Amiens
Nicknamed the "Little Venice of the North," Amiens is the pearl of Picardy. Crisscrossed by the Somme River and its many canals, this City of Art and History brilliantly blends dazzling medieval treasures, a unique natural heritage, and the fantastical world of Jules Verne. Ideally located less than two hours from Paris and Lille, Amiens offers an absolutely enchanting cultural, festive, and bucolic getaway.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Giant of the Gothic Building
Doubly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amiens Cathedral is an absolute masterpiece of classical Gothic architecture and stands as the largest cathedral in France.
The sheer scale of its dimensions: Its size is breathtaking: it could contain Notre-Dame de Paris twice! Its nave soars to a height of over 42 meters under its vaulted ceiling, bathed in the light from its immense stained-glass windows.
The splendor of its statuary: Nicknamed the "Stone Bible," its western façade boasts more than 750 statues. The famous Beau Dieu of Amiens, which welcomes visitors on the central portal's trumeau, is a model of medieval elegance and serenity.
The Labyrinth of the Floor: Designed in 1288 in the center of the nave, this 234-meter-long black and white paved path was traversed on their knees by pilgrims seeking penance. At its center is a plaque paying tribute to the master builders of the cathedral.
The Chroma Show: In summer and during the Christmas season, the cathedral comes alive at nightfall. This high-tech nighttime show colors the statuary with high-definition light projections, restoring the saints and portals to their former medieval hues.
The Saint-Leu Quarter, the Bohemian and Picturesque Heart
The former district of tanners, weavers, and millers, Saint-Leu is Amiens' most charming historic quarter, crisscrossed by canals that run close to the water.
Half-Timbered Houses: Strolling through the cobbled streets (like Rue du Hocquet), you can admire adorable narrow, colorful medieval houses built with wattle and daub and half-timbering.
The Lively Quai Bélu: This is the place to be for locals. This pedestrian quay along the Somme River is teeming with café and restaurant terraces. It's the perfect spot to sit down by the water and enjoy a breathtaking view of the cathedral towers.
"Man on His Buoy": Looking down at the river from the Dodane Bridge, you can't miss this unusual wooden sculpture of a man in a suit, motionless on his buoy, by the German artist Stephan Balkenhol. It has become one of the neighborhood's unusual symbols.
The Puppets of Chés Cabotans: This traditional theater brings the Picard language to life through Lafleur, a rod puppet with a strong character, whose motto is: "Bien boère, bien matcher, pis ne rien foaire" (Drink well, eat well, and do nothing).
The Hortillonnages, an aquatic labyrinth in the heart of the city
Just steps from the cathedral begins a natural site unique in the world: 300 hectares of floating gardens interwoven by 65 kilometers of canals (called "rieux" here).
A Millennial Market Garden Site: Cultivated since Gallo-Roman times by the "hortillons" (local market gardeners), these fertile islets still supply the city with fresh vegetables.
The Cornet Boat Trip: To soak up the poetry of the place, you embark on a traditional flat-bottomed boat with a raised bow (the cornet boat) propelled by a silent electric motor. You glide beneath leafy canopies, amidst flower-filled banks and fishermen's huts.
The Floating Market: Every Saturday morning (and once a year in June, dressed in traditional costume), market gardeners moor their boats laden with salads, leeks, and berries at the quayside on Place Parmentier, perpetuating an irresistible medieval tradition.
The International Garden Festival: From spring to autumn, a section of the islands hosts contemporary artworks and unusual landscape installations to be discovered on foot or by boat, blending artistic creation with environmental preservation.
Following in the Footsteps of Jules Verne
The famous science fiction writer fell in love with a woman from Amiens and settled there in 1871, living until his death in 1905. The city still bears the imprint of his extraordinary travels.
The Jules Verne House (The House with the Tower): This 19th-century mansion, topped with a striking observation tower, was the writer's home. Now a museum, it invites visitors to explore his untouched study, his extensive library, and models of his imaginary flying and maritime machines (such as the Nautilus).
The Jules Verne Circus: Inaugurated in 1889 by the writer himself (who was then a city councilor), this polygonal stone winter circus is one of the few permanent circuses in France. Its bold metal framework is reminiscent of Gustave Eiffel's industrial aesthetic.
The Tomb of Jules Verne: Located in the Madeleine Cemetery (a romantic landscaped park), his funerary monument sculpted by Albert Roze depicts the writer breaking free from his stone slab to ascend into immortality. An impressive and deeply poetic site.
Gourmet Flavors and Great Museums
Amiens also knows how to satisfy lovers of the art of living and culture enthusiasts thanks to its renowned specialties and a museum of national importance.
The Musée de Picardie: Designed under Napoleon III and modeled after the Louvre, this fine arts museum is one of the richest provincial museums. It houses fabulous collections ranging from prehistoric archaeology to modern painting (including works by Courbet, Picasso, and Joan Miró), as well as the spectacular murals of Puvis de Chavannes.
The Famous Amiens Macaron: Introduced by Catherine de Medici, this biscuit has nothing to do with the Parisian macaron. It is a small, soft disc made with almonds, honey, eggs, and bitter almonds. A must-try treat to buy from the chocolatiers on Place Notre-Dame.
The Picardy Crepe: On the savory side, the star of Picardy tables is a crepe filled with a slice of ham, a duxelles of button mushrooms, crème fraîche, and shallots, all generously topped with melted cheese. A comforting treat.
The Belfry of Amiens: Erected in the 15th century on the Place au Fil, this UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolized the town's independence from the feudal power. Climbing it offers an exceptional panoramic view over the city's rooftops.
Conclusion
Amiens is a human-scale metropolis that disarms visitors with its gentle pace of life and rich contrasts. Few cities can offer, within minutes, the awe-inspiring grandeur of a monumental Gothic cathedral, the wild tranquility of a boat trip along canals lined with market gardens, and the enchantment of a literary journey in the footsteps of Jules Verne. Lively, green, and steeped in history, the capital of Picardy is a major destination that promises unforgettable memories for the curious traveler.
Amiens Métropole Tourist and Convention Bureau
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