Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathedral, Wikimedia Commons / Florestan
Discover the capital of Hauts-de-France — a city of Gothic majesty, floating gardens, and Jules Verne's legacy.
Amiens is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and one of northern France's most culturally rich destinations. At its heart stands the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in France, with a nave that soars 42.3 metres high. Built between 1220 and 1270, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, its west front adorned with hundreds of sculpted figures in the famous Gallery of Kings.
Beyond the cathedral, Amiens reveals a character all its own. The Hortillonnages — a 300-hectare network of marshy islands crisscrossed by canals — have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. These floating gardens, known as the "Little Venice of the North," are best explored by flat-bottomed boat. The Saint-Leu district, the old working-class quarter along the Somme River, is now a lively hub of canalside restaurants, independent boutiques, and student energy.
Amiens also holds a special place in literary history. Jules Verne, author of Around the World in Eighty Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, lived here from 1871 until his death in 1905. His grand townhouse on the rue Charles-Dubois is now a museum filled with his personal effects, maps, and first editions. The city has a proud culinary tradition too — from the indulgent ficelle picarde (a baked cheese crêpe with mushrooms and ham) to the delicate macarons d'Amiens and sweet tuiles amienoises.
Whether you are drawn by Gothic architecture, canal-side strolls, literary heritage, or authentic Picardy cuisine, Amiens offers a richly rewarding stay that feels a world away from the tourist crowds of Paris — yet sits just an hour north by TGV.
Amiens is remarkably accessible. From Paris, the TGV whisks you from Gare du Nord to Gare d'Amiens in just 1 hour, making it an ideal day trip or weekend break. By car, take the A1 motorway north, then the A16 towards the city centre — the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from Paris. Lille is 1 hour away by train, and Brussels 1 hour 45 minutes.
Once you arrive, the city centre is compact and highly walkable. Most major sights — the cathedral, Saint-Leu, the Maison de Jules Verne — are within a 15- to 20-minute walk of the train station. For the Hortillonnages, the best way to explore is by renting a traditional flat-bottomed boat from the Embarcadère des Hortillonnages on the rue de l'Agrappin (Easter to October). Cycling is also popular; Amiens has a bike-share scheme called Vél'Amiens with stations across the city.
The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is mild and the Hortillonnages are in full bloom. Summer brings long daylight hours perfect for canal walks. December transforms the city with the Marché de Noël d'Amiens, one of the largest Christmas markets in northern France, filling the square around the cathedral with wooden chalets, mulled wine, and local crafts.
For budget-conscious and eco-minded travellers, Amiens offers excellent value. Hotel prices are significantly lower than in Paris, and by booking through IMPT you earn 5% cashback in IMPT tokens while having 1 tonne of CO₂ removed for every booking — at no extra cost.
The Saint-Leu quarter is Amiens' liveliest area, crisscrossed by canals lined with half-timbered houses. It is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafés — perfect for travellers who want to be in the heart of the action. You are steps from the cathedral and within walking distance of the Hortillonnages boat departure point. Hotels here include Best Western Amiens and smaller independent guesthouses.
The area directly around the cathedral and the main square — Place Gambetta and Rue des Trois Cailloux — puts you at the centre of everything. Shops, restaurants, and the main pedestrian streets are all on your doorstep. Mercure Amiens Cathédrale is a top choice here, located just 200 metres from the cathedral.
The area around Gare d'Amiens is ideal for quick onward journeys and late arrivals. It is a 10-minute walk to the cathedral and 15 minutes to Saint-Leu. Novotel Amiens Gare, Ibis Amiens Gare, and Holiday Inn Express Amiens are all clustered around the station, offering reliable, modern accommodation with excellent transport links.
Henriville is a quiet residential neighbourhood just east of the city centre, characterised by elegant 19th-century townhouses and leafy streets. It offers a more tranquil stay while still being within a 20-minute walk of the cathedral. Hotel Les Voyageurs provides affordable comfort in this peaceful setting.
The largest Gothic cathedral in France, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a 42.3-metre nave, magnificent west front sculpture, and atmospheric laser light shows in summer. Free entry. Place Notre-Dame, Amiens.
Over 300 hectares of floating market gardens accessible by boat through 65 km of canals. Rent a traditional flat-bottomed barque from Embarcadère des Hortillonnages (rue de l'Agrappin, season March–October). A true hidden gem.
The home of the legendary science-fiction author from 1882 to 1905. Now a museum displaying his study, library, manuscripts, maps, and personal collections. 2 Rue Charles-Dubois, Amiens. Entry €7.50.
One of France's great regional museums, featuring fine art collections from ancient Egyptian artefacts to 19th-century French paintings, including works by Courbet, Boudin, and Delacroix. 48 Rue de la République, Amiens.
An iconic 110-metre Art Deco tower designed by architect Auguste Perret in 1952. One of the first skyscrapers in Europe, offering panoramic views of the city from the top. Boulevard de Belfort, Amiens.
The historic quartier of fishermen and tanners along the Somme. Now a picturesque area of half-timbered houses, canalside bars and restaurants. Perfect for an evening meal or afternoon stroll.
A family-friendly zoo in the Parc de la Hotoie, housing over 300 animals including snow leopards, red pandas, and lemurs. Free entry. Esplanade de la Hotoie, Amiens.
One of the largest Christmas markets in northern France, held around the cathedral throughout December. Over 130 chalets, festive lights, mulled wine, local crafts, and an ice-skating rink.
Start at the Saint-Leu district and follow the canal towpath south along the Somme River towards the Hortillonnages. The walk takes about 30 minutes one way and passes under footbridges, past weeping willows, and along the tranquil waterways that define the city. At the Embarcadère des Hortillonnages, hire a traditional barque to navigate the floating gardens yourself, or take a guided boat tour for the full experience.
Begin at the cathedral square (Place Notre-Dame) and admire the west facade. Walk through the old medieval streets to Place Gambetta, the main square. Continue to the Maison de Jules Verne, then cross the Somme to the Saint-Leu quarter. Allow 2 hours for the full loop, with plenty of stops for photos and café breaks along the way.
The quintessential Amiens experience. From March to October, join a guided tour or rent a flat-bottomed boat to explore the 65 km of canals that weave through the Hortillonnages. The gardens contain over 3,000 individual plots, some still farmed by the traditional hortillons who cultivate vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Tours depart from the Embarcadère des Hortillonnages, rue de l'Agrappin. Allow 1.5 hours.
Amiens is best known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame d'Amiens, the largest Gothic cathedral in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also famous for the Hortillonnages, a network of floating gardens and canals often called "Little Venice of the North," and as the home of author Jules Verne who lived here for 18 years.
The fastest way to reach Amiens from Paris is by TGV train from Gare du Nord, taking just 1 hour direct to Gare d'Amiens. By car, Amiens is about 140 km north of Paris via the A1 and A16 motorways. Régional buses also connect Paris with Amiens.
Amiens offers several excellent hotel options including Mercure Amiens Cathédrale (near the cathedral with green credentials), Novotel Amiens Gare (sustainable business practices), Ibis Amiens Gare (eco-certified budget option), Holiday Inn Express Amiens (modern efficiency), Best Western Amiens, and Hotel Les Voyageurs. Book through IMPT to offset 1 tonne of CO2 per booking.
A day in Amiens is best spent visiting the cathedral in the morning, exploring the Saint-Leu district and its canals for lunch, taking a boat tour of the Hortillonnages floating gardens in the afternoon, and visiting Maison de Jules Verne. End the day with dinner in the Saint-Leu quarter sampling local Picardy cuisine like ficelle picarde.
Absolutely. Amiens is one of northern France's most underrated destinations. It boasts France's largest Gothic cathedral, enchanting canal gardens, a rich literary heritage through Jules Verne, excellent Picardy cuisine, and a vibrant Saint-Leu district full of restaurants and bars. It is also much less crowded than Paris, offering a more authentic French experience.