Visiting Amiens
As the historic capital of Picardy and the seat of the Somme department, Amiens packs a serious punch for its size. Locals call it the Little Venice of the North, a nod to the web of canals and bridges that define its layout. You might be surprised to learn that Amiens holds the record for the most UNESCO-listed sites of any city in France. It makes for a compelling reason to spend a few days exploring the area.
A unique and lively city
Amiens stands out as one of the most attractive cities in Northern France, earning the official designation of City of Art and History back in 1992. The highlight here is undoubtedly the network of canals, which are a major draw for river tourism fans. These rieux, as they are known, snake through 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) of the city, offering a quiet, romantic boat ride. You will also get a look at the hortillonnages, a series of floating gardens that have been cultivated right in the middle of town since the Middle Ages. Today, these plots have been restored and are used for organic farming.
Once you are back on dry land, head straight for Saint-Leu, the most charming corner of Amiens. This historic district features homes that date back to the medieval era. It is a rare section of the city that managed to survive the bombing raids of World War II unscathed. With its colorful facades, local artisans, galleries, and bookstores, the neighborhood comes alive at night as students from the local university fill the bars and restaurants.
Lingering echoes of the past
The undisputed star of Amiens is its Cathédrale. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains the largest building of its kind in all of France. The sheer scale is what grabs you first. It is twice the size of Notre-Dame in Paris. If you visit during the summer or the winter holidays, you can catch the massive sound and light show projected right onto the cathedral facade.
Another essential stop in the Picardy capital is the Maison de Jules Verne, which is a hit with both adults and kids. This is where the legendary author lived for 18 years and wrote the majority of his most famous works. From the glass roofs to the personal salons and that iconic cabinet of curiosities, you get a direct look into the writer's dreamlike world and his lifelong obsession with exploration and the sea. While you are here, take a look at the cirque d'Amiens, which was inaugurated in 1889 by Jules Verne himself. It is one of only two permanent circus buildings in France, with the other being in Paris.
When to go
If you are looking for mild weather, aim for a trip between May and September. That said, the city has enough to offer that it remains worth a visit in any season, even if you have to deal with a bit of rain.
Getting there
Amiens is just a 1 hour and 10 minute train ride from Paris, which is easily the most efficient way to get there from the capital. The trip from Lille is just as convenient, taking less than an hour. There is a local airport, Amiens-Picardie, but it sees very limited commercial traffic.
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.