Summary of Attractions
The term “Venice of the North” seems like a title that would be challenging to embody. However, Amiens excels with its aquatic gardens and charming canal district.
You can embark on a barge cruise through the Hortillonnages, a historic agricultural area reclaimed from marshes during the Middle Ages, or pause at a canal-side café on the cobblestone streets of Saint-Leu.
Furthermore, we have yet to mention Amiens’ UNESCO-listed cathedral, which boasts the tallest nave in France and is adorned with valuable Gothic and Renaissance artworks.
Amiens offers a rich historical tapestry, as human habitation dates back to the Middle Pleistocene epoch, approximately 350,000 years ago. You may delve into anthropological insights at Parc de Samara, which reconstructs prehistoric settlements, or visit Musée de Picardie, home to local artifacts.
Let’s delve into the noteworthy attractions in Amiens:
1. Amiens Cathedral
Amiens Cathedral is recognized as one of the world’s premier cathedrals, a fact underscored by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The cathedral’s substantial dimensions were purposefully designed to ensure that the nave was suffused with light, necessitating a towering construction.
At over 42 meters, the nave of Amiens Cathedral is only overshadowed in France by Beauvais Cathedral, which unfortunately was unable to support its own weight.
Inside, visitors should behold the Renaissance oak choir stalls and exquisite polychrome sculpture work from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Even before entering, one may find themselves captivated by the Gothic carvings adorning the western facade and southern portal.
During summer evenings, these carvings are transformed into vibrant colors showcasing Amiens’ “Son et Lumière” shows.
2. Les Hortillonnages
On the western edge of Amiens, within a short distance from the cathedral, lies a 65-kilometer network of canals winding through reclaimed farmland dotted with small residences.
These floating gardens are cultivated by the “hortillons”, market gardeners who have managed these lands since medieval times.
The most authentic way to experience this picturesque landscape is through a flat-bottomed “barque” tour, lasting approximately 45 minutes and providing insights into the history of the gardens.
Afterward, visitors can explore on foot, taking extra time to capture images of the charming bridges that traverse the canals.
3. Saint-Leu
A short distance from the cathedral, charming streets intertwine with waterways branching off from the River Somme.
A leisurely afternoon can be spent strolling by canals lined with historic painted houses that once housed waterwheels in the Middle Ages.
Notable streets such as Rue d’Engoulevent, Rue du Don, and Rue du Pont À Moinet offer stunning views, although the entire district merits exploration.
This area of Amiens, once neglected, has now revitalized, featuring cafés, restaurants, and modern bars, creating a lively atmosphere fueled by the vibrant student population.
On the third Sunday in June, the “hortillons” canoe along the Somme in their “barques à cornet” to sell their floral and vegetable produce from the Saint-Leu dock.
4. Maison de Jules Verne
The red-brick Maison à la Tour, located at 2, Rue Charles Dubois, was the residence of Jules Verne for 18 years until his demise in 1905. The name derives from a distinctive tower surmounted by a domed skylight that brightens the spiral staircase you will ascend while exploring this fascinating site.
Enthusiasts of Verne’s literary works will appreciate that he authored 30 novels at this address, where the house is adorned with his personal effects, memorabilia, and an archive of his written works.
The third floor of the house has undergone design to resemble the bridge of the Nautilus from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
5. Musée de Picardie
Since its inauguration in 1867, Musée de Picardie has established itself as an unparalleled provincial museum.
In addition to its rich collection of exquisite paintings spanning from the 1400s to the 1900s, the museum offers exhibitions that illuminate Picardy’s ancient history and prehistory.
Among the exhibits are Paleolithic hand axes, Neolithic pottery, and Bronze Age weaponry, all excavated locally.
Additionally, visitors will find everyday glassware and a Roman soldier’s pack, alongside a remarkable 13th-century enamel dove crafted in Limoges.
As for the art collection, it meets expectations with noteworthy pieces by El Greco, Courbet, Jacob Jordaens, Anthony van Dyck, and Camille Corot, among others.
6. Marie-sans-Chemise
Albert Roze, a sculptor originating from Amiens, devoted his entire career to creating art within the city.
In 1897, he produced his most renowned piece, “Marie-sans-Chemise” (Marie, shirtless), which generated considerable attention at the time. This allegorical statue of Spring is prominently positioned at the intersection of Rue des Sergents and Rue des Crignons.
Roze also sculpted the memorial for Jules Verne’s grave, which can be visited in Amiens.
The accompanying rococo-style clock, designed by architect Émile Ricquier, features three faces that were once illuminated by gas lights.
7. Zoo d’Amiens
Families will find ample opportunities for entertainment at the city’s zoo, conveniently located near the center.
The zoo occupies 6.5 hectares of lush woodland, home to many trees over a century old.
Animal enclosures are set along nature trails and feature a diverse range of species, from African elephants to dwarf goats.
In total, the zoo houses approximately 300 animals spanning 70 different species.
Enclosures are usually separated by natural barriers such as moats; the park anticipates expanding these facilities by 2019.
Visiting the zoo typically takes around two to three hours to explore.
8. Parc de Samara
This educational venue, located just west of Amiens, offers a remarkable opportunity for an anthropological experience.
Beginning with Cro-Magnon Man and continuing through to Roman times, the park provides insight into the lifestyles of our ancient ancestors while tracking the evolution of human technology.
Parc de Samara is highly interactive, featuring small settlements with huts and workshops where enthusiastic staff demonstrate prehistoric and ancient crafts, such as pottery, metalworking, basket-weaving, wood-carving, and even the foundational skill of fire-starting.
Spanning 100 hectares, the park also includes a hedge labyrinth inspired by the one at Amiens Cathedral and an arboretum housing reindeer from Scandinavia.
9. Cimetière de la Madeleine
The resting place of Jules Verne is one of the attractions within this 19th-century cemetery located to the northwestern outskirts of the city.
Additionally, the graveyard comprises 18 hectares of gently undulating woodland, providing the public with a serene and leafy environment to reflect upon the wealth enjoyed by Amiens in the 1800s.
Ornate tombs and funerary statues belonging to industrialists and affluent families are prevalent, some of which have suffered from erosion over the past 150 years.
Verne’s memorial, adorned with another sculpture by Albert Roze, has been restored to pristine condition, symbolizing his enduring legacy.
10. Tour Perret
This 110-meter residential skyscraper stands apart from other buildings in Amiens. It was constructed in the post-war period as part of a redevelopment initiative surrounding the city’s train station.
Auguste Perret, a trailblazer of modern architecture, was commissioned to reconstruct the entire center of Le Havre, which subsequently received UNESCO recognition.
Although the tower in Amiens has remained closed to public access for many years, its architectural significance warrants close examination.
During daylight hours, the concrete structure may appear somewhat austere; however, at night, it is illuminated with vibrant colors courtesy of an LCD lighting system installed in 2005.
11. Cité Souterraine de Naours
Located approximately 20 minutes north of Amiens, the town of Naours features a sophisticated network of limestone tunnels that served as shelters for local populations for over a millennium.
Commencing in the year 800, these tunnels provided refuge during numerous invasions and conflicts that plagued this historically contested region.
Visitors can delve 33 meters below ground into over 2 kilometers of corridors, exploring the tunnels utilized by salt smugglers to evade Louis XVI’s salt tax, alongside the usage of these passages by German and British soldiers during both world conflicts.
12. Musée Lombart
A brief journey beyond Naours leads you to Doullens, where this captivating museum established by Jules François Lombart, a 19th-century chocolate manufacturer, can be found.
Inaugurated in 1908 with considerable fanfare, the museum attracted numerous dignitaries from Paris, including the Minister of Agriculture.
The collection includes works by renowned French School artists such as Camille Corot, Jean Siméon Chardin, and Charles-François Daubigny.
Equally intriguing are the museum’s eccentric collections, which encompass samurai armor, ancient weaponry, and Egyptian mummies from the 18th Dynasty, dating back 3,500 years.
13. Cycling in the Noye Valley
If you have brought your bicycle or wish to rent one, the tourist office in Amiens can provide excellent recommendations for day trips.
One suggestion is a 31-kilometer designated trail that traverses the picturesque landscapes along the Noye River, located just southeast of Amiens.
The route takes you through charming villages such as La Faloirse, Chirmont, and Sourdon, each boasting traditional architecture and rich local legends.
At Folleville, there is a UNESCO-recognized church alongside the evocative ruins of a medieval castle, while Berny-sur-Noye features pedalos and mini-golf during the summer months.
14. Somme River Trips
During the summer, guided canoe excursions are available on the Somme River. A popular route involves a leisurely two-hour float downstream from Ailly-sur-Somme to Picquigny, both of which are a short drive from Amiens.
Along the journey, you will be enveloped by the serene countryside, and if you remain quiet, the river’s wildlife may reveal itself.
Herons, little grebes, kingfishers, deer, dragonflies, and various amphibians inhabit the riverbanks.
Upon reaching Picquigny, the medieval village invites exploration. Wander up to the castle ruins that overlook the settlement and the verdant valley below.
15. Cuisine
Amiens benefits from the abundance and fertility of its surrounding countryside, establishing a strong culinary tradition.
Local specialties include duck pâté made with brandy, truffles, apples, and pork belly, and for a sweet treat, Macarons d’Amiens, crafted from almond paste, eggs, and honey.
The vegetable gardens in the nearby wetlands have led to the creation of Soupe des Hortillons, a delightful spring vegetable soup featuring broccoli, carrots, and cabbage.
For a hearty main dish, be sure to try Ficelle Picarde, a regional crêpe filled with ham, onions, mushrooms, topped with grated cheese, and baked.
