Northern France, France
Major mobile providers in France are Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. Prepaid SIM cards ("cartes prépayées") can be purchased from their official stores in Amiens. Many supermarkets and "tabacs" also sell them. The Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card is a popular option. It features generous data and calls across Europe, which offers convenience if you tour other EU countries. Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked. Consider Airalo eSIM for digital SIM options.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Amiens. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants feature free Wi-Fi for their customers. Some public spaces also feature free Wi-Fi hotspots. Mobile data on a local SIM card offers internet access throughout the city and surrounding areas. For guaranteed personal Wi-Fi, consider a portable device like Solis Wi-Fi.
Practice a few basic French greetings and polite phrases before your trip. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is not perfect.
Timings for businesses and services in Amiens.
Generally open Monday to Saturday, from around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM. Some smaller, independent shops may close for a lunch break (typically 12:00 PM-2:00 PM). Most shops close on Sundays, except for some larger supermarkets or specific tourist areas.
Lunch service typically runs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Dinner service usually begins around 7:00 PM and continues until 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM. Many restaurants close between these lunch and dinner periods.
Typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Many museums and attractions close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Always check the specific opening hours for each site you plan to visit, as they can vary.
Banks usually operate Monday to Friday, often from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Some banks may open on Saturday mornings. ATMs are widely available 24/7 outside bank branches, in shopping areas, and at the train station.
On public holidays ("jours fériés"), most businesses, banks, and post offices close. Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule. Major attractions might remain open, but confirm holiday hours in advance.
Check the specific opening hours of museums and attractions online before your visit. Many close on a specific weekday, usually Monday or Tuesday.
Polite customs and social practices in Amiens.
Always greet shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and passersby with "Bonjour" (during the day) or "Bonsoir" (in the evening), using "Madame" or "Monsieur." Not doing so can be considered impolite. Say "Au revoir" when leaving a shop or restaurant. When entering a small shop, greet the owner.
French style is generally smart casual. Avoid overly sloppy or athletic wear in city centers and restaurants. Jeans are common, but paired with a nice top. For religious sites like Amiens Cathedral, cover shoulders and knees as a sign of reverence.
Wait to be seated in restaurants. Do not rush meals; dining is a social experience. Service charge is almost always included in France. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.
Photograph public buildings and street scenes generally. Always ask permission before close-up photos of individuals, especially children ("Puis-je prendre une photo?"). Check signs in museums/churches for photography rules. Avoid discussing money, politics, or religion with strangers. Do not make direct comparisons between France and other countries, especially negative ones.
A simple greeting like 'Bonjour Madame/Monsieur' establishes a polite interaction, a cornerstone of French courtesy.
Amiens has made efforts to further accessibility, but travelers with mobility challenges should know potential limitations in older areas.
France has laws and initiatives aimed at furthering accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, older infrastructure, like cobblestone streets in Quartier Saint-Leu and historic buildings without lifts, can present challenges. Newer buildings and public transport systems generally comply with modern accessibility standards.
Amiens Cathedral's main nave is generally accessible for wheelchair users. Tower and crypt access may be difficult due to narrow stairs. Musée de Picardie and Maison de Jules Verne generally feature good accessibility, including lifts and ramps. Ametis (public transport) trams and many buses are accessible with low floors and designated spaces.
When booking accommodations, explicitly state your accessibility needs to the hotel or apartment owner. Confirm they provide the required facilities before finalizing your reservation.
