11 Things To Do In Amiens, France

Are you looking for things to do in Amiens, France?

Amiens is located in Picardy, on the magnificent Somme Bay. It’s not a large city, but it still manages to stand out with its views and activities.

Located halfway between Lille and Paris, Amiens is sometimes overlooked.  This is unjustified, considering Amiens offers enough activities to fill a weekend!

Culture buffs, environment lovers, and culinary city visitors will all find something to their satisfaction.

11 Things To Do In Amiens, France

Here’s a quick guide to help you get the most out of your visit to Amiens.

1. Stop by Amiens Cathedral

The UNESCO-listed cathedral is one of the most important specimens of Gothic architecture in the world, and one of the top things to see in Amiens, France. The meticulous workmanship, in addition to its enormous size, is a must-see.

The front façade has three ornate portals with 750 statues of religious characters, prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ, which are influenced by the western façade of Notre Dame in Paris.

The interior of the Amiens Cathedral has 126 pillars and ceilings that exceed 42 meters in height. With soaring buttresses, vivid stained glass, and a spectacular high altar, the sanctuary is as enormous as it is light and airy.

2. Spend an Afternoon at Musée de Picardie (Museum of Fine Arts)

The Picardy Museum, styled after the Louvre and one of the top sites to visit in Amiens, is one of the best museums outside of Paris.

Amiens’ fine arts museum is housed in a beautiful Second Empire structure. It features a large collection that includes archaeological artifacts, medieval art, sculptures, and European paintings.

The sculpture collection, which includes works by El Greco, Tiepolo, Corot, Fragonard, and Courbet is a must-see.

Visitors will also see works by famous artists of the twenty-first century such as Picasso and Mirô, as well as masterpieces by El Greco, Tiepolo, Corot, Fragonard, and Courbet. 

3. Visit Maison de Jules Verne

The Jules Verne House is a must-see attraction in Amiens.

Visitors to Amiens who enjoy science fiction should spend time at the mansion where the “father of science fiction,” Jules Verne, once resided.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days are two books by the famous 19th-century French author that are regarded classics today.

Jules Verne stayed in the home for 18 years until passing away in 1905. The structure has a unique tower and domed skylight, which are both worth seeing and exploring.

4. See Les Hortillonnages

When in Amiens, one can’t miss this interesting garden in the swampy district of Amiens, amidst the Somme and Avre rivers.

Les Hortillonnages, often known as the “Amiens Floating Gardens,” is water-based marsh gardens that are one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The type of boats used to navigate the marshes have been in use to transport products since the medieval era and are designed to dock quickly without destroying the delicate shoreline of the cultivated fields.

This area is also called the Venice of the North and one of the top Amiens attractions.

5. Explore Saint-Leu

Saint-Leu is a district of Amiens, France, with a network of picturesque canals that resemble Venice.

Wander around this stylish district, which stretches from the cathedral to the Port d’Aval harbor on the Somme River, to explore art galleries and browse for treasures in its book shops and boutiques.

Try one of their al fresco cafes with a terrace for a great view of Notre Dame Cathedral.

6. Watch the Chroma Light Show

Amiens’ Nôtre Dame’s is highlighted much more from mid-June to mid-September, as the cathedral is illuminated by a stunning light show every night. The vivid storylines that play out draw attention to the façade’s meticulous details.

Spectators are treated to a magnificent performance for half an hour, and while that may seem long, it goes by quickly.

Keep an eye out for the second part of the Chroma, which shows how the Nôtre-Dame used to look like. The cathedral of Amiens is transformed into a painting by the hundreds of sculptures that have been lit up in a variety of hues.

7. View Passerelles during a bike ride along the river

Even though Amiens is a pretty large city, it has a lot of greenery and water. Biking along the river to see the opposite side of the Hortillonnages is one of the best things to do in Amiens.

The magnificent Passerelles are seen instantly from the tiny pathways and cycle trails. These short bridges connect the Hortillonnages’ populated area to the rest of Amiens. They are frequently so beautifully designed that they are an attraction in and of themselves!

Outsiders can’t just walk in, thanks to wrought iron, timber, or concrete structures, and it’s often a strange sight. A flying door at the top of a bridge isn’t something you see every day!

8. See the Tour Perret at night

Tour Perret is a skyscraper in Amiens that is said to be one of the European continent’s first multi-story structures.

At a height of 100 meters, this residential and business skyscraper designed by renowned architect Auguste Perret is majestic and imposing.

But, if you’re in Amiens, pay a visit here at night. The light work around this edifice, as well as the church, is breathtaking.

9. Sample some local specialties

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The Ficelle Picarde, a delightful crêpe meal cooked with ham, mushrooms, and cream, is a gastronomic must-try in Amiens. It is on most menus all across town and something that visitors shouldn’t miss for a true taste of this Picardy town. 

Amiens’ melt-in-your-mouth macarons are likewise a must-try. In contrast to the rainbow meringue macarons found in pâtisseries around France, Amiens’ version is a softer, golden cakelette created with almonds and honey.

Locals flock to legendary emporium Jean Trogneux (owned by President Macron’s in-laws) for these individually wrapped delights for special events and gifts.

At the café on the cathedral plaza, sample a variety of their delectable sweet delicacies.

10. Buy souvenirs and food from the Amiens markets

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Shop like the locals and visit the Les Halles Indoor Market, a genuine feast for foodies’ eyes.  It has all the High Street stores under one roof, including boulangerie, poissonnerie, boucherie, and many others.

Then follow your nose to a cheese expert for a pre-purchase dégustation (tasting) of delectable regional cheeses, including Maroilles.

During weekends, the Hortillonnages market-gardeners, who sell their wares at the Place Parmentier Marke. Merchants also sell directly from their boats in traditional garb once a year in June, and this is a must experience. 

11. Explore Samara Archeology and Prehistory Park

A unique amusement park located just outside of Amiens’ city center takes tourists on a 600,000-year journey through time, beginning with the discovery of fire and continuing through the Gallo-Roman period.

The incredible prehistory reenactments, such as fire-igniting, stick-throwing, and flint-shaping demonstrations, as well as the ateliers of artisanal crafts (that showcase techniques dating back 15,000 years), are among the highlights of Samara Park.

Forests, wetlands, an arboretum, and a manicured labyrinth make up the 30-hectare park, which also serves as a nature sanctuary.

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