Discover Amiens | A Visitor's Introduction to Amiens, Picardy

Why is Amiens Worth a Visit?

Amiens is worth visiting for its harmonious blend of heritage, creativity, and tranquil charm. At its heart stands the largest cathedral in France, a marvel of medieval architecture that dominates the skyline. But beyond its towering spires, the city offers a patchwork of quiet canals, floating gardens, art museums, and lively squares lined with cafés and restaurants.

The city’s history stretches from Roman times through the world wars, and it retains a strong sense of character while embracing modern life. It’s also remarkably green, with the unique hortillonnages (floating gardens) giving Amiens an almost Venetian flair. Whether you're here to admire architectural beauty, soak in cultural treasures, or relax on a boat cruise through its waterways, Amiens is a rewarding and unexpectedly charming destination.

Amiens Highlights: Things to See and Do in Amiens

Amiens Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens)

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is without doubt the city's crowning glory. Completed in the 13th century, the cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece larger than Notre-Dame de Paris. Its ornate façade is decorated with hundreds of statues, and inside you'll find intricate carvings, colourful stained glass, and a beautifully carved choir screen. In summer and during the festive season, the façade is brought to life with a stunning sound and light show called Chroma, which recreates its original painted appearance.

Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

Amiens is famous for its hortillonnages—a network of small, cultivated islands crisscrossed by narrow canals, just a short walk from the city centre. Originally used by market gardeners, the gardens today are part nature reserve, part open-air art gallery. You can explore them on guided electric boat tours from April to October or hire a boat yourself. Every summer, the Festival Art, Villes & Paysage brings contemporary art installations to the gardens, blending nature and creativity in a unique setting.

Maison de Jules Verne

The legendary author of Around the World in 80 Days and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lived in Amiens for over 30 years, and his house is now a wonderfully preserved museum. The exhibits cover his life, works, and the imaginative spirit that made him one of France’s most beloved writers. Step inside his world, from the red-brick tower to the vintage library, and discover how this quiet northern city inspired grand literary adventures.

Musée de Picardie

This museum is one of the best regional museums in France. Housed in a striking 19th-century building, it offers a wide-ranging collection from prehistoric artefacts and Roman mosaics to medieval sculpture and 19th-century paintings. Recent renovations have modernised the space while preserving its historic charm. Don’t miss the fine art section, which includes works by Courbet, Tissot, and Puvis de Chavannes.

Saint-Leu District

The old working-class quarter of Saint-Leu has been transformed into Amiens’ liveliest neighbourhood. Its brightly coloured houses line the canals, and the cobbled streets are filled with art galleries, student bars, and cosy restaurants. At night, Saint-Leu buzzes with life, especially around Rue des Bondés. It's also the best place to try local specialities while enjoying views of the softly lit cathedral towering above the rooftops.

Tour Perret

This concrete skyscraper near the train station is one of the earliest high-rise buildings in France. Designed by Auguste Perret in the 1950s, the tower stands as a symbol of the city’s post-war reconstruction. While it's not open to the public, it makes for a striking modern contrast to the historic core of Amiens and is especially dramatic when lit up at night.

Amiens Zoological Park

Ideal for families or animal lovers, the city’s zoo is located in a peaceful parkland area near the city centre. It’s home to over 100 species from around the world, many of them endangered. The enclosures are well-designed to promote conservation and education, and the relaxed setting makes for a pleasant afternoon outing.

Cirque Jules Verne

Amiens is home to one of the few permanent circuses in France, housed in a beautiful circular theatre dating back to 1889. Now a hub for contemporary circus arts, the venue hosts creative and acrobatic performances year-round. Even if you don’t catch a show, the building itself is worth seeing.

Amiens Market and Local Shopping

The city's Saturday market around Place Parmentier is one of the largest in the region, bursting with fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, and regional delicacies. Try gâteau battu, a rich, airy brioche that’s a local favourite. Nearby Rue des Trois Cailloux is the main shopping street, lined with boutiques, bookshops, and patisseries.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Amiens is conveniently located just 1 hour 10 minutes from Paris by direct train from Gare du Nord. Trains run frequently throughout the day. If you're driving, Amiens is about 90 minutes from Paris and under 2 hours from Calais via the A16 motorway. Its central location also makes it a good base for exploring the Somme battlefields or the Baie de Somme.

Parking

Amiens has several large car parks in and around the city centre. The Parking Perret near the station and Parking Amiens 2 Lions near the cathedral are both well-situated for exploring on foot. Street parking is also available, but it can be busy during peak hours. Some areas require payment via meters or mobile apps.

Dining

Amiens offers an excellent mix of traditional French and contemporary cuisine. For a gourmet experience, Les Orfèvres near the cathedral offers elegant dishes with seasonal ingredients. Le Quai in the Saint-Leu district serves creative food in a stylish canal-side setting. For something casual, try Bistrot La Peña for French tapas or Chocolaterie Trogneux for rich hot chocolate and pastries—Emmanuel Macron’s family, incidentally, runs the business!

Specialities to look out for include ficelle picarde (a savoury pancake stuffed with ham, mushrooms and béchamel), duck pâté, and locally brewed beers.

Shopping

Amiens is a great place to pick up unique gifts and regional products. Rue des Trois Cailloux and the streets surrounding Place Gambetta are home to independent boutiques, chocolatiers, and craft shops. For souvenirs, visit the Office de Tourisme for locally made items, books about Jules Verne, or regional foods like Picardy cider and artisanal terrines.

When to Visit

Amiens is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are from late spring to early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. June to September is perfect for boat trips in the hortillonnages and outdoor dining.

December is a magical time as the city hosts one of northern France’s biggest Christmas markets, with wooden chalets, fairground rides, and festive decorations transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland.

Local Events

The Chroma light show on the cathedral façade is a major highlight, running from mid-June to mid-September and again during the Christmas season.

In July, the Festival Art, Villes & Paysage brings contemporary art installations to the floating gardens, offering a rare combination of culture and countryside. The Jules Verne Festival, held in autumn, celebrates the author’s legacy with lectures, performances, and themed events.

Exploring Beyond Amiens

From Amiens, it’s easy to explore the broader Somme region. The WWI battlefields and memorials, including Thiepval and Beaumont-Hamel, are less than an hour’s drive away. The Baie de Somme, with its marshes, bird sanctuaries, and charming coastal towns like Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, makes for an easy and rewarding day trip.