This article first appeared in
My Travelogue by Bhushavali
ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO VISIT AMIENS
AN EASY WEEKEND & DAY TRIP FROM PARIS
TO SEE THE TOP AMIENS
ATTRACTIONS
1. AMIENS CATHEDRAL - NOTRE DAME D'AMIENS CATHEDRALE - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN FRANCE
The primary reason, I wanted to visit Amiens was to see Amiens Cathedral which
is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France. It was one of the largest
Gothic churches in the 13th C CE and an excellent example of high Gothic
architecture. Amiens Cathedral is still the largest Cathedral in France
at 200,000 m3 which is more than twice of Notre Dame Paris! It
also has the highest nave at 42.3m! Honestly, I can't write all about the Cathedral and all other Amiens Attractions in the same article, it would be too extensive. Read my other article on all about Amiens Cathedral.
All about Amiens Cathedral, tours, tickets, timings: Click here for all about Amiens Cathedral.
Posing with the sculptures in Picardy Museum (Musée de Picardie)
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Picardy Museum (Musée de Picardie) - Instagrammable locations in Amiens, France
Amiens Cathedral - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hauts-de-France
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Quartier Saint Leu (Venice of the North)
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2. AMIENS BELFRY - BEFFROI D'AMIENS - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN FRANCE
I had already mentioned in my articles on
Leuven,
Tournai,
Mons,
Ypres, etc., that 56 Belfries in France and Belgium have been listed
together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Belfries of France and Belgium. The
Amiens Belfry is one of the 56 Belfries listed under UNESCO. Amiens Belfry is
in fact the southernmost Belfry of them all!
Today it is open only on specific days for the general public only on certain
days, a few times every month. You may want to check the dates and then plan
your Amiens trip.
All about Amiens Belfry, tours, tickets, timings: Click here for all about Amiens Belfry
3. JULES VERNE WALKING TOUR - FREE THINGS TO DO IN AMIENS
There's a very good chance you might have heard of 'Around the World in 80
days' and 'Journey to the center of the Earth'. If you know these names only
as the films, here's some news for you - the films are based on novels of the
same name, both written by Jules Verne. The novels were all very adventurous,
very futuristic, and bordering on science fiction. Jules Verne wrote these
here in Amiens! He was not only a writer but also a politician here and served
as the City Councilor as well.
Today, it is possible to go on a self-guided walking tour of Amiens in the
path of Jules Verne. My first stop on Day 1 was to see the
Voyages Lumineux, just beside the Amiens Railway Station. It is a video
projection over a 40m-tall fountain depicting the original cover designs of 5
of his novels!
The next day, I started on the walking tour. Just beside the railway station
are Pavilion d'Octroi and Jules Verne Monument to see. Further
ahead is the Maison du Jules Verne (Jules Verne House) which,
unfortunately, I didn't have the time to visit, followed by
Cirque Jules Verne which he inaugurated and gave a speech at. The next
site is the Jules Verne Library which holds not just the books but also
many objects that he used like documents, letters, travel journals, a writing
desk, etc. Next is the Musee de Picardie where he served as one of the
board of governors. All these sites could be entered and visited.
The next sites are the Amiens Savings Bank, Amiens City Hall, and Ancient
Theatre. The next stop which Atyudarini loved the most is the
playground that's built taking elements from the Jules Verne novels.
The final stop before Amiens Cathedral was the Dewaily Clock which
represents the women depicted in his novels.
Amiens Jules Verne Map: Jules Verne Self-Guided Walking Tour Map via Aronnax
Where is Maison de Jules Verne (on Google Maps)? Jules Verne House
How to reach Maison de Jules Verne? 600m (8 mins walk) from Amiens Railway Station. 4th stop on the Amiens Jules Verne Walking Tour Map.
Maison de Jules Verne Timings: Tue: Closed; Wed-Mon: 10:00AM to 12:30PM; 02:00PM to 06:00PM
Maison de Jules Verne Tickets: €7.50
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Amiens Jules Verne Library
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Musée de Picardie (Picardy Museum)
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Musée de Picardie (Picardy Museum)
4. PICARDY MUSUEM (MUSEE DE PICARDIE) - FINE ARTS MUSEUM OF AMIENS
A visit to Amiens cannot be complete without visiting Musee de Picardie. The
Amiens Fine Arts museum was founded in 1853. It was initially constructed in a
Napoleonic style with a palatial styled interior with state apartments-like
rooms. Since 1878, it has been called Picardy Museum. When you enter it, you will honestly be confused if the purpose of the building when it was built, was a museum or a palace!
As soon as I entered I went directly to the Grand Salon. It was so
picturesque filled with humongous artworks of various artists from 16th C CE
onwards and definitely one of the most instagrammable locations in Amiens.
Further ahead from this room in the grand staircase called the
Escalier d'Honneur and I was in the first floor that began with the
Cabinet of Curiosities. It was quite a range of objects from shells to
skulls! The next room was dedicated to contemporary paintings of the 20th C CE. At
the end of this room is another set of shelves of curiosities called the
Atelier Maignan. The next room is for paintings by 19th C artists.
Behind this is a long corridor in whose central room was again very stunning
with its octagonal shape with ceiling frescoes & sculptures.
The specialty when I visited is the temporary exhibition 'From Versailles to Amiens'. A few artworks & masterpieces have been brought from Chateau de
Versailles for display here till the end of Feb 2023!
On the ground floor has a gallery dedicated to sculptures and another to the middle
ages, its architecture, sculptures, & more. The
sculpture gallery was quite extensive and had many artworks of the 19th
C CE. Atyudarini had fun replicating the poses of the sculptures. In one
corner of the ground floor is the Chapel (the pic above) though it never functioned as one but
was built to display religious art and on another corner is a visitor's room
to relax & read! The self-guided tour of the Picardy Museum of Amiens then
continues to the underground galleries dedicated to Archaeology including Venus du Renancourt.
Where is Musée de Picardie (Picardy Museum) (on Google
Maps)? Musée De Picardie
How to reach Musée de Picardie (Picardy Museum)? 1.3km (15 mins walk) from Amiens Railway Station. 8th stop on the Amiens Jules Verne Walking Tour Map.
Musée de Picardie (Picardy Museum) Timings: Tue-Fri: 9:30AM to 6:00PM; Weekends: 11:00AM to 6:00PM
Musée de Picardie (Picardy Museum) Tickets: €9
There is a 20 Things to do in a Lifetime in the Museum of Picardie activity
for children
There's also a MuseoJeux activity for younger kids
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Do you see how small Atyudarini looks here?!
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5. QUARTIER SAINT LEU - THE VENICE OF THE NORTH - FREE THINGS TO DO IN AMIENS
I visited Quartier Saint Leu twice - once at night and once in the daytime. Under the
moonlit sky and Christmas lights, the place was so lively at night. During
the day, it has an old-world charm to it. I began my walk from
Church St.Leu.
From there, my next stop is a few steps ahead at the
ruins of Hotel Dieu Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which was a hospital. It
dates back to 1236 CE, but the current building dates back to 1531 CE. By
mid-1800s, it was so big and fit 430 beds. It was partially damaged in WWI
and completely damaged in WWII after which it was not restored. Recently, in
2017, archaeologists excavated 263 skeletons of 17th C CE here! This seems
to be the mass burial due to the plague epidemic. Today it is not possible
to go inside the ruins except during the occasional guided tour that's
organized by Musee de Picardie.
Further ahead is a sneak peek into the industrial past of Amiens!
Moulin Passe-Avant-Passe-Arriere is what remains of the 25 mills that
once functioned in Saint-Leau that not only helped in grinding wheat but
also fulling cloth, crushing barks, etc! The building behind the facade was
almost crumbling and the mill isn't functioning now. Behind it is the facade
of Ancienne Vinaigrerie G. Brulé, a historic vinegar factory!
There's also a tall chimney of the factories that once functioned
here and the ruins of Saint Sulpice Church which is currently being
renovated!
Then we started walking along the canals and reached the very colorful Rue
des Archers and continued on Rue Canteraine. Colors, patterns & frescoes
everywhere reminded Jules Verne! Rue Canteraine was incredibly charming with
the colorful, old, half-timber houses laid perfectly along the canal with
occasional pedestrian bridges across the canals. Soon we were at
l'Arbre à gargouilles - a gargoyle tree! A belief that if you make a
wish and make a little gargoyle out of a piece of fabric/kerchief and tie it
there!
Soon we were back at Dodane Bridge. I had a look at the
'Man on the Buoy' sculpture by artist Stephan Balkenhol in the middle
of the river! There's also a puppet theatre which unfortunately I missed
because there was no show when I visited.
Where are the ruins of Hotel Dieu Saint-Jean-Baptiste (On Google Maps)? Ruine de l'hôtel-dieu
Guided tour of the ruins of Hotel Dieu Saint-Jean-Baptiste:
Email museedepicardie@amiens-metropole.com with the subject
Visites L’affaire des charniers d’Amiens to know the upcoming tours
and book one.
Where is Moulin Passe-Avant-Passe-Arriere (On Google
Maps)? Moulin Passe-Avant
Where is Ancienne Vinaigrerie G. Brulé (On Google
Maps)? Ancienne Vinaigrerie G. Brulé
Where is l'Arbre à gargouilles (On Google Maps)? L'Arbre à Gargoilles
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Ruins of Hotel Dieu Saint-Jean-Baptiste
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Moulin Passe-Avant-Passe-Arriere - Historic Watermill
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Rue des Archers and Rue Canteraine
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6. TRY MACARONS AT JEAN TROGNEUX
France & Macaroons go hand in hand. When you're in Amiens, you've got to
visit Jean Trogneux.
How is Amiens Macaron different from Classical Macaroons: Unlike a
classic macaroon which is made of meringue and a filling (buttercream or jam
or curds), an Amiens Macaron is made of Almond powder, egg, honey, and sugar.
This gives a rougher texture to the macarons and they generally do not have a
filling.
Here at Jean Trogneux, they source their Almonds from Spain, free-range eggs
& sugar from local farms. Their family has been making macarons for the
past 6 generations since 1872.
Where is Jean Trogneux Amiens (on Google Maps)? Jean Trogneux
How to reach Jean Trogneux Amiens? 900m (10 mins walk) from Amiens Railway Station. 400m (4 mins walk) from Notre Dame d'Amiens
Jean Trogneaux Amiens Timings: Mon to Sat: 9:00AM to 7:00PM
7. CHRISTMAS MARKET & DECORATIONS - TOP AMIENS ATTRACTIONS
My last trip to Amiens was during the Christmas season and I loved how the
place was lit up so beautifully. Apart from the usual decorations & games,
here, right in front of the city hall is the huge Christmas Tree & Santa
Village which includes a Santa's House - a perfectly instagrammable location
in Amiens. There were more than 120 kiosks including one of the Amiens Craft
beers by Charles & Vianney with its 9 types of beer! There can be no
Christmas market without fun rides for children - there were carousels, roller
coasters, an ice rink, and many more which Atyudarini absolutely adored! She
went on her first-ever solo roller-coaster ride, right here!
When does the Christmas Market happen in Amiens? 26 Nov to 31
Dec
8. ZOO AMIENS METROPOLE - AMIENS WITH KIDS
While a zoo may not be an interesting place to visit for an adult; for kids it is awesome and Atyudarini would have loved it! There are more than 700 species of animals, & birds here. However, Amiens Zoo is open only till mid-Nov, so I wasn't able to visit here.
Where is Amiens Zoo (on Google Maps)? Zoo Amiens Métropole
How to reach Amiens Zoo? 3km from Amiens Railway Station. Take Ametis Bus N1 & disembart at Zoo d'Amiens.
Amiens Zoo Timings: 10:00AM to 05:00PM on all days. Annual closure from mid-Nov to Jan
Amiens Zoo Tickets: €9.9 (reserve online via Zoo Amiens official website)
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Santa's house - Christmas in Amiens
9. LES HORTILLONAGES - FLOATING VEGETABLE GARDENS IN MARSHLANDS
Les Hortillonages are floating gardens in the canals of Amiens. They are
essentially 300 hectares of marshlands where various vegetables and fruits are
grown. The cultivated vegetables are also sold on boats in what's called the
Water Market of Amiens which is held every Saturday! Hortillonages are
important not only for the vegetable gardens but also for the marshland birds.
The best way to explore the Hortillonages is via boat. There's a traditional
horn boat tour with a guide that begins at La Maison des Hortillonages.
Unfortunately, since boating was not happening in winter, I missed this!
Where is Les Hortillonages (on Google Maps)? Les Hortillonages
How to reach Les Hortillonages? 900m (10 mins walk) from Amiens Railway Station.
Les Hortillonages Timings: Open only from April to October. 9:15AM (or 9:45AM) to 11:45AM & 1:30PM to 4:30PM (or till 6:00PM in summers)
Les Hortillonages Boat Tour Tickets: €10 (reserve online via Les Hortillonages official website)
Les Hortillonages Self-Guided walking/biking route: via Visit Somme on Google Maps
10. ST.PIERRE CEMETERY - REMEMBRANCE TOURISM IN SOMME BATTLEFIELDS
When you're in Amiens, you're at the heart of the Somme region where the
Battle of Somme happened during World War I, in Jul-Nov 1916. More about the
Somme Offensive (Somme Battlefields) is coming soon; but for now, here is
about St.Pierre Cemetery located on the outskirts of Amiens. Here's a section
dedicated to the Commonwealth War Graves.
If you're an Indian reading this, here's what you need to know. More than a
million Indians took part in World War I when India was under British Raj and
more than 73000+ died! Many laid down their lives here in the Battle of Somme
as well. Here's an idea of the role of Indians during World War I. The CWGC
Cemetery inside St.Pierre Cemetery in Amiens has 749 war graves, one of which
is an Indian War Grave of WWI -
Baru, from Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh, India) who served as a driver in
the Indian Royal Artillery.
Where is CWGC St.Pierre Cemetery in Amiens (on Google Maps)? Cimetière Saint-Pierre
How to reach CWGC St.Pierre Cemetery in Amiens? 3km from Amiens Railway Station. Take Ametis Bus L and disembark at Beaumarchais or take Ametis bus N2 and disembark at Centre Saint-Victor and walk.
St.Pierre Cemetery in Amiens Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
BEST AMIENS HOTELS
MOXY AMIENS REVIEW
Amiens is a small city and there are quite a few Amiens hotels at various price
points. I stayed at Moxy Amiens which is just beside the Amiens railway
station, making it super easy. I mean, I left the hotel 10 before my train's
departure time; it is that easy! Moxy Amiens is a part of the Marriot chain of hotels,
so everything is pretty streamlined.
The rooms of Moxy Amiens are no fuss, and straightforward. The specialty of
Moxy hotels is being stylish, chic & affordable. There's a working area, a
restaurant+game room on the ground floor. The rooms have all the basic
necessities like toiletries, a hair dryer, etc. Being a budget hotel, there is
no minibar or cafe corner in the rooms. The breakfast, as usual in any
European hotel, is not good for vegetarians who will have to fill up on bread
& fruits.
I had ordered room service for dinner on Day 1. I didn't have any
expectations. I'm used to eating unseasoned, bland pasta and bread during my
travels because not many restaurants can handle vegetarian cuisine in western
Europe and it was a pleasant surprise here! I was mind blown! I truly did not
expect that kind of variety, that big a platter, and that level of seasoning
and deliciousness in it! Absolutely yummy food!!! If you're staying in Moxy
Amiens, I definitely recommend you order, at least, one dinner in your room.
Where is Hotel Moxy Amiens (on Google Maps): Moxy Amiens
How to reach Hotel Moxy Amiens? Just beside the railway station
Book a room online: official website of Moxy Amiens
Hotel Moxy Amiens phone no: +33 03 66 32 18 99
Hotel Moxy Amiens room rates: Room rates begin at €100 for double occupancy in a standard room
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BEST AMIENS RESTAURANTS
VEGETARIAN's GUIDE TO AMIENS
I did not expect it, but Amiens has pocket-friendly vegetarian-friendly food
options available! There are quite a few quick eats & sandwich shops in
the main shopping area of Amiens and most of them have at least one vegetarian
option incl. Subway, Nachos, Fresh Burritos, etc.
That said, one of the best places for vegetarian food in Amiens is
Break! It's a simple little restaurant with pre-packed meal options
which you could get as it is or with a drink & dessert. There is seating
available inside the restaurant but you could easily take the packaged food
and have your lunch near the Cathedral or Canals or anywhere!
AMIENS ITINERARY
Day 1 (Winter) - Jules Verne Walking Tour, Maison Jules Verne, Christmas Market, Santa Village, Chroma Light Show
Day 1 (Summer) - Les Hortillonages Boat tour, Jules Verne Walking Tour, Amiens Zoo (or) Maison Jules Verne
Day 2 (Summer/Winter) - Amiens Cathedral, Belfry, Picardy Museum, walking tour of Le Quai
Day 3 (Summer/Winter) - Remembrance Tourism through the Somme battlefields, cemeteries, and war museums.
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Break Vegan Restaurant in Amiens
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Interiors at Break
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Candied Chestnuts at Jean Trogneux
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Amiens Craft beers by Charles & Vianney
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Dinner at Le Quai
IS IT WORTH VISITING AMIENS?
Amiens is the home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France. Amiens is the heart of the Somme region which was an important place during WWI and this is where the Somme Battlefields are. Amiens is the home to the largest cathedral in France. Amiens is the home to the very unique Hortillonages (floating vegetable gardens & markets)! Amiens is where Jules Verne wrote 'Around the world in 80 days'. Of course, Amiens is an easy day trip or weekend trip from Paris, Lille, and Brussels even if you don't have a car! So yeah, it is totally worth visiting Amiens.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AMIENS?
Visit Amiens on 2 trips - once during Christmas time and once in Spring or
Summer. During Christmas time, you can see the Chroma Light Show and also
experience the rest of the city, esp., the Le Quai area lit with Christmas
lights! However since Amiens Zoo and Les Hortillonages are closed in winter,
take another trip to Amiens during Spring or Summer to experience everything
that Amiens has to offer.
If you're planning an overnight in Amiens, both summer and winter are good. However, if you're planning a day trip to Amiens choose December because the Chroma Monumental Experience light show is much earlier, at 7:00PM in December (when compared to 10:00PM in summer).
HOW TO REACH AMIENS
Amiens has an excellent railway station and a bus station as well. Amiens is
well connected by SNCF as well as buses like Flixbus. There are direct trains
to Amiens from Lille and Paris.
AMIENS LOCAL TRANSPORT - AMETIS
Just like I have mentioned earlier in my articles on Chartres, Reims, Lorsch,
etc., the local transport within Amiens doesn't show on Google Maps, but it
exists! Amiens local transport buses are operated by Ametis. The ticketing of
Ametis is completely digitized - just pay with your contactless card or phone
on the ticket validator as soon as you board the bus. There is no option to
buy a ticket from the driver. A single trip costs €1.50 but if you make more
than 4 trips a day it costs only €4.60 for the whole day! Also, Saturdays are free days for everyone on Ametis buses!!!
Ametis Route Map: Download via Ametis official website
l'Arbre à gargouilles - A gargoyle tree at Quartier Saint Leu (Venice of the North)
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Amiens Belfry - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hauts-de-France
PIN IT / BOOKMARK IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
I didn't know that Jules Verne was so tied to Amiens. I remember reading Journey to the centre of the Earth, when I was growing up my parents had his entire collection of books. I read quite a few of them. I would love to go on the self guided Jules Verne trail in Amiens as well, and discover where he lived as well as other places he is connected to. Dewaily Clock looks very intriguing, I'd like to spend some time seeing if I recognise the characters on it. I would also love to stroll along the streets of Quartier Sain Leu. I can see why it is called the Venice of the north.
ReplyDeleteIt is so funny to see Amiens here because it's one of the first places I've ever been in France when I first arrived in early 2020, and some of the things on this list such as the Cathedral I've actually seen and taken pictures in! I didn't know about the Picardy Museum because this indeed seems so Instagrammable and cool, I have to go on my next visit.
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting to know about the Jules Verne connection here. I'd never heard about Amiens before, or that it was considered the Venice of the north! Living near the real Venice makes it more interesting. You're right about the Museum, it's something I really want to see. And those macarons? I'll eat at least 3!
ReplyDeleteI had not even heard of Amiens before. But was interested to read that it can be done as a day trip or weekend outing from Paris. Fun to read that you can do a walking tour and follow Jules Verne’s path. The Piccadilly Museum building looks like a work of art itself! Glad you found lots to keep your kids engaged too. Hubby would want to visit battlefields so that would make it a longer visit for us.
ReplyDeleteWith so many places to see and activities to do, Amiens is a truly amazing city. There is no denying the beauty of Amiens Cathedral. The Picardy Museum appears to be a highly fascinating location with a very exquisite interior. This day trip seems to have been enjoyable for both you and Atyudarini. This trip guide will most certainly be pinned for later use.
ReplyDeleteHappy to know that there is so much to see and do in Amiens. I am a huge fan of these classics written by Jules Verne and it would be exciting to join this walking tour. A visit to the Picardy Museum sounds great too. Bookmarking this post for future reference.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! I always enjoy visiting churches and cathedrals, and I love the gothic ones. I have been to Notre Dame before it burned and it was big. So for this to be twice in size it must been huge! Also the museum looks very interesting. Great find!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Jules Verne wrote his books in Armiens! The self-guided walking tour along his footsteps is something I would love to do. Also interesting to read your verdict about the Moxy in Armiens. I have a stay in one of the Moxy hotels on my wish-list. Armiens seems to be a lovely weekend destination and I am looking forward to your post about the cathedral!
ReplyDeleteExcept Paris we haven't seen any other city in France. Now Amiens would certainly feature in our plans after seeing what's on offer. Visiting Cathedrals always gives me a sense of peace and therefore Amiens Cathedral would probably be the starting point.Next would be Picardy Museum starting with Grand Salon. Quartier Saint Leu during the day and night again as you suggest, and trying out Macarons in Jean Trogneus is a must being a foodie. Thanks for this complete Guide.
ReplyDelete