Must-See Attractions and Activities in Amiens, Picardy

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Amiens and its summer light show

Amiens Cathedral stands as the largest Gothic cathedral in France, dominating the city with its massive west front. Constructed between 1220 and 1288, the cathedral is an essential example of European Gothic architecture. The interior offers a serene ambiance, showcasing remarkable additions like the 16th-century choir stalls. Noteworthy is the fact that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Tip: When visiting in the summer, don’t miss the spectacular evening sound and light show, which illuminates the façade and highlights the extraordinary statues. The performance lasts about 40 minutes and is quite captivating.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame
Place Notre Dame
Tel.: 99 33 (0)3 22 71 60 50
Open: Daily from April to September 8:30am-6:30pm, October to March 8:30am-5:30pm

Son et Lumière
Daily mid June to mid September and December 1-Jan 1, 2015
Times: June: 10:45pm; July: 10:30pm; August: 10:00pm; September: 9:45pm.

Take a boat trip through the marshy Hortillonnages market gardens

The Hortillonnages, a marshy area since Roman times, have provided Amiens with its market gardens. This network of over 40 miles of waterways, ditches, and canals spans 300 hectares, creating a unique landscape. Farmers navigate the narrow canals in traditional punts, and during June, they gather for the marché sur l’eau (water market) dressed in traditional attire.

Visitors can explore the area via extensive footpaths starting from Parc Saint-Pierre or Beauvillé bridge. The canals offer charming views with old ginguettes (local outdoor cafés) alongside them, or opt for a boat trip available at 54 boulevard Beauvillé (tel.: 0033 (03) 22 92 12 18), running every afternoon from April 1 to October 31, costing approximately 6 euros per person.

Eat and Drink in the old Quartier St-Leu

Located just north of the cathedral, the old Quartier St-Leu features canals that were once home to mills, establishing Amiens as a significant textile center. Today, this area buzzes with bars and restaurants lining the canals, intermixed with art galleries and quaint shops nestled within the cobbled streets. On Saturday mornings, local farmers bring their produce to Place Parmentier, making it essential to arrive early for the best picks.

Visit the house where Jules Verne lived

Jules Verne, the renowned author, spent most of his life in Amiens and is buried in the Cimetiere de la Madeleine. His house, a substantial 4-story structure, has undergone extensive restoration, showcasing maps, photographs, furniture, and models of his imaginative inventions.

Jules Verne House
2 rue Charles Dubois
Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 22 45 45 75
Website
Open: Mid-April to mid-Oct Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-12:30pm & 2-6:30pm; Tues 2-6:30pm, Sat, Sun 11am-6:30pm
Admission: Adult 7 euros

Don’t miss the Musee de Picardie

The Musée de Picardie, a notable mid-19th century museum, features a myriad of collections, including archaeological artifacts, drawings, and contemporary artworks. The restoration of the building is ongoing, yet the main staircase adorned by Puvis de Chavannes’ paintings is a must-see, alongside a unique room created by American artist Sol Le Witt.

Musée de Picardie
48 rue de la République
Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 22 97 14 00
Open: Tues, Fri, Sat 10am-12:30pm & 2-6pm; Wed 10am-6pm; Thurs 10am-12:30pm & 2-9pm; Sun 1-7pm
Admission: Adult 5 euros

Great Festivals and Events

Amiens organizes an impressive array of events throughout the year. For detailed information, refer to the Tourist Board website (in English).

Major Events:

• April: Massive flea market throughout Amiens
• May to October: Jardins en Scène: Open-air performances in Picardy’s gardens and parks
• June to October: Environmental walks in the Hortillonnages featuring performances
• September weekend: European Heritage Days, with numerous buildings opening to the public
• First Sunday in October: The famous autumn flea market, attracting over 80,000 visitors
• October: White Night with music events and contemporary art galleries open all night
• November to December: The largest Christmas market in northern France fills the streets of Amiens

Practical Information for Amiens and its top attractions

• Tourist Board Information:
  The Amiens Tourist Board offers hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations, and vital information on shopping, markets, and sightseeing.
  Amiens Tourist Board
  40 Place Notre-Dame
  Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 22 71 60 50
  Website

Where to Stay:
Amiens has a diverse selection of hotels; here are two recommendations.

Le Prieuré
17 rue Porion
Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 22 91 74 99
Website
The charming old Priory, located on a cobbled street near the cathedral, features uniquely styled rooms, providing a lovely stay at good value.

Marotte
3 rue Marotte
Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 60 12 50 00
Website
This modern 5-star hotel features 12 beautifully decorated rooms spread across a historic townhouse and an eco-friendly modern addition.

For budget-conscious travelers, consider the Ibis hotel, located conveniently near the cathedral, with rates starting from 60 euros per night.