Ultimate Amiens Travel Guide; What to Do, Where to Eat & Must-See Attractions in Amiens, France

Discover the ultimate Amiens travel guide for 2026! Explore top attractions like Amiens Cathedral and the floating gardens, find the best local restaurants, hidden gems, and day trips from Amiens. Plan your perfect visit to Northern France now!

Nestled in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region, the beautiful city of Amiens offers a captivating blend of history, art, nature, and authentic French cuisine. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Paris or exploring hidden gems in Northern France, Amiens should be on your bucket list.

In this complete travel guide, you’ll discover:

✅ The best things to do in Amiens

✅ Where and what to eat in Amiens like a local

✅ The most Instagrammable spots for travelers and photographers

✅ Day trips from Amiens

✅ Travel tips & hidden places even locals love

Let’s begin your unforgettable journey to one of France’s best-kept secrets.

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🏛️ Must-See Attractions in Amiens: Top Places to Visit

1. Amiens Cathedral – The Jewel of Gothic Architecture

When you search for what to see in Amiens, Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens is always a highlight—and for good reason. This breathtaking structure is the largest Gothic cathedral in France, even larger than Notre-Dame in Paris.

Its intricate architecture, stained-glass windows, and towering spires leave visitors speechless. And if you’re in Amiens during summer evenings, don’t miss the Chroma light show, which projects vivid colors onto the cathedral’s façade, telling its centuries-old story in the most dazzling way.

Fun Fact: The cathedral is so big, it could fit the entire Notre-Dame de Paris inside!

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2. Les Hortillonnages – Floating Gardens of Amiens

Step into a dreamlike landscape by visiting the floating gardens of Amiens—locally known as Les Hortillonnages. These man-made islands span more than 300 hectares and are crisscrossed by narrow canals navigable only by boat.

You can rent an electric boat or join a guided eco-tour through this lush, aquatic wonderland. Spring and early summer are the best times to witness the gardens in full bloom. It’s a peaceful, romantic, and surprisingly wild escape right in the city.

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3. Saint-Leu District – The Little Venice of Amiens

Colorful houses, narrow cobblestone lanes, canal views, and lively cafés make Saint-Leu a charming neighborhood for slow exploration. Often compared to Venice for its picturesque waterways, Saint-Leu is a favorite for both photographers and romantics.

Take a relaxing walk, have a glass of wine by the canal, browse through art galleries, or enjoy live music from the bars that line the water.

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4. Jules Verne House – Dive into Literary Legend

The celebrated author of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days, Jules Verne lived in Amiens for over 30 years. His house has now been transformed into a museum, and it’s a treasure trove for literature lovers.

From handwritten manuscripts to original artifacts and quirky inventions, the house invites you into Verne’s wild imagination and timeless stories.

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5. Musée de Picardie – Discover Amiens’ Cultural Soul

One of the oldest and most beautiful museums in France, the Musée de Picardie offers a rich journey through ancient civilizations, the Renaissance, and modern art.

You’ll find Roman sculptures, medieval tapestries, and rotating exhibitions in a palatial setting. Even if you’re not usually into museums, this one might change your mind.

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🍷 Where to Eat in Amiens: Best Restaurants & Local Cuisine

If food is part of your travel plan—and let’s be honest, it always is—Amiens delivers big time. From cozy bistros to upscale dining, the city offers a mix of traditional Picardy recipes and modern French cuisine.

🥘 Brasserie Jules – Classic French Elegance

With its art deco interiors and prime location near the train station, Brasserie Jules is a must. The menu features perfectly prepared oysters, fresh seafood, escargots, and juicy steaks. The wine list is excellent, and the service is top-notch.

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🍽️ Le Quai – Dining by the Water

A canal-side restaurant with a seasonal French-Mediterranean menu. Le Quai is popular for its ambience as much as its food—ideal for a romantic evening or a relaxing lunch after exploring Saint-Leu.

Try the duck breast or the scallop risotto and enjoy watching boats pass while you dine.

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🧆 Le Marrakech – North African Delight

Need something exotic? Le Marrakech brings the warmth and spice of Morocco to the heart of Amiens. Couscous royal, lamb tajines, and mint tea are some of the highlights. Generous portions and lovely hospitality.

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🧁 Local Specialties You Must Try

Macaron d’Amiens – A soft, almond-based cookie, very different from the Parisian version.

Ficelle Picarde – A savory crêpe filled with ham, mushrooms, and cream, then baked with cheese.

Flamiche aux poireaux – A traditional leek tart often served as a starter or light meal.

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🛍️ Where to Shop in Amiens

Rue des Trois Cailloux – The Shopping Heartbeat of the City

This pedestrian street is lined with high-end boutiques, French department stores like Galeries Lafayette, and unique local shops. From fashion to fragrances, you’ll find it all here.

Amiens Market Hall (Les Halles)

Head to Les Halles for fresh produce, regional cheeses, handmade crafts, and local wines. Saturdays are the liveliest and most colorful day to visit.

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📸 Best Instagram & Photo Spots in Amiens

Amiens Cathedral during the Chroma light show

Early morning mist over Les Hortillonnages

Canals of Saint-Leu with reflection shots

Rooftop view from Tour Perret

Sunset scenes near the old mills

Pro tip: Go just before golden hour for the best light and least crowds.

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🚗 Day Trips from Amiens

Somme Battlefields and Memorials

Amiens is near some of the most important WWI sites in France. Visit the Thiepval Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel trenches, and the Somme Museum in Albert.

Château de Chantilly

About 1.5 hours from Amiens, this stunning château is surrounded by gardens, stables, and an art museum. Don’t forget to try Chantilly cream—where it was invented!

Gerberoy and Beauvais

For countryside charm and medieval vibes, these two towns are perfect. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and flower-covered alleys await.

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🛏️ Where to Stay in Amiens

Hotel Marotte – Elegant boutique stay with luxurious rooms and spa options.

Mercure Amiens Cathedral – Modern comfort with unbeatable cathedral views.

Moxy Amiens – Trendy, youth-oriented hotel with great breakfast and vibe.

Appart’City Amiens Gare – Affordable, clean, and ideal for longer stays.

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📅 Best Time to Visit Amiens

Spring (April to June): Gardens are in full bloom, perfect weather for boat tours and walks.

Summer (July to August): Festivals, night shows, and lively markets dominate the scene.

December: The Amiens Christmas Market is one of the largest and most magical in northern France. Think mulled wine, artisanal gifts, and fairy lights.

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✈️ How to Get to Amiens from Paris

By Train: From Gare du Nord, direct trains take just over 1 hour.

By Car: Around 1.5 hours via A16 highway.

By Bus: Budget options available via Flixbus or BlaBlaCar.

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🎉 Seasonal Events You Shouldn’t Miss

Chroma Cathedral Light Show – Summer evenings, free entry

Amiens International Film Festival – November

Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) – Late 

November to December

Comics Festival and Street Theater Shows – Held throughout the year

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💬 What Do You Think?

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