| 
Amiens is rightly considered one of the jewels of Picardy.
It is no coincidence that it is the only French city to boast 3 UNESCO world heritage sites.
A city that inspired a certain Jules Verne, who lived here for over 30 years.
WHAT TO SEE IN AMIENS
The Cathedral, a true Gothic masterpiece. The charming neighborhood of Saint Leu. The historic center. The extraordinary Hortillonnages gardens.
The list of what to see in Amiens during your vacation is not limited to the splendid monuments. The city boasts an extraordinary gastronomic tradition, and many first-rate events.
Here, below, or main monuments and places not to be missed on holiday in Amiens.
THE HISTORICAL CENTER AND THE CATHEDRAL
Photo ©, Steven Zucker
Particularly lively, the historic center is a succession of paved streets, ancient houses and wide pedestrian paths.
Ideal for a pleasant stroll, it is dominated by the Cathedral, a true marvel of the 13th drain, as well as the largest Gothic Cathedral in all of Europe.
The Cathedral has an overall length that exceeds 140 meters and dimensions that are even double that of Notre-Dame de Paris!
Arches. Beautiful stained glass windows that reveal wonderful plays of light. About 700 statues to admire.
Do not miss the octagonal Labyrinth, along the majestic central nave, with the two paths that lead to light and darkness!
Throughout the summer and during the month of December, it is appreciated even better with the lighting shows on the facade.
The Cathedral is undoubtedly an unmissable place on what to see in Amiens.
Since 1981 it has been registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is open every day, from Monday to Sunday, from 08:30 to 17:15.
BEFFROI
The beautiful Amiens bell tower is located on Place Maurice Vast, just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral.
It represents one of the symbolic elements of the landscapes of ancient Holland and Northern France between the twelfth and twentieth centuries.
From the top of the bell tower you can enjoy a splendid view of the Cathedral, the historic center and the city.
Since 2005 it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2pm to 6pm.
The standard fare ticket costs €4.
SAINT LEU
Photo ©, Bernard Blanc
Saint Leu is somewhat reminiscent of Amsterdam.
A splendid neighborhood that rises right at the foot of the Cathedral, crossed by numerous canals overlooked by the typical houses in brick and stone.
Another unmissable place on what to see in Amiens.
A place full of history, with bars, restaurants and shops, ideal for a quiet stroll or a break.
Every year, in June, the neighborhood hosts the renowned Water Festival.
HORTILLONAGES
A short distance from Saint Leu, the Hortillonages are an outstanding feature of Amiens. These are the so-called “floating gardens”, accessible almost exclusively by boat.
They have existed since ancient times and today they represent one of the unmissable elements of what to see in Amiens.
You can take beautiful walks through circuits created “ad hoc”. Rent a boat, or take one of the guided tours.
In these unusual gardens, cabbage, carrots, leeks, turnips and radishes are still grown today, as well as seasonal vegetables such as aubergines, peppers, tomatoes and melons.
Products that can also be purchased on Saturday at the Place Parmentier market.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JULES VERNE
Jules Verne lived for over 30 years in Amiens. There is no doubt that the history of Verne is deeply connected to that of the city. And viceversa.
Today, what was his home for 18 years, has been transformed into an interesting house-museum. Here are kept relics, posters, books and original manuscripts thanks to which you can get closer to the history of the great author.
Each room holds extraordinary anecdotes that will take you into his incredible world.
The house, dating from the 19th century, is located on Rue in Charles Dubois. It is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
The ticket costs €7.50 for adults and €4 for children (from 6 to 17 years). A family ticket is also available (2 adults + 2 children) at a cost of €19.
In addition to the many places dear to the author, a visit to the Madaleine Cemetery cannot be missed. It is a real green lung where nature embraces ancient and magnificent mausoleums and tombs. Open every day from 08:00 to 18:30. It houses, of course, the tomb of Jules Verne.
PICCARDY MUSEUM
It is the most beautiful and important museum in the region, located at Rue Puvis de Chavannes 2, in the center. It houses a rich collection of archeology, sculptures, works of art and paintings, from the Paleolithic to the 19th century. Without a doubt it is among the must-see places on what to see Amiens.
The Museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 09:30 to 18:00. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 11am to 6pm.
Closed on Mondays, December 25th and January 1st.
The full fare ticket costs €9.
Free for under 26s and every first Sunday of the month.
AMIENS ZOO
Photo ©, Marc ROUSSELL
If you are on vacation with your family, the Zoo is an unmissable stop on what to see Amiens with your young children. It is a real oasis of biodiversity, with flora and fauna from the five continents. An extraordinary place of calm and nature populated by almost 700 animals and 120 different species. A journey of discovery that will certainly make children happy especially.
The program of events and animations is also very rich.
The Zoo is open at the following times:
- February, March, October and November, from 10am to 5pm.
- April, May, June and September, from 10:00 to 18:00.
- July and August, from 10:00 to 19:00.
- Closed from November 16th 2022 to January 31st 2023.
The ticket costs €9.90 per adult aged 16 and over and €6.40 for young people aged 3 to 15. The FAMILLE ticket offers access for an adult and a young person at a total cost of €12.90.
Free for children up to 2 years.
QUAI BÉLU
Last on the list but not least what to see in Amiens. Quai Bélu is a beautiful neighborhood with colorful houses that are reflected on the Somme. A real enchanting corner of Amiens, ideal for a relaxing walk, or to stop in one of the many local bars and restaurants.