
  • Musee de Picardie

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tourist office amiens france

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tourist office amiens france

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tourist office amiens france

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tourist office amiens france

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The Hortillonnages

At the gateway of the city and the Saint-Leu quarter, the Hortillonages are an exceptional mosaic of floating gardens and waterways.

Les hortillonnages d'Amiens

Floating gardens: unique to Amiens

Shaped by generations of market gardeners known as 'hortillons', this site is the only one of its kind in France. The Hortillonnages are made up of a multitude of small cultivated islets surrounded by water, accessible only by boat on a network of waterways, known as 'rieux'.

The Hortillonnages have been here since ancient times. They are located on the naturally marshy terrain of the old bed of the River Somme. The site's name has its origins in the Latin 'hortus' meaning garden. Nowadays, the ownership of his 300-hectare site is shared by over 1000 individuals who use it for market gardening or leisure activities such as gardening, fishing, and observing nature... This haven of greenery, gently cradled in the water invites contemplation and rest.

En barque dans le Festival International de Jardins

'Hortillons': market gardeners and boatmen!

For many years, these unusual market gardeners not only supplied the city of Amiens with fresh fruit and vegetables, but also with peat for heating. They used a particular type of boat to navigate the Hortillonnages and transport their produce. At the turn of the 20th Century nearly 250 market gardeners cultivated plots here.

Although much of the 300 hectares of marshland has been given over for ornamental gardening, a dozen families still cultivate the land. Several generations of hortillons live side by side and farm about 10% of the site. Their fruit and vegetables are sold every Saturday on Place Parmentier in the Saint-Leu quarter.

The market gardeners have joined forces and market their produce under the banner of 'les t'cho légumes des hortillons'. On the third Sunday in June, dressed in their traditional costumes and aboard their unmistakable boats, the hortillons navigate down the River Somme to sell their produce opposite the Quai Bélu.

tourist office amiens france

From May to October,  the Amiens International Garden Festival  offers its visitors some aesthetic and poetic escapism in the heart of this exceptional site. A showcase of landscaping installations and artistic creations on the theme of sustainable development and environmental conservation, the Festival is held on the Etang de Clermont and the Ile aux Fagots. Come and take a wander!

tourist office amiens france

From May to October, the Amiens International Garden Festival offers visitors an aesthetic and poetic escape in the heart of this exceptional natural site. Landscape and artistic creations on the Clermont pond and the Ile aux Fagots invite the public to a gentle itinerary on the theme of sustainable development and the preservation of the environment.

Festival International de Jardins | Hortillonnages Amiens

The Hortillonnages Museum

The Hortillonnages Museum in Rivery gives pride of place to this protected natural environment and the lives of the market gardeners. It holds a rich collection of material and equipment, patiently collected by a couple of hortillons over many years. René and Thérèse Nowak will tell you all about the hard but fascinating lives of these men and women, how their techniques evolved over the years, and what makes the profession so special.

Round off your visit in an electric-powered boat, and see the hortillonnages for yourself as you navigate the network of waterways... discover the great wealth of flora and fauna that inhabit the variety of habitats: gardens, waters, fallow areas, marshes and woods.

Get up close to the waterfowl, such as great crested grebes, swans, mallards, coots and moorhens. From May to August waterlilies shimmer on the ponds, and water irises, grasses and rushes carpet the banks.

Balade depuis le Jardin des Vertueux

A change of scene!

There are so many ways to explore Nature's jigsaw puzzle:

  • Guided tours on traditional boats from April - October, organised by the  Association de Protection et de Sauvegarde du Site et de l'Environnement des Hortillonnages  ;
  • Guided tours on electric-powered boats all year round, run by  Le Jardin des Vertueux  ;
  • If you're feeling adventurous, or maybe in love, take a self-tour on a rowing boat from the Auberge "Ô Jardin  (don't forget to take a map!) ;
  • If you like to walk, enjoy the Circuit de la Canardière (13.5 km), usually around 3.5 hours, in idyllic and tranquil surroundings ;
  • Last but not least, cyclists too will also appreciate the peace and quiet of these places ... at their own pace.

Of course there are many other options! Why not design your own experience, and make the most of some exceptional time out in Nature?

tourist office amiens france

Les Hortillonnages et Vous

tourist office amiens france

L'Auberge des Hortillonnages

You will appreciate : The Chef’s inventive cooking that revisits local products (vegetables from the Hortillon, locally...

Amiens travel guide

Photo of Amiens

Visit Amiens (Hauts-de-France, France)

Amiens is in the Picardy region of northern France, north of Paris and south-west of Lille and Arras .

Exploring Amiens

France This Way review: Amiens suffered greatly in both world wars, and didn't benefit from housing developments in the 1960's and 1970's. However, since that time the town has taken trouble to enhance its appeal and these efforts continue to today, with several parts of the town now much improved.

The town is best known for (and most visited by tourists because of) the impressive 13th century Amiens Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the largest gothic style cathedral in France. See Amiens cathedral for details.

View towards the cathedral in Amiens

But there is more to Amiens than just a cathedral and the town has other highlights during a visit. Start to explore in the Saint-Leu region below the cathedral, which is a region of canals lined with small houses and a pleasant part of Amiens to explore, a popular place to promenade, and one of the busiest places for cafes and restaurants. It is also possible to take a boat ride along the river from here.

Another highlight in Amiens include the curious looking belfry (belltower) from the 13th - 15th century and one time important meeting point for the nobles of the town. The lower, square part of the belfry is original but the upper part, in baroque style, was added in the 18th century.

The Town Hall and Palais of Justice are important buildings from the 18th-19th centuries, both in the neo-classical style popular at that time, and the substantial 16-sided Cirque Municipal dates from the same period.

Of more recent construction, the Perret Tower is an interesting example of more recent architecture in Amiens. Built around 1950 it was one of the earliest skyscrapers to be built in France, and for many years was the tallest skyscraper in Europe.

Museums, gardens and events

The Museum of Picardy, established in another imposing 19th century building, has some interesting archaeological items, and paintings by Old Masters, along with an extensive range of paintings and items spanning the last 2000 years. To make the most of your visit please first see our information about Amiens history .

Enthusiasts of Jules Verne will want to visit the extensive museum and collection of items relating to the life of the famous 19th century author at Maison à la Tour, his home in Amiens for almost two decades at the end of the 19th century.

There are several interesting parks and gardens in Amiens (hence the 3* Ville Fleurie award), and a substantial park (of 300 hectares) to enjoy at the Hortillonnages - a marshy region where numerous canals criss-cross the garden and wildlife intensive landscape. The 'floating gardens' of the Hortillonnages area can be explored by foot or by boat and is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Vegetables from the Hortillonnage gardens are sold in the Saturday morning market at Place Parmentier. Once a year, in June, the market takes place on boats on the water with the traders dressed up in traditional costume.

There is also a zoo in Amiens which is quite small but has a wide range of animals, and the Parc Saint-Pierre in the town centre is a large park where you can escape the bustle of the town centre.

A couple of popular festivals are held in the town - Amiens film festival is held in November and Amiens Jazz Festival takes place each March.

Amiens cuisine

Popular local dishes to try during your visit include those made from fish - typically carp, trout and Somme eels cooked with herbs; and from meat - often braised, or cooked in beer. There are also some interesting local cheeses to try such as the Maroilles, Vieux Lille and Dauphin).

Red brick town houses in Amiens

Attractions nearby

If you visit Amiens during the summer months the cathedral facade is lit to recreate the colours in which it was originally painted. Amiens is also home to one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in northern France, and this is another chance to see the light show illuminating the cathedral in its traditional colours.

Among the places of particular interest in the Amiens region are the renaissance period citadel at Doullens and the medieval city at Lucheux.

Explore elsewhere in the North East France . You can find more travel ideas in the Somme guide and the Picardy guide .

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Amiens Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral

The 13th century cathedral in Amiens is a fabulous example of gothic style architecture and the tallest cathedral in France

Les Jardins de Maizicourt

Les Jardins de Maizicourt

Beautiful garden to visit in the Somme department in northern France

Saint-Riquier

Saint-Riquier

The small Picardy village of Saint-Riquier includes an attractive benedictine abbey church, a belfry and other historic monuments

Abbeville

Abbeville makes a pleasant detour when you are exploring the Baie de Somme region, in particular to see the Collegiale Church of Saint-Vulfran

Les Jardins de Sericourt

Les Jardins de Sericourt

Beautiful garden to visit in the village of Sericourt.

Peronne

The town of Péronne is above all known for its impressive Museum commemorating life in the Somme during the First World War

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Somme

Tourist classifications for Amiens

Amiens is classified as a listed town of Art and History

Address: Amiens, Picardy, 80000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 49.9, longitude 2.3

Plan your visit to Amiens, Somme

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

  • Le clos Alexandre: remarkable garden
  • Beffroi d'Amiens (Belfries of Belgium and France) : heritage site
  • Amiens Cathedral : heritage site
  • Réserve naturelle de l'Étang Saint-Ladre: site of natural beauty (7 km)
  • Montagne de Montenoy: site of natural beauty (23 km)
  • Folleville église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur-et-Saint-Jean-Baptiste (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (25 km)
  • Beffroi de Doullens (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (29 km)
  • Beffroi de Lucheux (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (34 km)
  • Jardin du château de Maizicourt: remarkable garden (35 km)
  • Beffroi de Saint-Riquier (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (36 km)
  • Parc du château de Digeon: remarkable garden (36 km)
  • Beffroi d'Abbeville (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (41 km)

Market days in Amiens, France

Regular market(s) are held in Amiens each Thursday & Sunday & Saturday & all day. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Amiens (Francais)

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  • 2 Get around

Amiens is the capital of the northern French region of Hauts-de-France . As well as its own attractions, the city makes a practical base from which to explore the area of the First World War's Western Front located nearby.

Get in [ edit ]

Map

140 km (87 mi) north of Paris . On the intersection of the A16 Abbeville - Beauvais and the A29 Rouen - Saint-Quentin (Aisne) and Reims . Providing direct access from the port of Le Havre and Calais , and an indirect but closer route from Dieppe .

Get around [ edit ]

tourist office amiens france

There are many signs (direction, tourism, car parks). However, the city center is pedestrianized, it is advised to park a little farther, or in the numerous underground parking lots of the city center.

Amiens has a decent bus system (€1.40 for a ticket which is valid one hour) and a community bicycle system but bicycles are not in useful areas.

See [ edit ]

tourist office amiens france

Do [ edit ]

  • Football: Amiens SC play soccer in Ligue 2, the second tier in France. Their home ground Stade de la Licorne (capacity 12,100) is 3 km west of city centre.

Buy [ edit ]

There are a couple of tourist gift shops on the south side of the Place Notre Dame. The main shopping area is around Rue des Trois Cailloux.

  • Macarons d'Amiens , small, round-shaped biscuit-type macaroons made from almond paste, fruit and honey.

Eat [ edit ]

Quai Belu on the north bank of the Somme has a good selection of restaurants, and some pleasant street seating. Quality food as catering for the locals but there is enough tourist trade that most have English menus available.

  • 49.8943 2.301565 1 Big Ben , 12 Rue Cormont , ☏ +33 3 22 52 98 49 . ( updated Jul 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

The area between the cathedral and the river Somme around Rue des Bondés is a popular area for drinking with indoor and outside seating. There are also a few possibilities around the Place Gambetta and near the rail station.

  • 49.895536 2.303588 1 Baobar , 2 Rue des Bondés , ☏ +33 3 22 72 94 20 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 49.89087 2.306164 2 Tower's Pub , 5 Place Alphonse Fiquet , ☏ +33 3 22 91 84 48 . ( updated Jul 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

  • 49.891479 2.307451 1 Holiday Inn Express Amiens , 10 Boulevard d'Alsace Lorraine , ☏ +33 3 22 22 38 50 . Small but well furnished rooms. Can get hot in summer as no air-conditioning. Reasonable free breakfast. ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 49.891032 2.301185 2 Hôtel Marotte , 3 Rue Marotte , ☏ +33 3 60 12 50 00 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
  • 49.891104 2.304175 3 Grand Hotel De L'Univers ( Best Western ), 2 Rue de Noyon , ☏ +33 3 22 91 52 51 . ( updated Jul 2017 )

Go next [ edit ]

  • Albert and the Thiepval Memorial to the missing of the Somme
  • Saint-Quentin (Aisne)

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Amiens

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For a small French city in the countryside, Amiens offers a surprising amount of culture. You'll find inspiring historic attractions, such as visiting France's largest cathedral and Europe's first skyscraper.

This city also has a sense of fun. You've got to love a place with circus performances and traditional puppet shows among its top things to do. Amiens embraces its quirky and creative side.

Famous author Jules Verne exemplifies the city's spirit of innovation. At the Maison de Jules Verne, check out the models of flying machines and naval ships, dreamed up by the city's most famous author.

Located in the heart of the Picardy region, Amiens is close enough to Paris that it could be a day trip destination . The drive takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes, while the train ride is just over an hour long.

You should also consider some short excursions from Amiens. Within a 30-minute drive are the WWI Battlefields of Somme and a park that reenacts scenes from prehistoric times.

There are so many reasons to visit Amiens in this picturesque region of northern France . Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Amiens.

See also: Where to Stay in Amiens

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens

2. musée de picardie, 3. quartier saint-leu, 4. les hortillonnages (marsh gardens), 5. maison de jules verne, 6. cirque jules verne, 7. tour perret, 8. traditional marionettes & puppet theater, 9. parc de samara (archaeology park), 10. battlefields of somme and the wwi remembrance circuit, 11. medieval town of lucheux, 12. maison de la culture d'amiens, 13. abbaye royale de saint-riquier, 14. abbatiale saint-pierre de corbie, where to stay in amiens for sightseeing.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens

This UNESCO-listed cathedral is the world's largest Gothic church of the medieval era (and today is still the largest cathedral in France), based on its total surface area of 7,700 square meters. With a length of 145 meters, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens could fit a football field or the Notre-Dame de Paris twice. The immense size, harmony of architectural style, and intricate details are remarkable.

Built in 68 years (between 1220 to 1288), the construction was rapid for a medieval cathedral, which explains the unity of the design.

A notable aspect of Amiens' cathedral is the façade, which features three highly embellished doorways influenced by the west façade of Notre-Dame in Paris . The doorways are decorated with a profusion of 750 statues: Old and New Testament figures, apostles, prophets, and a figure of Christ in the attitude of blessing. In the tympanum is a depiction of the Last Judgment.

The cathedral's interior reaches over 42 meters in height and has 126 pillars, giving the sanctuary a breathtakingly immense feel. An innovative structure of ribbed vaults and flying buttresses allowed for more surface area of stained-glass windows, creating an ethereal effect. You will be awestruck by the grandiose, bright, and airy space.

Behind the high altar is the tomb adorned with the famous weeping angel, and a venerated relic (of John the Baptist) is found in the left-hand transept. Be sure to take a look at the 16th-century choir stalls, embellished with carvings of more than 3,650 figures.

The North Tower provides access to a viewing platform, via a staircase of 307 steps. The climb is rewarded with spectacular city panoramas.

During the Middle Ages, the cathedral's exterior was vibrantly painted. Every night during summer (mid-July through mid-September) and at Christmastime (November 24th through December 31st), the 50-minute " Chroma" show projects dazzling lights and designs onto the cathedral's façade. Some scenes depict the sculpted figures in bright medieval colors.

Address: 30 Place Notre-Dame, Amiens

Amiens Cathedral - Floor plan map

The Musée de Picardie was modeled after the Louvre and is considered one of the top museums outside of Paris. This museum of fine arts boasts an extensive collection, which brings together archaeological finds, medieval art, sculptures, and European paintings.

Highlights are the sculpture collection, including stellar pieces such as the Buste d'Anatole France by Bourdelle, and the paintings collection, with masterpieces by El Greco, Tiepolo, Corot, Fragonard, and Courbet, as well as works by famous artists of the 21st century such as Picasso and Miró.

Address: 2 Rue Puvis de Chavannes, Amiens

Quartier Saint-Leu

Quartier Saint-Leu, the medieval district of Amiens, exudes historic charm. You will feel transported back in time while wandering through the jumble of narrow cobblestone lanes. Along the way, discover quaint half-timbered houses and colorful waterfront buildings.

This lively quarter also has a trendy and happening ambience, making it one of the town's most popular places to visit. The neighborhood is packed with restaurants, cafés, art galleries, bookshops, antique stores, and small locally owned boutiques. The best way to take in the ambience is at one of the outdoor cafés (many have views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral) .

At the center of the quarter is the Eglise Saint-Leu , an interesting Late Gothic church with a timber roof. A short walk away from the Saint-Leu Church is the Quai Bélu , a convivial area along the Somme River brimming with riverside restaurants. Many establishments have outdoor terraces for alfresco dining at the water's edge.

The Quartier Saint-Leu extends from the Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Port d'Aval harbor on the Somme River. A scenic path alongside the Somme River lends itself to pleasant strolls. Reminiscent of Venice, the district is traversed by canals and can be toured by boat.

On Saturday mornings, the Place Parmentier across from the Quai Bélu hosts the Marché sur l'Eau , an open-air market supplied by Amiens' hortillons , the gardeners who grow fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers at Les Hortillonnages.

Les Hortillonnages (Marsh Gardens)

What fun it is to visit Les Hortillonnages! These charming marsh gardens can only be accessed by boat. The 300-hectare Les Hortillonnages are found on swampy islands within Amiens' 65-kilometer network of canals.

Since the Middle Ages, these floating gardens have been cultivated by " hortillons " (gardeners) who used special boats ( barques à cornet) to transport fresh fruits and vegetables to market. The barques à cornet resemble Venetian gondolas; their shape is designed to allow berthing without damaging the banks.

If you'd like to experience the waterways of Les Hortillonnages, guided boat tours (with commentary in French) are available from April to October. You can also rent a canoe or kayak (for the day or half-day) and paddle around at your own pace.

On the third Sunday in June, the Marché sur l'Eau Traditionnel reenacts a 19th-century water market. The hortillons dress in old-fashioned costumes while rowing down the Somme River in their barque à cornet boats and selling fresh produce from the dock.

The Festival International de Jardins – Hortillonnages Amiens takes place here on weekends, from the end of May through mid-October. This festival features an amazing showcase of art installations, presented on Les Hortillonnages islands and even within shallow areas of the canals.

Address: 54 Boulevard Beauvillé, Amiens

Maison de Jules Verne

Jules Verne wrote one of the most famous French novels ever published: Around the World in 80 Days . This novel has been translated more often than any other French work of literature.

The imaginative genius of the author is on display throughout the Maison de Jules Verne , where the author and his wife lived from 1882 to 1900. At this stately 19th-century mansion in a small study, Jules Verne penned his novel Extraordinary Voyages . Another room displays the desk where, in 1869, Jules Verne started to write Twenty-Thousand Leagues under the Sea .

In Verne's library , you can peruse his favorite books, including works by Shakespeare, Cooper, Dickens, Walter Scott, and Edgar Allan Poe.

The Maison de Jules Verne also features an Observation Tower and a collection of flying machines, which were created by Jules Verne and predated the invention of planes.

Address: 2 Rue Charles Dubois, Amiens

Cirque Jules Verne

Amiens has a tradition of circus arts, and since 1889, fantastic spectacles have entertained the public at the Cirque Jules Verne . Inaugurated by Jules Verne himself, the Cirque Jules Verne houses the National Center of Circus and Street Arts (Pôle National Cirque et Arts de la Rue).

The facility includes an auditorium for staging circus shows and an Ecole du Cirque ( Circus School ), which trains thousands of circus students. The circus auditorium provides seating for 3,000 people yet still offers a warm, intimate atmosphere.

For a truly memorable experience, attend a show at the Cirque Jules Verne. The saison cirque (season of events) includes circus acts such as juggling, acrobatics, and clowns, as well as musical, dance, and theater performances.

Address: Place Longueville, Amiens

Tour Perret

Among the most iconic sights in Amiens, the Tour Perret (built in 1942) was one of Europe's first skyscrapers. The tower reaches more than 100 meters in height, soaring almost as high as the spire on the Cathedral Notre-Dame. Together, the modern Perret Tower and the ancient cathedral create a distinctive skyline.

The Perret Tower is illuminated daily after nightfall with colorful lighting effects that mark the hours.

Address: 13 Place Alphonse Fiquet, Amiens

Traditional Marionettes & Puppet Theater

Puppet shows are a beloved custom in the Picardy region, and the centuries-old tradition is still alive and well in Amiens. Local artisans create all kinds of whimsical marionettes to represent various characters.

A typical puppet show features a farcical storyline with elements of buffoonery, designed to make audiences laugh. The shows are geared toward children, but adults also find them amusing.

The Théâtre de Marionnettes de Chés Cabotans d'Amiens has staged classic puppet shows since 1933. The theater performs puppet shows (in French) mostly for children three years and older. A few of the shows are designed for little ones between six months and three years old.

Samara Park

Take a short drive from Amiens' city center and leave behind the 21st century at the Parc de Samara . This unique archaeology park takes you on a 600,000-year voyage back in time to the world of prehistory.

You will learn about our prehistoric ancestors through demonstrations of daily activities and reconstructions of ancient dwellings. The park staff presents workshops, such as how to create fire, cut a flint, make pottery, and weave a basket, using techniques of prehistoric man.

A boutique sells books, games, activity kits, and other items on the themes of nature and archaeology. Tourists can take home reproductions of prehistoric tools, pottery, and jewelry.

An interesting dining option, the park's restaurant, Le Bistro de César , serves Gallo-Roman cuisine based on recipes attributed to Marcus Gavius Apicius, a gastronome of the 1st century CE who threw extravagant dinner parties for Roman emperors.

An easy day trip from Amiens (just a 14-kilometer drive), Samara Park is sure to offer a fascinating educational experience.

Address: Rue d'Amiens, La Chaussée-Tirancourt, 80310

Cemetery in Somme

Many WWI battles were fought in the Vallée de la Somme near Amiens. The landscape is still marked with shell holes and the remnant of trenches. Cemeteries attest to the depth of the casualties during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 (July through November).

The Remembrance Circuit is a trail of sites that commemorates the area's WWI history. This 25-kilometer trail runs from Albert to Péronne, with several memorials and museums along the way. Red poppies (the symbol of sacrifice) bloom in profusion along the Remembrance Circuit.

From Amiens, it makes sense to begin a driving tour of the Remembrance Circuit in Albert, which is 30 kilometers away. Albert is also easily accessible by train from Amiens.

In Albert, the Musée Somme 1916 is housed in an underground passage (dating to the 13th century) that was used as an air-raid bomb shelter during the First World War. This evocative museum educates visitors about the historical context of WWI and provides insights into the everyday life of soldiers who fought in the trenches during the Battle of the Somme.

If you're starting out in Albert, the Remembrance Circuit concludes 25 kilometers away in Péronne . Amiens is about 50 kilometers away, less than a one-hour drive from Péronne.

In the Château de Péronne, the Historial de la Grande Guerre (Museum of the Great War) provides an overview of World War One history, chronicles the details of trench warfare, and displays WWI artifacts.

Guided tours of the Somme Valley battlefield sites are available from several companies including Somme Memory Tours, The Battlefields Experience, Chemins d'Histoire, The Western Front Revisited, Les Alouettes Battlefield Tours, Somme-r-Ballade, and Terres de Mémoire.

Read More: Top Normandy D-Day Beaches and Memorials

Lucheux

It's worth taking a day trip to the ancient city of Lucheux, just 37 kilometers away (about a 45-minute drive). Steeped in history, the city boasts three important monuments from the medieval era: a 12th- to 13th-century château fortified with imposing towers and ramparts, a Romanesque church featuring exquisite 12th-century capitals, and a UNESCO-listed belfry that dates to the 13th century.

Maison de la Culture d'Amiens

With an exciting calendar of events, this exceptional venue is the place to go in Amiens to catch a cinema screening; music concert; and theater, dance, or circus performance. The Maison de la Culture d'Amiens also hosts temporary art expositions throughout the year.

Address: 2 Place Léon Gontier, Amiens

Abbaye Royale de Saint-Riquier

The Abbaye Royale de Saint-Riquier nestles in the bucolic landscape outside Amiens, about 40 kilometers away (a 40-minute drive). This historic abbey merits the detour because of its splendid setting, beautiful Gothic architecture, and top-notch cultural attractions.

The abbey was founded in 625, but the present monument dates from the 12th century, with many of the buildings constructed in the 17th century. The abbey's library was one of Europe's largest and most important collections of manuscripts until the 13th century.

Today, the Abbaye de Saint-Riquier hosts the annual Festival de Saint-Riquier , a prestigious festival of classical, jazz, pop, rap, and traditional world music. The festival holds some performances at the Flamboyant Gothic Abbatiale (Abbey Church), which is classified as a Monument Historique .

Other cultural attractions at the Abbaye de Saint-Riquier include art exhibits created in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The abbey also features gorgeous gardens, with walkways, wooded areas, and manicured grounds.

The abbey's gardens and cultural exhibits are open to the public. During the high season (April through September), you may visit Monday through Saturday from 10am until 12pm and 2pm until 6pm. In the low season (October through March), the abbey gardens are open Monday through Friday from 9am until 12pm and from 2pm until 5pm. The Abbey Church (Abbatiale) is only open to the public during the high season.

Address: Place de l'Eglise, 80135 Saint-Riquier

South face of the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Corbie

The town of Corbie is a worthwhile day trip destination because of its historic abbey , the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Corbie. This church exemplifies ornate High Gothic architecture with its awe-inspiring façade and two towers, which soar to 55 meters. The vaulted nave is 36 meters long and has a solemn air of spirituality.

Founded in 657, the church belonged to the Benedictine abbey of Corbie, a powerful order that influenced much of Europe. The church is a listed Monument Historique and possesses many treasures, including precious relics of Saint Peter and exquisite statues.

The Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Corbie is about 17 kilometers from Amiens.

Address: Rue Charles de Gaulle, Corbie

Less touristy than many other French towns yet brimming with local culture and vitality, Amiens is an interesting place to spend a few nights. It's also a good base for those who want to explore the Picardy region and nearby Nord-Pas du Calais of northern France and perhaps continue on a travel itinerary in the neighboring Normandy region. A convenient area to stay is the centre-ville (city center) of Amiens, because most of the top attractions are within walking distance.

Luxury Hotels:

  • An upscale hotel in the centre-ville is the four-star Mercure Amiens Cathédrale Hotel , a short walk away (just 50 meters) from the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The location is convenient for tourists because of the wide choice of restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby. The hotel's guest rooms are decorated in a cheerful contemporary style and include coffee machines. Some of the "classic" guest rooms have stunning outlooks of the cathedral.
  • Au Jardin Sur l'Eau is an inviting bed-and-breakfast hotel tucked away on an islet of the Somme River, a protected nature site with flourishing orchards and vegetable gardens. It's about a 10-minute drive to the Quartier Saint-Leu. Guest rooms feature fine bed linens and stylish contemporary decor and do not have televisions, to encourage relaxation. The breakfast includes fresh baguettes from a local bakery, organic yogurt, and seasonal fruit grown on the property. Guests may borrow bicycles or canoes.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • For great value in the centre-ville, just steps away from the Notre-Dame Cathedral , tourists can choose the Hôtel le Prieuré . This three-star hotel provides guests with small but nicely decorated rooms, with Wi-Fi, in an attractive, renovated 17th-century building. Guests have the option to purchase a continental breakfast buffet. One consideration for travelers with limited mobility is that this hotel has steep stairs and does not have an elevator.
  • La Chambre d'Amiens offers sleek contemporary-style accommodations and a wide range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, parking, bicycle rentals, and a continental breakfast (for an additional charge). This three-star hotel is located just outside the centre-ville (but close enough to walk), near the Gare Saint-Roch (train station) and the Maison de la Culture.
  • In an attractive 19th-century townhouse, the Grand Hôtel de l'Univers is well situated in the centre-ville, within walking distance of the cathedral and Quartier Saint-Leu. This three-star hotel features spacious soundproofed rooms with tasteful decor, modern amenities (Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions), and city views. The hotel serves a continental breakfast buffet that includes pastries, juice, coffee, fresh fruit, and eggs.

Budget Hotels:

  • Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the amenities at the ibis Styles Amiens Centre Hotel in the centre-ville , within walking distance of the cathedral. This three-star hotel offers simple contemporary-style rooms in a sleek ultra-modern building. The hotel provides 24-hour front desk service and free Wi-Fi access. A buffet-style breakfast is included.
  • For those who want to stay within the centre-ville , the B&B Hotel Amiens Centre Cathédrale provides basic no-frills accommodations in a great location near the cathedral. This modern three-star hotel has Wi-Fi access, a restaurant, a snack bar, and parking for an additional fee. The hotel offers various breakfast choices, which guests may purchase.
  • One of the best values in Amiens is found at the ibis budget Amiens Centre Gare , near the train station but still within walking distance of the centre-ville and the cathedral. This basic two-star hotel has double, twin, and triple rooms with free Wi-Fi access. Breakfast options are available for an additional charge.

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Country Villages and Castles: Amiens was the capital of the historic Picardy province, which overlaps with the modern-day region known as Nord-Pas-de-Calais . This area is largely industrial but has retained some of its pastoral landscape along with picturesque old villages and walled towns.

About a two-hour drive north of Amiens are two lovely towns that delight tourists: Bergues and Boulogne-sur-Mer. Each offer an enchanting escape to a medieval world of winding cobblestone streets, ensconced within ancient ramparts.

Within a 90-minute drive of Amiens (and an easy day trip from Paris ) is a remarkable château, surrounded by dense forest, in the little country town of Chantilly. The Domaine de Chantilly is renowned for its lush parkland, lavish reception rooms, and superb art collection.

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Exploring the Normandy Region: Among the top attractions in Normandy are the seaside resorts: fashionable Dieppe (90 minutes away), the sandy shores of Trouville-sur-Mer (2-hour drive), and glamorous Deauville (2-hour drive). For those more interested in history and culture, Honfleur (2-hour drive), one of the most charming towns in Europe , and Rouen (90-minute drive) with its marvelous Gothic cathedral, are must-see stops.

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French Flanders and Belgium: North of Amiens is the historic province of French Flanders, within the present-day Nord-Pas-de-Calais region that borders Belgium . Once the capital of Flanders, Lille , is a thriving modern city with elegant Flemish Baroque buildings and an exceptional fine arts museum. Approximately a two-hour drive from Amiens are the battlefields of Flanders in the town of Ypres , as well as the old city of Ghent , which has an ancient fortress and atmospheric medieval center.

Amiens Map - Tourist Attractions

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France Travel Guide

Tourist Offices & Information, Somme & Picardie, France

Département de la somme, comité du tourisme de la somme, conseil général de la somme, albert tourist office — pays du coquelicot, amiens tourist office, somme battlefields' partner.

The battlefields of the Somme are located in the Département de la Somme in the region of Picardie in northern France. The prefecture city of the Département de la Somme is Amiens.

The area is rich in cultural history and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can discover three areas within the Department:

  • The Vallée de la Haute Somme (Upper Somme Valley) in the east, where the beautiful Somme river with its famous marshes (marais) and swamps (marécages) winds its way through a gently rolling landscape.
  • The central area of Amiens and its surroundings. Amiens is a busy city with shops, hotels, historical buildings including the gothic cathedral, museums, parks and a main line railway station.
  • The Baie de Somme (Bay of the Somme) on the Picardie coast in the west, where seaside resorts and fishing villages are to be found on the estuary.

Information on all aspects of visiting the Département de la Somme is available from the official website for the Comité de Tourisme (available in English):

Website: www.visit-somme.com

Website in French and English for information about the Departmental Assembly for the Department of the Somme. The website includes tourist information relating to the First World War, the centenary commemoration in the region and sites to see on the Somme battlefields.

There is an office with brochures and information about the Somme next door to the Tourist Office in the Place Notre-Dame at the western façade of Amiens cathedral.

Website: www.somme.fr The Somme Centenary 2014-2018

Pays du Coquelicot - Tourist Office of the Poppy Country

9, rue Gambetta

80300 Albert

Telephone: +33 (0)3 22 75 16 42

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.paysducoquelicot.com

Information & Bookings Office (on the cathedral square to the right of the cathedral main doors):

Office de Tourisme d'Amiens Métropole

40, place Notre-Dame

80000 AMIENS

Amiens Central Tourist Office

This office is 200 metres from the cathedral. Rue Desevel leads off the south-west corner of the Place Notre-Dame at the western doors of the cathedral.

Office de Tourisme d'Amiens

6 bis, Rue Dusevel

Opening Hours for Amiens centre Tourist Offices:

  • 1 April to 30 September: Monday to Saturday 09.30 to 18.30
  • 1 October to 31 March: Monday to Saturday 09.30 to 18.00
  • Sundays: 10.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 17.00

Telephone: +33 (0)3 22 71 60 50

Fax: +33 (0)3 22 71 60 51

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.amiens-tourisme.com

The Somme Battlefields' Partner is a network created for visitors to the Somme, where local professionals involved in tourism and the history of this battlefield area have come together.

The Somme Battlefields' Partner network offers information to visitors planning a trip to the Somme. It can help visitors to find their way around the area, visit the major 1WW historical sites on their own or with guides, find places to stay and eat, and discover what events are on in the area related to the First World War battles.

The Somme Battlefields' Partner website “Somme Battlefields” offers lots of useful information including online booking for accommodation, news, events, a paper or online brochure, weather forecasts, books and films, list of guides. Visit the website at:

Website: www.sbpartner.fr

Related Topic

Visiting the Somme Battlefields

See our introductory page about visiting the Somme battlefields, with links to our pages about the places to visit and sights to see, cemeteries, memorials and preserved battlefield sites:

  • Western Front Battlefields
  • Battlefield Visits
  • Memorials & Monuments
  • Museums & Archive Collections
  • Tracing Family History
  • Researching Military History
  • Education Resources
  • Experience of the Great War
  • Remembrance
  • Organizations
  • The Poppy Umbrella
  • Preparations
  • 1 July 1916
  • July-November 1916
  • Somme March 1918
  • Somme July 1918
  • Somme August 1918
  • Delville Wood
  • Sheffield Park
  • Lochnagar Crater
  • Trench at Auchonvillers
  • Trenches Newfoundland Park
  • 1st Australian Division Memorial
  • 38th Welsh Division Memorial
  • 51st Highland Division Memorial
  • 58th Division Memorial, Chipilly
  • Australian Corps Memorial Park
  • Australian Memorial Pozières Windmill
  • Newfoundland Memorial Park
  • Pozières Memorial to the Missing
  • Sheffield Memorial Park
  • South Africa Memorial (Delville Wood)
  • Tank Corps Memorial
  • Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
  • Ulster Memorial Tower
  • Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial
  • Cimetière de Serre-Hebuterne
  • Delville Wood Cemetery
  • Devonshire Cemetery
  • Fricourt German Cemetery
  • Hawthorn Ridge 2
  • Hunters Cemetery
  • London Cemetery & Extension
  • Pozières British Cemetery
  • St. Pierre Cemetery
  • Serre Road No. 2
  • Somme American Cemetery
  • Thiepval Anglo-French Cemetery
  • Villers-Bretonneux Cemetery
  • Y Ravine Cemetery
  • Franco-Australian Museum
  • Historial de la Grande Guerre, Péronne
  • Newfoundland Park Visitors' Centre
  • Ocean Villas Museum
  • South Africa Forces, Delville Wood
  • Thiepval Visitor Centre
  • Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre
  • B&B/Self-catering
  • Cafés & Restaurants
  • Tourist Offices
  • Amiens 1914-1918

Copyright © www.greatwar.co.uk All rights reserved.

Top Things to Do in Amiens, France - Amiens Attractions

Things to do in amiens, explore popular experiences, tours in and around amiens.

tourist office amiens france

Somme Battlefields from Paris with Australian memorial & Amiens Cathedral

tourist office amiens france

Sweet tour in Rouen (Small Group )

tourist office amiens france

  • Full-Day Private WW1 Australian Battlefield Day Tour from Amiens

tourist office amiens france

PRIVATE Australian Western Front Battlefields 3-Day Tour Ypres to Amiens

tourist office amiens france

  • Full day Private Australian Battlefields Tour

tourist office amiens france

  • WW1 Somme Battlfields

tourist office amiens france

  • Australian private Somme tour including Sir John Monash Centre

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Half a Day Private Battle of the Somme Tour

tourist office amiens france

Musee Somme 1916 Admission Ticket

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Top Attractions in Amiens

tourist office amiens france

Tours & Sightseeing

tourist office amiens france

Cultural & Theme Tours

Private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

Gareth S

  • Les Hortillonnages d'Amiens
  • Cathedrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens
  • Maison de Jules Verne
  • Parc Samara
  • Parc Saint-Pierre
  • Zoo d'Amiens
  • Barques des hortillonnages
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Somme Battlefields from Paris with Australian memorial & Amiens Cathedral
  • Musee de Picardie

Amiens Attractions Information

SecretMoona

A Travel and Lifestyle Blog

The Best Things to Do During a Weekend in Amiens, France

Last Updated on 24/06/2023 by secretmoona

Are you looking for the best things to do and enjoy during a weekend in Amiens, France?

Located in the Somme department, Amiens is a beautiful green city. It is known for its Notre Dame cathedral, Belfry (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), its hortillonnages (a cluster of floating gardens), and its Tour Perret, which greets you as you come out of the train station. You could easily spend a day wandering the streets of the colourful Saint-Leu neighbourhood and the city centre. However, there are so many fun and unusual things to do in Amiens that you should consider staying for a weekend. With all these attractions and historic sites, there is no doubt that there is plenty to do. 

Let’s explore the best things to do and see in Amiens, France , the city nicknamed “the Venice of the North”. 

Things to do in Amiens, France

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Where is Amiens, and is it worth a visit?

Amiens is located on the banks of the Somme River in the former Picardy, now known as Hauts-de-France . Strategically located close to Paris, Lille, Rouen and Brussels , Amiens is worth visiting and is an ideal destination for a day trip from Paris or a weekend getaway. It makes a great day trip option from Belgium too. 

Amiens is often overlooked by international tourists who prefer to explore other parts of France. Or, Amiens is a city with plenty of things to do to fill a weekend and more. Nature lovers, history enthusiasts and lovers of good food will all have plenty to do. 

What to do in Amiens, France

The things to do in Amiens, the green city, will surprise you.

Discover Amiens Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens)

What to do in Amiens - Discover Amiens Cathedral

I began my visit to Amiens by admiring the imposing Amiens Cathedral . You cannot but be blown away by the attention to detail put into building this impressive monument. As the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens is an architectural masterpiece. The cathedral is 145m long and 42m high, and with a surface of 7,000 square metres, it could fit Notre Dame de Paris twice. 

Notre Dame Cathedral - Amiens, France

The cathedral was erected between 1220 and 1288 and took only 68 years to build. It served as a model for both the cathedrals of Cologne and Bruges. Before pushing through the heavy doorways of the cathedral, be sure to admire the hundreds of carved sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible in the doors. The statues show figures from the Old and New Testaments, apostles, saints, prophets etc.

After admiring the detailed exterior, be once again amazed. Surprisingly, the inside is bright and airy. As you explore, pay attention to the choir stalls decorated with carved figures. If you have the time or don’t mind climbing the 307 steps of the North Tower, you could be rewarded with a great view of the city.

Stroll along the streets of Amiens

Gothic house on Place Notre Dame - Amiens, France

The area around the cathedral is steeped in history with cobblestones and Gothic houses. However, wandering the streets, you won’t find much older buildings since Amiens suffered significant damage during the First World War. Many buildings were then built in the Art Deco style.

Amiens City - Things to do in Amiens

The city centre area is very lively yet pleasant. Amiens is a big city but still relatively small compared to other big cities like Lyon or Bordeaux. There are some pedestrian streets and squares where you can take a rest. Wander Place Gambetta to see the town hall (Hotel de Ville), and admire the Dewailly clock and the Belfry. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belfry is an interesting building on some Saturdays and Sundays or during European Heritage Days. If you want to hit the shops or buy some souvenirs, head to the shopping Rue 3 Cailloux.   The Dewailly Clock or “Marie-sans-chemise” (shirtless Marie in English) is a sculpture by Amiens sculptor Albert Roze.

Dewailly Clock - Things to see in Amiens France

Wander in Saint-Leu neighbourhood 

Do you like the cobblestone lanes, steeped in history, with beautiful colourful half-timbered houses? Then you will fall for Saint-Leu! Saint-Leu is the most famous neighbourhood in Amiens , and while wandering the streets, you will quickly see why. It’s full of charm thanks to its colourful houses and eclectic architecture. Crossed by the Somme River and with various canals, the city has gained the nickname of Little Venice of the North . It’s a pleasure getting lost in the streets and admiring the different building facades lined along the river banks. 

Things to do in Amiens - Visit the colourful houses of Saint-Leu

As you cross the Dodane bridge over the Somme, look at the statue in the river and the ones on either side of the opposite street (as you face the cathedral). The sculpture of the man perched on a buoy is often the victim of jokers who like to dress him in quirky outfits. 

Saint-Leu is the oldest neighbourhood in Amiens, and while exploring, you can spot a little nod to Medieval times. Stroll through each of its streets to stumble upon the most beautiful houses, works of street art, unexpected art, an untypical bookstore or a charming antique shop.

Beautiful architecture - Things to do in Amiens France

While the neighbourhood is relatively quiet during the day, the terraces of cafes and restaurants fill up with locals enjoying a late-night meal and drink in the evening. The Quai Bélu , the entertainment hub, becomes the place to be. 

View the Chroma light show  

Things to do in Amiens - see the Chroma show

Each summer night, from July to September and during the Christmas Market (26 November to 31 December), a beautiful light 50-minute show brings to life the apostles, saints and other figures carved in the cathedral. The 50-minute Chroma show projects colourful designs onto the cathedral facade and garden. While admiring the bright display, you can see the many details and learn the story of the cathedral. 50 minutes seems a lot, but the show is so good that you don’t even realise it. 

Things to do in Amiens - see the Chroma show illuminations

Chroma, the Monumental Experience of Amiens Cathedral show ends on 18th September. 

Visit the Picardy Museum

Things to do in Amiens, France - Visit the Musée de Picardie

While wandering the streets of Amiens, you will come across an imposing and beautiful building which houses the Musée de Picardie . Culture enthusiasts will enjoy the quality of the works on display. These works include medieval art, sculptures, paintings from French and European artists and even some archaeological pieces. Outside the museum, there is a lovely garden where you can sit and admire the beautiful Second Empire-style building.

Outside the Picardy Museum - Amiens France

Follow in the footsteps of Jules Verne

Jules Verne House - Things to do in Amiens

Many famous people were either born or lived in Amiens, just like the current French president Emmanuel Macron. But the most famous inhabitant is the author Jules Verne. After living in Paris and Nantes (where he was born), Verne moved to Amiens in 1871 with his wife Honorine and lived in the house from 1882 until he died in 1905. It’s in this 19th-century mansion that he wrote Around the World in 80 Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea .

Foster in Jules Verne House - Amiens France

The visit to the Jules Verne House is made on four levels and starts on the ground floor. You move from the winter garden with the beautiful glass roof to other rooms where Jules Verne and his wife dine and entertain their friends. The first floor, reached by a spiral staircase, is dedicated to the publisher who participated in his successes: Pierre-Jules Hetzel. 

Jules Verne's study - Jules Verne House - Amiens France

On the next floor, you can explore the different rooms where he worked. All the decorations in the museum have been carefully reconstructed with fantastic attention to detail. Jules Verne has written more than 30 books, and you can see and examine some of them. On the last floor, you can see objects, including some flying machines Verne himself created and posters inspired by the creative writer.

Things to do in Amiens - Visit the Jules Verne Circus

If you wish to delve deeper into the imaginary life of Jules Verne, you can follow the “ In the footsteps of Jules Verne ” trail offered by the Tourist Office. The author participated actively in the local public life and was a counsellor. As you follow in his footsteps, you will explore landmarks that cemented Verne’s life in the city. Steps on the trails are the town hall, the Louis Aragon library, and the Jules Verne Circus , which he inaugurated himself. To finish the trail, head to the Madeleine cemetery , where he was buried in 1905. 

  • Address: 2 rue Charles Dubois
  • Tickets cost €7.50 for adults; 4€ for children aged 6 to 17; free for under 6-year-olds.

Admire the Tour Perret

Things to do in Amiens France - Admire the Tour Perret

The Perret Tower is another piece of architecture that dominates Amiens’ skyline. Built-in 1942 by architect Auguste Perret, it was one of Europe’s first residential skyscrapers. The 30 stories high (100 m in height) building is nearly as high as the spire of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Located in the city’s heart, it certainly helps you find your way. Although the tower is not as impressive during the day, it surprises with its illuminations at nightfall. 

Check out the street art

Check out the street art - Juan Spray - Amiens France

Street art seems to be present in all French cities, and Amiens appears to have a lot, too, especially in the Saint-Leu district. The cobblestone streets of the colourful neighbourhood are filled with frescoes from several artists. These street arts were created for the Festival IC.ON.IC, which took place from 15 September to 17 December 2021.  While wandering the street, you will several frescoes and art from the time of the festival, including newer additions.

Unusual things to do in Amiens – Discover Amiens’ hortillonnages 

Explore the hortillonnages of amiens .

The most unusual thing in Amiens is exploring Les Hortillonnages’ marsh gardens. I believe this cluster of floating gardens stretching over a maze of canals is unique worldwide. In any case, I have never come across something like this before. The Hortillonnages is 300 hectares of floating gardens covering the city. There are, in fact, 65 kilometres of canals between the Somme and Avre rivers. Since the Middle Ages, these floating gardens have been used by “ hortillons ” (gardeners) to grow fresh fruits and vegetables and use unique boats (barques à cornet) to transport them to markets. 

Explore the Hortillonnages of Amiens France

However, nowadays, they are primarily private gardens and serve as places of relaxation for locals. Hortillonnages are synonymous with calm, serenity and happiness. You are surrounded by nature, the tumult of the city suddenly disappearing. While visiting the Hortillonnages, you will discover colourful garden huts, flower beds, swans and ducks swimming gracefully…The best way to explore the hortillonnages and feel the unique atmosphere is by boat. You can either rent a boat and set off on your own adventure or join guided tours from April to October to learn about the origin of the stunning gardens.

Explore the Hortillonnages of Amiens France

Rent your own boat: This is the best option for people who want to do things at their own pace or with groups of friends or families. All you have to do is follow a route to see the surprising gardens. There is little chance of getting lost, and the water isn’t deep; just pay attention, as some areas are very narrow or overgrown by plants. There are two types of boats you could get: electric boats or rowboats.

Join a guided boat tour: Joining the guided tour is ideal if you don’t want to paddle around. The tours last about one hour, and you get information about the marshes and their origin. Les Hortillonnages guided boat tours are available from April to October.

If you have the chance to be in Amiens on the third Sunday in June, you will experience a reenactment of the water market as it was back in the day. During the Marché sur l’Eau Traditionnel, hortillons dress in old-fashioned clothes while selling fresh produce on their boats along the banks of the Somme River. 

You can also visit the Musée des Hortillonnages to learn about the history, life and work of the “hortillons”.

  • To find out about the timetables and cost of the boat tours, visit: Les Hortillonnages Amiens 
  • Head to La Maison des Hortillonnages ( 54 Bd Beauvillé) to book a guided tour. €7 per adult for a 45 minutes ride 
  • The Musée des Hortillonnages offers boat rentals  

Visit the “International Garden Festival” 

International Garden Festival: Hortillonnages Amiens - France

The best time to visit Amiens and the Hortillonnages is during the International Garden Festival: Hortillonnages Amiens , which takes place every year from June to mid-October. The festival aims to promote young artists (landscape artists, visual artists or architects) who come to exhibit their work. Primarily located on the Iles aux Fagots, the open-air museum has installations on several islands. Some of the installations are temporary, while others last from year to year. You are given a map detailing the path to see the arts. Some of these creations are intriguing, strange and funny. Still, the main thing is that it allows people to see unusual and exciting designs from young artists. You can do it both on foot and by boat. However, the boat enables you to see more.

View the Passerelles along the Chemin de Halage

Things to do in Amiens France - Stroll along the Somme River

Amiens’ top attractions are centred around the water, which is only normal considering the canals and rivers that cross the city. Once you have explored the Hortillonnages, I suggest you explore the sights along the Somme River. The Chemin de Halage is an excellent addition to the Hortillonnages and Park Saint Pierre on foot or by bike. As you follow the towpath, you will come across beautiful passerelles. These small bridges connect the houses located on the Hortillonnages to the road. Each of these bridges has its own decoration, and they are so beautifully done that it is an attraction in themselves!

Stroll in Parc Saint-Pierre

Things to do in Amiens - Stroll Parc Saint-Pierre

Amiens is a city that doesn’t lack green spaces. On top of the garden marshes, the town has several parks and gardens. The most important is Saint-Pierre Park. Located in the heart of the city between the Saint-Leu neighbourhood and the Hortillonnages. It’s a pleasure to walk the paths and bridges of the park, to sit on a bench and watch water birds swimming in the lake. The big park is perfect for kids to play or simply for getting together as a family or with friends to have a picnic or play a game. 

Things to do in and around Amiens?

If you have more than a day or a weekend to spend in Amiens, why not take the opportunity to explore a little further during your trip?

Le Grand Parc Naturel De La Prehistoire Samara

Located about 15 kilometres from Amiens is another location that contains lots of history. The historical park of Samara allows visitors to see a reconstruction of prehistoric houses and old crafts and a display of archaeological findings. While visiting the museum, visitors can also visit the arboretum and discover more than 500 different tree species.

The Bay of the Somme

The Bay of Somme is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Visit to discover the wonders of the Picardy coasts, such as the picturesque medieval town of Saint-Valery or Mers-les-Bains, one of the oldest seaside resorts in France. the bay of the sum is also a wild setting which shelters a vibrant fauna.

Weekend in Amiens – Practical information 

Getting to amiens .

Amiens benefit from excellent public transport networks. Due to its position between Paris and the rest of northern France (Normandy and Belgium), Amiens is a great base or stop for your trip. TER trains from Paris Gare du Nord are one hour away, and you can find fares as cheap as €5. You can also reach Amiens from the cities of Lille and Rouen in one hour and 15 minutes. Brussels, the Belgium capital, is 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The city is also effortless to explore on foot, by bike or by bus. 

The city is also straightforward to explore on foot, by bike or by bus; therefore, you won’t need a car. 

Where to eat in Amiens 

Although I stayed only two days in Amiens, I was able to try out as many places to eat as possible. After all, walking makes you hungry!

  • Miam’s – 14 rue des Chaudronniers: This restaurant serves sandwiches on organic bread, burgers and salads with vegetarian options. The food is homemade with local products. The lunchtime deal is a steal; desserts are yummy too. 
  • Fufu Ramen – 9 Quai Belu: This ramen bar offers a simple yet delicious menu. 
  • L’himalaya – Place Longueville: This Indian restaurant located in the Jules Verne Circus serves delicious food. 
  • Au Fil de l’Eau – 6 Bd de Beauvillé: The bistro located along Chemin de Halage is a lovely place with a cosy courtyard perfect for those summer days. 

What to eat in Amiens - Fufu Ramen

I have not tried any bars, but it’s easy to find a good one on Quai Belu. Baobar and Ad Hoc Cafe were particularly busy. 

Where to stay in Amiens

Amiens is a great city; it would be a shame to stay only a day. Whether you want to stay in the city centre or stay closer to nature, you will find the best suitable hotels. Here are some options to choose from – it’s worth noting that most of them are located close to the attractions in the guide to the best things to do in Amiens, France. 

  • Holiday Inn Express Amiens Gare : Located by the train station, this hotel is excellent for those staying a short time in Amiens. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and breakfast is complimentary, which is a plus. 
  • Mercure Amiens Cathédrale : Nice 4* hotel offering lovely views of the cathedral. Part of the Accor family, the Mercure is a nice hotel with a lovely design, spacious rooms and comfortable beds. Great location as a step away from most attractions. 
  • D’une Ile à l’Autre : Meaning ‘from one island to the other’ this hotel is located on a small island and is surrounded by green spaces. Guests can make use of the complimentary boats to explore the Hortillonnages.
  • Moxy Amiens : Stylish new hotel with affordable prices. Close to the station.
  • Ibis Styles Amiens Centre : I love this brand. The rooms and the hotel’s overall design are always great. Great value.
  • Au Jardin sur l’Eau : Lovely bed and breakfast located in the Hortillonnages. Perfect for those who wish to be closer to nature.

Planning your trip to Amiens, France 

To help plan your visit to Amiens, France, don’t hesitate to visit the websites of Somme Tourism and Amiens Tourism . Alternatively, visit the Amiens Tourist Office located near Notre Dame Cathedral. 

After seeing some lovely canal towns like Strasbourg and Annecy , I had wanted to visit Amiens for a long time. Wandering along the canal of “the Venice of the North” was an absolute pleasure. Amiens is a very relaxing and welcoming city with many exciting and unusual sites to explore. It’s not only a great day trip from Paris but also from Belgium. Give this charming city a go. You won’t be disappointed! 

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Discover the best things to do in Amiens, France. Explore the Venice of the North while strolling through the Saint-Leu neighbourhood, explore the Hortillonnages and admire the magnificent Cathedral Notre Dame of Amiens.

25 thoughts on “ The Best Things to Do During a Weekend in Amiens, France ”

What a lovely looking town! That cathedral is GORGEOUS!! I had no idea it was the largest gothic one in the world. I’d love to see it at night with the light show!

Thanks Maggie! It is indeed and the light show is one of the best I have seen!

We are always looking for new spots in France that are not the typical tourist spots. We will definitely have to consider a visit to Amiens on a return visit. Certainly knowing it is considered the “Venice of the North” would be a draw. The architecture looks stunning. And we do love cities with waterways to explore. We certainly would not miss the fun street art.

Thanks Linda. I am drawn to cities with a nice architecture and waterways and Amiens ticks all the boxes. Plus it’s such a green and walkable town too!

Wow! The cathedral looks incredibly beautiful!

I’d never heard of Amiens until now, but you really made me want to visit!

Yes, Amiens is off the international tourists radar, which is a shame. It has lots to offer.

The Amiens Cathedral is stunning! I love France and Amiens is definitely on my to-visit list!

Thanks. Amiens is a lovely destination.

Was looking for places to visit France. Never heard of this city but I absolutely love it from your post. I like how detailed you explained everything. Thank you

Glad I put Amiens on the map for you. I hope you can visit one day!

Your photos are beautiful! I’d love to check out the Saint-Leu neighborhood! The marsh gardens look like such a peaceful place to visit. It’d be awesome get to go to the International Garden Festival too!

Thanks Farrah. The marsh gardens are the perfect place to relax and forget about the craziness of the city.

The Picardy Museum seems amazing! And I love the details in the Cathedral buildings! Wow!!

I know right! What splendid buildings, both inside and out.

I wish I would’ve known about Amiens before our trip to Belgium this summer. It looks like such a charming city and a perfect day trip! I’d especially love to visit during that International Garden Festival. Thanks for sharing for the next time I’m in Europe – hopefully soon 😊. Xx Sara

Thank you Sara. Amiens is definitely worth a visit, especially for a longer break. Hope you do visit soon!

Wow the Cathedral looks incredible, especially during the light show. Definitely adding Amiens to my France bucket list. Thanks heaps for sharing

Thank you! Chroma was one of the best light shows I have ever seen. Definitely a highlight!

A day trip to Amiens from Paris sounds like a great idea & a weekend would be even better. The Basilica of our Lady looks amazing & would be at the top of my list of things to do. Thanks so much for this helpful guide!

The cathedral is stunning. I wish I had the time and courage to climb the stairs and appreciate the views from above. Hope you do when you visit!

What a fabulous cathedral. This town is on my bucket list. I would love to visit the Somme area particularly to visit the WWI battlefield memorials

Thank you and I’m glad to see that you are considering visiting Amiens and the Somme department. France is amazing, but I’m probably biased 🙂

The International Garden Festival and the church all lit up look so beautiful. They would be must stop for me.

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Check Out Sam | Travel guide, blog and info.

One weekend in Amiens: things to do, restaurants and awesome accommodation

Written by Sam Van den Haute aka CheckOutSam

Amiens is located near the fantastic bay of the Somme in Picardy. From Belgium it's barely a three hour drive and what you'll get to see here there will surely amaze you! It's not a big city, but still it manages to amaze with all of its sights and things to do. Are you up for a fun weekend in France? Then Amiens is the place to be!

Sam Van den Haute CheckoutSam

Hi, I'm Sam , the blogger behind CheckOutSam !

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What will you read in this blog?

Hidden between Lille and Paris , Amiens is often overlooked. And that is completely unjustified, because there is plenty to do here to fill a weekend! Culture lovers, nature enthusiasts and gastronomic city trippers will certainly find something to their liking. Getting curious? Read on!

things to do in amiens

5x Things to do in Amiens

A cozy city center and one of the greenest cities in France. The things to do in Amiens will amaze you.

The Hortillonnages of Amiens

Three hundred acres of islets. You wouldn’t expect it in a city, but Amiens has hundreds of floating gardens! In the eighteenth century these yards were mainly used by vegetable growers (‘hortillons’) because the soil here is so fertile. Today, many of these floating kitchen gardens have become private property and serve perfectly as a place of relaxation for people living in the city.

Around the Hortillonnages hundreds of kilometers of waterways run which you can explore by boat. Actually, it reminded me of a swamp! The Everglades, but then in France you could say. From a boat you can marvel at the most beautiful flower gardens, the wild nature or perhaps even visit the le festival Art, villes & paysage. Bird spotters are also in luck here. I never saw so many kingfishers as I did here!

There are three possibilities to visit the Hortillonnages of Amiens:

With your own boat

This is the best option for real adventurers!

The advantage of having your own boat is that you can explore the Hortillonnages at your own pace. You don’t actually have to be afraid that you will get lost, because along the way there is also more or less a route marked out. I recommend to take a small and manoeuvrable boat (canoe or kayak), because some parts of these floating gardens can be very narrow or overgrown by plants.

A classic guided boat tour

From the boulevard Beauvillé you can also arrange a guided boat tour. You’ll board for an hour in a traditional boat and along the way you’ll get some more information about this marshy area. You’ll get to see lots of beautiful flower gardens and if you are lucky, the driver might even sing a serenade! This option is ideal for people who want to take it a little easier.

Visit ‘le festival Art, villes & paysage’ with an electric rental boat

Le festival Art, villes & paysage is an open-air museum on a part of the islands. From the Rue Roger Allou you can rent an electric boat for up to two hours and from there you can sail quietly between the gardens. Along every island that participates in this route is a pontoon where you can moor so you can stretch your legs. You will then find beautiful works of art on these floating gardens. Either they have to do with nature (for example, there are a lot of braided trees and plants that make for extraterrestrial landscapes. Incredibly beautiful!) or they are somewhat more abstract (and sometimes even very funny).

If you’re tired of all that art, you can also just moor somewhere and relax. In good weather the Hortillonnages are the paradise on earth!

hortillonnages amiens

Explore le festival Art, villes & paysage with a boat. It promises to be a great experience!

musee des hortillonnages amiens

In le festival Art, villes & paysage you’ll find beautiful art that often has something to do with nature.

canoe hortillonnages amiens

Explore the Hortillonnages with your own boat. Adventure guaranteed!

The house of Jules Verne

Amiens has many famous inhabitants! Did you know, for example, that the current French president, Emmanuel Macron, is from here? Perhaps a tad more familiar is Mr. Jules Verne: the author of numerous fantastic stories that you have undoubtedly heard of. For me it was mainly ‘The journey around the world in 80 days’ that rang a bell.

Fans of this literary genius should certainly not forget to visit his former home in Amiens. At first glance it looks like a rather classic house, but the higher you climb the more fantastic this museum becomes. You start at the beautiful winter garden and make your way up (via a beautiful, winding staircase). A copy of his famous submarine, Nautilus , can be found on the third floor where this creator wrote all his books (be sure to pay attention to the monstrously thick books and the many world maps.) It sometimes seems as if Jules was more of an explorer than a writer!)

Personally, I liked the attic the most. There you really get a hint of how popular Jules Verne was and still is. Hundreds of translations, film pamphlets and promotional material about his most famous work: The journey around the world in 80 days was sent out to the world from here.

Do you want to thank this author personally for his beautiful fiction? Then give him a final greeting at the Cimetière de La Madeleine d’Amiens. His tomb is really beautiful!

house of jules verne amiens

The house of Jules Verne.

inside house of jules verne

Jules Verne became a rich man because of his books! You can also see that in the beautiful interior.

amiens house jules verne

My personal favorite room: the attic! Here you can really see how famous Verne was.

The Cathedral of Amiens: the Nôtre-Dame

If you already find the Nôtre-Dame of Paris impressive, wait until you see the Cathedral of Amiens. Bigger, nicer and much less crowded.

Hundreds of life-size sculptures (and some double the size of a human being!) are staring at you from the façade, while you undoubtedly enjoy the grandeur of this landmark of Amiens landmark with your mouth open. The stories of all these sculptures are very special and I think it really is an added value to explore the cathedral of Amiens with a guide. He or she not only tells you about the fabulous façade, but also takes you inside and also shows you the view from the tower (more than a hundred meters high). After climbing 302 steps you really understand how big this Nôtre-Dame is.

Inside the Cathedral of Amiens it is surprisingly light. Many of the original stained-glass windows have unfortunately disappeared, but there are still some beautiful specimens on the back. They are even related to the colorful windows that make Sainte-Chapelle (Paris) so beautiful. Artful sculptures, priceless art and beautiful floor patterns adorn the interior even further. Don’t go too fast, because there are many beautiful details to see! Above the entrance gates of the cathedral, you should also pay attention to the gigantic organ. Colossal, but that’s also quite necessary if you see the size of this church!

Finally, I also recommend walking around the Nôtre-Dame. You’ll see many beautiful details along the sides. A nice view over the tower you get from the park just next to the cathedral, or while you cycle along the Somme river. The Cathedral of Amiens dominates the skyline of the city.

cathedral amiens

Now look at all those detailed sculptures. Fantastic!

notre dame amiens interior

Did you know that the Nôtre-Dame of Paris can be placed inside the Cathedral of Amiens twice? This building is really gigantic!

view cathedral amiens tower

And from the tower you get a spectacular view over Amiens.

Chroma: a light show with history

From mid-June to mid-September, the beauty of the Nôtre-Dame is emphasized even more. Every night a beautiful light show is projected on the cathedral. The colorful stories that play before your eyes emphasize the millions of details of the façade even more. Actually it’s impossible to know where to look at first! For half an hour you are overloaded with impressions and although that may seem long, it’s over in a blink of the eye.

Nowadays you can find such light spectacles all over the world, but what really makes Chroma exceptional is the second part. After the psychedelic creations that adorn the facade of the cathedral, you get to see how the Nôtre-Dame once really looked like. In a distant past the hundreds of sculptures had been brightened up in thousands of colors. Blue, red, green and yellow … The cathedral of Amiens was actually a painting! I also liked the free guides who appeared before the cathedral afterwards. They tell you the stories of these illuminated sculptures, a little history of the cathedral and of course they can answer any questions you have. Don’t forget to visit the cathedral the next day too. If you go stand quite close to the statues, you’ll clearly see the traces of what must have been the most colorful cathedral in France!

amiens cathedral chroma

There’s no better way to end your day!

chroma amiens things to do

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular things to do in Amiens: The Chroma light show.

View Passerelles during a bike ride along the water

Although Amiens is a relatively large city, you’ll find a lot of green and lots of water here. Of course that has everything to do with the Hortillonnages. Once you have visited these swampy islands, I recommend to rent a two-wheeler and also see the other side of the Hortillonnages: these along the Somme river.

From the narrow footpaths and cycle paths the beautiful Passerelles stand out immediately. These small bridges connect the inhabited part of the Hortillonnages with the rest of Amiens. They are often so artfully decorated that it is an attraction in itself! Wrought iron, wooden or concrete constructions ensure that outsiders can’t just enter and often it becomes a bit of a weird sight. You don’t see a floating door at the top of a bridge every day!

If you keep on cycling, you’ll leave most of the passerelles behind. Nature is now becoming wilder and the narrow river turns into a lake where hundreds of birds search for food between the beautiful water lilies and the tender duckweed. Of course you can cycle a lot further, because the bike paths seem infinite. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to occasionally quench your thirst. A great place, about half an hour from Amiens, is MELBA (Maison Eclusière de Lamotte Brebière Amiens). A long name to make clear that these kind of houses used to be inhabited by someone who had to open the locks when a boat passed. Since nowadays everything can be done automatically, these houses fell into disrepair. Fortunately, the city of Amiens came up with a great solution: a kind of roadside restaurant, but then for cyclists. Are you thirsty or hungry? Then there is no better place than here to stop!

amiens passerelles

One of the nicest passerelles I saw in Amiens. It looks like the entrance to a fort!

amiens bike ride

During a bike ride through Amiens you get to see many beautiful landscapes!

MELBA maison amiens

If you continue to follow the water far enough from Amiens, you might end up at MELBA. The perfect place to quench your thirst!

3x Delicious restaurants in Amiens

The French cuisine in all its glory! In Amiens you’ll find more than enough great restaurants.

Au Fil de l’Eau

Are you looking for a nice place to have lunch? Then go to Au Fil de l’Eau . This bistrot is located along the Somme river (near D’une île a l’autre , a fantastic accommodation that you can read more about further in this article). The cozy courtyard is the perfect place to have lunch if the sun shines. Choose a croque monsieur (toasted bread with ham and cheese) or go full on for some meat or fish. They also have a lot of choice for vegetarians here. Definitely try some fries here, because they are really tasty! And if you admit that as a Belgian in France, then they must be really delicious, right?

au fil de l'eau amiens restaurant

A nicer place to eat is almost impossible.

Le Quai is one of the more upscale restaurants in Amiens. It is located in the nicest part of the city and therefore a reservation may be necessary if you want to dine here. An extensive menu with specialties of the region and delicious desserts spoil your taste buds as only French cuisine can. For dessert, try a rabote, a specialty from Amiens. Yum!

restaurants amiens le quai

Good food in a cozy interior and with smooth service at Le Quai.

In a side street of the Nôtre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens lies Big Ben . A small, truly French restaurant with delicious dishes. Whether you fancy a burger, a refined salad or a tasty piece of fish: you’ll be taken well care for here. I don’t think that I’m exaggerating, because this bistrot even won a place in the famous Gault & Millot!

big ben amiens restaurants

A cold soup of zucchini, mascarpone, mint and lemon. Wonderfully refreshing!

1 x A fantastic hotel in Amiens

Do you want to stay in the middle of nature and yet in the middle of the city? One of the nicest / most cozy / original accommodation I have ever stayed at.

D’une île à l’autre

There are certainly several good hotels in Amiens, but it can’t get much more unique and original than D’une île à l’autre  (‘from one island to the other’). Imagine an accommodation enclosed by nature, surrounded by gently lapping lakes that are completely filled with water lilies. Each hut is located almost on its own island here, and to get from one island to the other you are forced to climb the beautiful wooden bridges. Each cabin is equipped with all modern conveniences. A soft bed, a comfortable sofa, a modern shower and a small kitchen. And if you really want a summer barbecue, you can do so too of course.

As if the location is not enough, everything here is planned to make your weekend in Amiens completely fantastic. You can use the canoes (or other boats) for free to explore the Hortillonnages on your own. Highly recommended, by the way. The narrow streams and brooks are overgrown with beautiful plants and the further you paddle, the more unique the landscapes become. Some islands are dotted with bright flowers and others are inhabited by curious creatures. I couldn’t help but think that I was an explorer who sailed through the dense rain forests along the Amazon.

A rainforest in the middle of a big city. Fantastic!

In the morning you wake up by the gentle sounds of all kinds of (water) birds or chirping insects. By means of a soft thud against your cabin, you know that your breakfast is ready. You pull open the curtains and are welcomed into an upside-down paradise that is reflected onto the flat water surface. Then you open the door of your cabin and you see a well-filled breakfast basket dangling from a hook. A great French breakfast to start your second day in Amiens. You can definitely use that energy when you choose to take one of the free bikes from D’une île à l’autre for your exploration along the Somme river.

Do you also feel completely enchanted by this fantastic accommodation? More info can be found on their website .

hotel amiens d'une ile a l'autre

A hotel in Amiens like no other: D’une île à l’autre!

d'une ile a l'autre amiens

Definitely go kayaking! The neighboring islands are fantastic to explore.

hotel amiens d'une ile a l'autre

Cozy and with a beautiful view!

d'une ile a l'autre amiens hotel

And you also wake up with a fantastic view!

As you can see, Amiens is a city wrapped in green and surrounded by blue. Nature is never far away in this beautiful city, but culture enthusiasts and food lovers will also find their hearts conquered by this top French city. Amiens is only three hours away from Belgium and five hours away from the Netherlands. So… What are you waiting for? Allez-y!

This article was in collaboration with the tourist office of France, Atout France .

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The Good Life France

Everything You Want to Know About France and More...

Amiens in Picardy makes for a fascinating visit

  • Janine Marsh

Amiens Cathedral looming over the old district of St Leu, flower filled pots along a cafe lined canal

Amiens, the capital city of Picardy in northern France, is one for your bucket list. It has an age-old history and an incredible UNESCO listed Gothic Cathedral. There is also a remarkable “Green Venice” of ancient canals which criss cross the city, an extraordinary network of watery arteries dotted with hundreds of floating gardens. This is a city that has everything from outstanding nature to museums, culture, fabulous restaurants and a thriving cafe culture.

Water market

Canal lined with market stalls in Amiens

Every third Saturday in June, the market gardeners arrive by traditional flat bottomed boat to sell their goods at the “Marche sur l’Eau” (water market). It’s a very colourful and merry event. The market traders dress in medieval costume in this homage to the days of old when market trade was conducted from boats. It’s a delicious day out and lots of fun.

Read more about the hortillonnages 

Art with a heart

Boat on the canals of the incredible floating gardens of Amiens

Each year a unique Art & Garden festival takes place in the hortillonnages. You’ll discover an outdoor art gallery which spills into the water and on islands and riverbanks. From Spring to autumn some 50 artworks are installed on the islands and in the water. Some of them are monumental, all of them are extraordinary. The only way to see them all is by electric boat and you can take a self-guided tour. Follow the circuit, all the islands featured in the festival have pontoons where you can tie up your boat and then wander freely.

Entry is not at the same place as the normal guided boat tours of the hortillonnages. Instead make your way to the Port à Fumier, Camon district where you can to rent an electric boat for this fabulous excursion. Expect to spend around two and a half hours seeing all 50 artworks. There are parking spaces available and a welcome desk.

Read more about the Art and Garden Festivals

The biggest Cathedral in France

Amiens Cathedral, the facade carved in exquisite detail

The first stone of Amiens Cathedral was laid in the year 1220. It is a masterpiece of Gothic art. At 145metres long and 70 metres wide at the transept – it is truly monumental and utterly divine. In the summer and December, the Cathedral is lit up with an astounding, free sound and light show.

Read more about the Cathedral and sound and light show

Jules Verne’s house

Tall tower at the home of Jules Verne in Amiens

The rooms are filled with the reference books, geographical surveys and scientific reports which inspired his fantastic stories of journeys to the centre of the earth, the moon, under the sea and of course, around the world in 80 days. His study looks as if he’s just popped out. Wood panelled walls have the patina of history embedded in them. And there’s a fabulous collection of books, posters and even models – including a flying machine Verne imagined before aircraft were invented. It’s a fascinating visit with an audio guide.

amiens.fr/Maison-de-Jules-Verne

Island life

Table and chairs at the side of a stream in Amiens floating gardens

In my beautiful 120 year old, tastefully decorated cabin for two I felt cossetted and cocooned, the star of my own Robinson Crusoe story. In the gorgeous gardens I crossed little wooden footbridges to explore dozens of islands all around me. Lilies floated on the calm canals. Roses and willows dipped down to the water’s edge. And the air was filled with the song of frogs and birds. I slept like a baby and can honestly say, it’s one of the most unusual, memorable and wonderful B&B’s I’ve ever stayed in. Details: Ch’Canard, Rivery

Where to eat out

Restaurants alongside the canals of Amiens

There are plenty of cafés, bistros and fine restaurants in the city…

Locals love : Le Quai restaurant is hugely popular with the locals. In its prime position in Quai Belu overlooking the canal, with the Cathedral in the background, it’s great for coffee, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and even better for lunch or dinner. The staff are friendly. The menu is terrific with an emphasis on fresh regional products, classic French brasserie dishes, delicious salads and excellent vegetarian options. restaurant-lequai.fr

Riverside lunch: Overlooking the river Somme, at the entrance to the hortillonnages, Au Fil de l’Eau restaurant is lovely inside. But head outside on a sunny day. Seated on a terrace that makes you feel as if you’re in a treehouse, or in a flower filled garden courtyard, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the country. The menu is typically French with fresh and seasonal products. Local classics such as Ficelle Picarde, a savoury pancake topped with a creamy sauce are utterly delicious. Find them on Facebook

Wine and dine : Brasserie Jules is an institution in the city and a family favourite for Sunday lunch. Paris brasserie style with gleaming brass and plush red banquettes, Jules Verne (in a photo) seems to look on approvingly while artworks depicting scenes from his tales decorate the walls. The seafood platters here are legendary. Piled high with the freshest of shellfish, and the most succulent oysters. brasserie-jules.fr

Practical information

From Paris, Amiens is a little over an hour by train, and from Calais by car it’s around an hour and a half.

The tourist office is next to the Cathedral: amiens-tourisme.com

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tourist office amiens france

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  1. Office de tourisme d'Amiens Métropole, Offices de Tourisme à Amiens

    tourist office amiens france

  2. Office de Tourisme Amiens (Ailly-sur-Somme)

    tourist office amiens france

  3. Office de Tourisme Amiens (Ailly-sur-Somme): UPDATED 2020 All You Need

    tourist office amiens france

  4. Office de Tourisme Amiens (Ailly-sur-Somme) : 2020 Ce qu'il faut savoir

    tourist office amiens france

  5. Amiens, France Tourist Information Office

    tourist office amiens france

  6. Office De Tourisme : Site Touristique Amiens 80000 (adresse, horaire et

    tourist office amiens france

COMMENTS

  1. The Tourist Office

    Our opening hours THE AMIENS MÉTROPOLE TOURIST AND CONVENTION OFFICE WELCOMES YOU: - Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6.30pm (6.00pm from October to March) - and Sunday from 10.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

  2. Amiens

    Nature & Slow tourismeADRT80-Ab Nature & slow tourism Rejuvenating ! classics La cathédrale depuis la place du DonFrench Wanderers Notre Dame d'Amiens Cathedral Maquette cathédrale CIAPLaurent Rousselin Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre Tigre de Sumatra au Zoo d'Amiens MétropoleOTCAM Amiens Zoo Musée de PicardieLaurent Rousselin

  3. Amiens

    émouvant ! Le Quai de l'innovationLaurent Rousselin, Amiens Métropole Tourisme d'affaires Motivant ! les incontournables La cathédrale depuis la place du DonFrench Wanderers La cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens Maquette cathédrale CIAPLaurent Rousselin Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine

  4. L'office de tourisme

    Office de Tourisme et des Congrès d'Amiens Métropole 23 Place Notre Dame BP 11018 80 010 Amiens Cedex 1. Horaires +33 (0)3 22 71 60 50. Ecrivez-nous. Infos pratiques. Amiens en famille; Amiens, une destination pour tous; Brochures; Galerie photos; Amiens; Haut de France; Mentions légales; Crédits;

  5. 15 Best Things to Do in Amiens (France)

    Les Hortillonnages On the western side of Amiens, within walking distance of the cathedral, the city gives way to a 65-kilometre network of canals coursing through reclaimed farmland with small houses. These floating gardens are the vegetable plots of the "hortillons", market gardeners who have been working these lands since medieval times.

  6. Tourist Office of Amiens

    The Tourist Office of Amiens Métropole, located on the front of the cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from April 1 to September 30 (18 hours from October 1 to March 31) and Sunday from 10am to 12pm and 14h to 17h (all year). Have your say Plan your stay Finding a hotel a vacation rental a bed & breakfast a campsite

  7. Things to do in Amiens

    Amiens To visit Amiens is to let yourself glide poetically through the floating gardens of Les Hortillonnages. It's to allow your spirits to be lifted by the soaring heights of the city's famous Gothic cathedral and to discover relaxing and enjoyable museums.

  8. Visit Amiens

    Amiens, also a World Heritage travel destination in France, boasts of a host of treasures awaiting your discovery, including the cathedral and Belfry, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, the hortillonnages gardens, Jules Verne's house and the Saint-Leu district on the very edge of the water, all set in surroundings ideal to explore on fo...

  9. Amiens

    Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Somme 8.2 59 Virtual visit Add to favourites Add to itinerary Capital of Picardy and city of Art and history, Amiens possesses a gem of Gothic art : the Notre-Dame cathedral.

  10. Amiens travel

    Tour Perret Amiens One of Europe's earliest skyscrapers, the reinforced concrete Perret Tower (110m) faces the train station. It was designed by Belgian architect Auguste… View more attractions 02 / Plan with a local Experience the real France Let a local expert craft your dream trip. Get started 03 / Articles Latest stories from Amiens

  11. Prepare of Amiens your visit as a family

    The Amiens Metropole Tourist Office offers you audio-guided tours of the Cathedral for the entire family year round! Adult version: French, English, Dutch, German, Chinese, Spanish, Italian and Russian. Children's version: French and English. Duration: From 45 min (short version) to 1 hr 15 min (detailed version)

  12. Amiens Tourist Office

    The Tourist Office is open all year round:- From Monday to Saturday:• 9.30am to 6.30pm, from 1st April to 30th September,• 9.30am to 6pm, from 1st October to 31st March,- Sunday:• 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm Photos Don't miss these special features Previous Next

  13. Office de Tourisme Amiens

    The office is located 10-15 minutes walk from train station and is conveniently located near Amiens Cathedral Notre Dame , a magnificent cathedral visible from anywhere in town. The office provides city map, brochures and information about walking or bike tours, boat tour around hortillongues (I don't remember correct spelling, but the marsh ...

  14. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Amiens

    2023. 1. Cathedrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens. 4,483. Points of Interest & Landmarks. Amiens Cathedral is one of the finest examples of late Gothic art in Europe. It is also the Cathedral of records since it is the largest in France and the spire rises to a height of 112.70 meters. The towers provide splendid views of the city and of the last ...

  15. The Hortillonnages

    Amiens Tourist Office and Convention Bureau 23 Place Notre Dame BP 11018 80 010 Amiens Cedex 1. Opening hours +33 (0)3 22 71 60 50. Write to us. Useful information. Amiens for the family; Amiens a destination for everyone; Brochures; Photo gallery; Amiens; Haut de France; Legal Notice; Credits; Sitemap;

  16. Amiens France travel and tourism, attractions and sightseeing and

    Amiens is in the Picardy region of northern France, north of Paris and south-west of Lille and Arras. Exploring Amiens France This Way review: Amiens suffered greatly in both world wars, and didn't benefit from housing developments in the 1960's and 1970's.

  17. Amiens

    2 The Hortillonages ( Hortillonnages d'Amiens ), 54 Boulevard de Beauville, ☏ +33 3 22 92 12 18. market gardens and allotments separated by small canals connected by private bridges, are visitable by boat from available at Maison des Hortillonnages. edit Do [ edit] 1 Jules Verne Museum.

  18. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Amiens

    1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens This UNESCO-listed cathedral is the world's largest Gothic church of the medieval era (and today is still the largest cathedral in France), based on its total surface area of 7,700 square meters.

  19. Tourist Information for the Somme, France

    Office de Tourisme d'Amiens Métropole. 40, place Notre-Dame. 80000 AMIENS. Amiens Central Tourist Office. This office is 200 metres from the cathedral. Rue Desevel leads off the south-west corner of the Place Notre-Dame at the western doors of the cathedral. Office de Tourisme d'Amiens. 6 bis, Rue Dusevel. BP 11018. 80000 AMIENS

  20. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Amiens

    Top Things to Do in Amiens, France - Amiens Attractions Things to Do in Amiens Explore popular experiences See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All Day Trips (6) Tours & Sightseeing (9) Cultural & Theme Tours (8) Private & Custom Tours (8) Top Picks Airport & Hotel Transfers (2) Walking Tours (2)

  21. The Best Things to Do During a Weekend in Amiens, France

    Strategically located close to Paris, Lille, Rouen and Brussels, Amiens is worth visiting and is an ideal destination for a day trip from Paris or a weekend getaway. It makes a great day trip option from Belgium too. Amiens is often overlooked by international tourists who prefer to explore other parts of France.

  22. A perfect weekend in Amiens: things to do, restaurants & accommodation

    5x Things to do in Amiens. The Hortillonnages of Amiens. With your own boat. A classic guided boat tour. Visit 'le festival Art, villes & paysage' with an electric rental boat. The house of Jules Verne. The Cathedral of Amiens: the Nôtre-Dame. Chroma: a light show with history.

  23. Amiens in Picardy makes for a fascinating visit

    The biggest Cathedral in France. The first stone of Amiens Cathedral was laid in the year 1220. It is a masterpiece of Gothic art. At 145metres long and 70 metres wide at the transept - it is truly monumental and utterly divine. ... The tourist office is next to the Cathedral: amiens-tourisme.com. Search Search.