Visiting Amiens
As the historic capital of Picardy and the administrative seat of the Somme department, Amiens packs quite a punch. Often called the Little Venice of the North because of the canals and bridges crisscrossing the streets, Amiens actually holds the record in France for the most UNESCO World Heritage listings. That alone makes it worth spending a few days exploring.
A Unique and Lively City
Amiens stands out as one of the prettiest cities in northern France, officially recognized as a Town of Art and History since 1992. Its defining feature is the extensive canal network beloved by boaters. Known as rieux, these waterways snake through 65 kilometres of the city for a scenic boat ride. You will also learn about the hortillonnages, floating gardens right in the middle of town that have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Today, these plots have been restored and are farmed using organic agricultural methods.
Once you are back on dry land, head over to Saint-Leu, the most charming neighborhood in Amiens. This historic district features houses dating back to medieval times, having miraculously survived the bombing raids of World War II. Picture colorful facades, local artisans, art galleries, and bookstores. The neighborhood comes alive at night thanks to the many restaurants and bars popular with local college students.
Lingering Remnants of the Past
The star attraction of Amiens is its magnificent Cathédrale. This Gothic masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest church of its kind in France. The sheer scale is what hits you first, as it is twice the size of Notre-Dame de Paris. Every summer and during the winter holidays, a light and sound show lights up the cathedral's front square.
Another stop in the Picardy capital is the Maison de Jules Verne, which appeals to visitors of all ages. This is where the famous author lived for 18 years and wrote most of his masterpieces. Glass roofs, period parlors, and a cabinet of curiosities pull you right into the writer's imaginative world, showcasing his fascination with the sea and travel. You can also check out the cirque d'Amiens, inaugurated in 1889 by Jules Verne himself. It is one of the few surviving purpose-built circus buildings in France.
When to go
If you want warmer weather, aim for May through September to visit Amiens. That said, the city offers enough to see and do year-round, even if you run into a rainy afternoon.
How to get there
Amiens sits just 1 hour and 10 minutes from Paris by train, making rail the easiest way to reach the city from the capital. The trip from Lille takes under an hour as well. There is also an airport for longer-haul routes, Amiens-Picardie, though commercial flight options are limited.
I only stayed in Amiens for a few hours, around the cathedral and the Saint Leu neighborhood. It is pretty nice, but a bit dead. I think you can see everything there pretty quickly.