Northern France, France
Arrive at Amiens train station. Head directly to your accommodation. Walk to the majestic Amiens Cathedral. Explore its awe-inspiring interior and exterior. Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Ficelle Picarde at a charming restaurant in the Quartier Saint-Leu. Afternoon: Take a guided boat tour of the unique Hortillonnages (floating gardens). Book experiences here. Afterwards, stroll through the picturesque streets of Saint-Leu. Evening: Enjoy dinner in Saint-Leu. If visiting in summer or December, see the magical Amiens Cathedral Chroma light show. Depart late or stay overnight.
This focused itinerary introduces Amiens attractions within a limited timeframe.
For longer visits, Amiens serves as a launchpad for broader regional exploration.
Day 1: Amiens City Exploration (Cathedral, Museums). Day 2: Hortillonnages & Local Charm (boat tour, explore pathways, picnic/cafe). Day 3: WWI History or Nature Escape (Somme Battlefields or Baie de Somme day trip). Return to Amiens for final shopping or coffee.
Days 1-3: Follow the Weekend Getaway itinerary. Day 4: Baie de Somme Immersion (steam train, walks, seal watching). Day 5: Château de Chantilly & Beauvais (palace, gardens, cathedral). Day 6: Lille City Break (Grand Place, Old Town, art museum). Day 7: Departure / Free Day (leisurely morning, final shopping).
Combine the "One-week comprehensive experience" with a longer stay in Paris (3-4 days to explore its vast offerings in detail). Alternatively, dedicate 3-4 days to an exploration of Normandy (covering D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, and charming towns like Rouen). Another option comprises extending your trip into Belgium (visiting Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels), all easily accessible by train from Amiens or Lille.
For those seeking a true immersion in local life, consider renting an apartment or a gîte for a month or more. Amiens features a good quality of life with access to services, a pleasant pace, and a welcoming community. This makes slower, more deliberate exploration and experiencing local rhythms possible.
Consider multi-month rentals for a dive into Amiens' local life.
Combine one-week plan with 3-4 days in Paris (in-depth) or 3-4 days in Normandy (D-Day, Mont Saint-Michel) or extended trip into Belgium (Ghent, Bruges, Brussels).
For immersion, consider renting an apartment or gîte for a month or more. Amiens features a good quality of life with access to services, a pleasant pace, and a welcoming community.
Slower, more deliberate exploration and experiencing local rhythms.
Tailor your Amiens itinerary to match your specific interests.
Devote ample time to Amiens Cathedral, including an optional tower climb and crypt visit. Explore the Musée de Picardie. Visit the Maison de Jules Verne. Climb the Belfry of Amiens. Take a dedicated day trip to the Somme Battlefields. Consider day trips to Compiègne or Arras.
Take a self-guided culinary walk through Les Halles du Beffroi. Dine extensively in Quartier Saint-Leu, sampling local dishes like Ficelle Picarde and Flamiche aux Poireaux. Visit a traditional boulangerie and patisserie for Macarons d'Amiens and other French pastries. Explore local outdoor markets for fresh produce.
Enjoy a guided boat tour of the Hortillonnages. Rent a bicycle to explore pathways around the Hortillonnages and along the Chemin de Halage. Consider kayaking or canoeing on the Somme River. Plan a day trip to the Baie de Somme for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and seal watching.
Amiens Cathedral fascinates older children. The Hortillonnages boat tour features an unique experience for all ages. Spend time at Parc Saint-Pierre with playgrounds. Visit the Parc Zoologique d'Amiens. Consider an apartment rental for space. The historic steam train in the Baie de Somme can be a fun addition.
Focus on the architectural details of Amiens Cathedral, perhaps taking a guided tour to understand its construction. Explore the art collections at the Musée de Picardie. Wander through Quartier Saint-Leu to appreciate its historic architecture and visit small art galleries. If open, explore the Musée de l'Hôtel de Berny for decorative arts. Take day trips to Beauvais Cathedral for its impressive Gothic choir or Arras for its Flemish Baroque squares and belfry.
Spend quiet time in contemplation at Amiens Cathedral, absorbing its peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy serene and reflective walks in the Hortillonnages or along the Somme River. Find tranquility and relaxation in Parc Saint-Pierre. Explore smaller, less crowded churches throughout the city for moments of calm.
Tailor your Amiens trip to fit your budget, whether a backpacker or seeking luxury.
Accommodation: Stay at The People Hostel – Amiens or other budget hostels/guesthouses. Food: Prioritize meals from boulangeries, supermarkets (for groceries), and local markets. Prepare picnics for lunches. Transportation: Walk extensively, as Amiens city center is compact. Utilize the Ametis public transport system efficiently. Activities: Focus on free attractions, like the main nave of the Cathedral, strolling Saint-Leu, and exploring Parc Saint-Pierre. Look for free walking tours offered by local organizations.
Accommodation: Stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel or a charming B&B. Dining: Dine at mid-range brasseries and traditional restaurants, making use of "formule midi" (lunch set menus). Transportation: Mix walking with public transport, using an occasional taxi for convenience. Activities: Include paid attractions like the Maison de Jules Verne, Musée de Picardie, and the Hortillonnages boat tour. Consider one organized day trip, like to the Somme Battlefields.
Accommodation: Stay at a 4- or 5-star hotel, like Mercure Amiens Cathédrale, for premium amenities and service. Dining: Indulge in fine dining at top restaurants like Les Marissons or Le Quai, enjoying multi-course meals and wine pairings. Transportation: Utilize taxis or private transfers for comfort. Activities: Opt for private guided tours of the Cathedral and Somme Battlefields. Seek exclusive experiences, like a private boat tour of the Hortillonnages if available.
Travel during the shoulder season (April-June, September-October) or low season (November-March, excluding December) for better prices on flights and accommodation. Book accommodation and transport in advance to secure better rates. If staying in an apartment, cook some of your meals to save on dining costs.
Amiens presents different experiences depending on the season, influencing your itinerary choices.
Experience the spectacular Amiens Cathedral Chroma Light Show on summer evenings. Enjoy full operation of Hortillonnages boat tours. Outdoor dining in Saint-Leu is popular. Look for local festivals and events.
Visit Amiens for its famous Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) from late November to late December. Enjoy festive decorations throughout the city and a cozier atmosphere in restaurants and cafes. Focus on indoor attractions like museums and the Cathedral interior.
Plan your trip around specific events of interest.
Some attractions and services operate seasonally. The Hortillonnages boat tours, for instance, are not available during colder months, typically from November to March.
Adjust your packing for colder, potentially wetter weather during the off-season. Layers are often a good choice for unpredictable Northern France weather.
Expect fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, but some seasonal attractions may be closed.
Northern France weather can be unpredictable, requiring adaptable clothing choices.
