Mont Catelas
The Mont Catelas is a small hill northwest of Amiens Cathedral. From here, you have a view over the city's rooftops to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Our tip: In the late afternoon, the light beautifully illuminates the cathedral.
France
Amiens
CityCulture
Amiens, capital of Picardy on the Somme, is known for its waterways and its Gothic cathedral. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame is UNESCO World Heritage and, by volume, France's largest cathedral.
by Felix Gillen
Amiens, capital of Picardy on the Somme, is known for its waterways and its Gothic cathedral. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame is UNESCO World Heritage and, by volume, France's largest cathedral. A ride in traditional punt boats lets you explore the Hortillonnages, about 300 hectares of gardens on islands between canals, often called “floating gardens.” The Quartier Saint-Leu, with its colourful houses along the canals, invites you to stroll and offers many eateries. The Maison de Jules Verne showcases the house where the writer lived for almost two decades. In summer and at Christmas, the cathedral's facade is colourfully illuminated in the evenings. The Hortillonnages are best visited from spring to autumn.
Sights in Amiens
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Kathedrale von Amiens
Großes gotisches Bauwerk aus dem 13. Jh. mit kunstvollen Verzierungen und Reliefs sowie 2 ungleichen Türmen.
Musée de Picardie
The Musée de Picardie in Amiens opened in 1867 and is considered one of the first buildings in France specifically constructed as a museum. Its architecture and interiors, reflecting the Second Empire style, are modelled on the Louvre; after a comprehensive renovation, the building reopened in 2020. The collections range from archaeological finds from Picardy, through medieval sculptures, to paintings from the 16th to the 20th century. The large murals by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes in the staircase are well-known. Our tip: On weekday mornings, you'll often have the halls almost to yourself.
Maison de Jules Verne
The Maison de Jules Verne in Amiens was the writer's home from 1882 to 1900. During these 18 years, he wrote many of his novels here, including "Robur the Conqueror" and "Two Years' Holiday". The house is now a museum, offering insight into his life and work: You can see his study, living areas, as well as manuscripts, illustrations, and objects related to his adventure novels. Additional collection pieces are displayed in the house's tower. Our Tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest.
City walks in Amiens
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Amiens: Gothic Splendour and Picardy Lifestyle
Discover the beauty of Amiens on this two-hour walk. From the impressive cathedral and the picturesque Saint-Leu district to the traces of Jules Verne, immerse yourself in the history and charm of this northern French city. A perfect tour for experiencing the main sights at a relaxed pace.
Stops (6)
Dining & Drinks
Food & Beverages
Picardy's cooking is rustic. Vegetables from the Hortillonnages, eel and duck from the wetlands, and beer from the north shape the menus.
Ficelle picarde
A pancake, filled with ham, mushrooms and crème fraîche and oven-baked. The dish was invented in Amiens in the 1950s.
Pâté of duck from Amiens
A duck pâté in pastry, documented since the 17th century. It is served cold in slices.
Produce from the Hortillonnages
On the garden plots between the canals, vegetables are still grown today. At the water market in June, they are traditionally delivered by punts.
Macarons d'Amiens
Round, dense almond macarons with honey, significantly firmer than the Parisian variety. Several patisseries bake them following an old recipe.
Amiens: Historical Heritage and Culture
Amiens, founded as the Roman settlement of Samarobriva, boasts a history dating back to antiquity. In the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a trade center, primarily for cloth and dyes. Its primary landmark is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. Its construction began in 1220.Beyond the cathedral, the “Hortillonnages” shape Amiens’ culture and landscape: gardens on artificially created islands in the Somme marshlands, crisscrossed by canals and cultivated for centuries. The writer Jules Verne lived in Amiens from 1871 to 1905 and also served on the city council; his former home is now a museum. The historic waterside district of Saint-Leu and the belfry round out the cityscape.
Nightlife
Amiens' nightlife is diverse and charming, with evening activity often focusing on the bustling city centre and the banks of the Somme. Here, visitors will find a welcoming mix of traditional pubs, elegant cocktail bars, and modern entertainment venues.Whether you want to spend a relaxed evening, seek interactive fun, or enjoy live music, Amiens offers something for every taste after sunset.
Getting Around Here
Amiens is wonderfully explored on foot, especially the picturesque districts around the Cathedral and the Hortillonnages. For longer distances, an efficient public bus network operated by Ametis is available, covering the entire city.Moreover, flexible bicycle rental systems offer an eco-friendly and pleasant way to discover the city and its surroundings.
Accommodations in Amiens
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