Amiens, a charming city crisscrossed by canals, guarantees a lovely and relaxed time. Despite its modest size, Amiens is packed with activities and sights that will satisfy everyone. It can be an excellent base if you want to explore the rich heritage of Picardy or a memorable day trip from Paris. The city is exceptionally bicycle-friendly, making it easy to navigate its picturesque streets. For families, Amiens holds attractions such as the Puppet Museum and the Circus, which provide entertainment for all ages. Head to Amiens for an adventure filled with culture, history, and the simple joy of exploring a city where waterways and paths invite discovery at every turn. Whether it's a bike ride along the canals or a family outing to the circus, Amiens promises memorable moments for all.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Amiens is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Paris, making it an effortless trip for those traveling from the capital. The city's train station is centrally located and a convenient starting point for your adventures.
• Getting Around: Exploring Amiens by bike is fun and efficient, thanks to an extensive network of bike paths and bikes for rent at every corner. Walking is another excellent way to discover the city's hidden gems and famous sights, with most attractions within easy reach. For longer distances, local buses run a reliable service.
• Where to Stay: Choose accommodations near the city center or along the canals for picturesque views from your window. A central location gives you easy access to major attractions and the charm of canal-side dining or evening strolls.
• How Long to Visit: A weekend in Amiens is a good amount of time to see the highlights without rushing. If you have more time, you should use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding Picardy region.
• When to Visit: Spring through fall are the best times to visit Amiens, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. Summer brings the city to life with festivals and open-air events.
• Similar Destinations: If Amiens is your cup of tea and you are looking for similar experiences, Bruges, Belgium, is another fairytale-like setting with its own network of canals and historic charm. Closer to home, Strasbourg mixes French and German cultures in the picturesque Alsace region. Finally, Utrecht in the Netherlands has a similar canal-centric cityscape and is known for its thriving cultural scene and historic buildings.

Highlights:

Les Hortillonnages:

One of the most remarkable features of Amiens is Les Hortillonnages, which consists of more than 300 acres of floating gardens connected by a network of canals. These artificial islands, created over centuries by extracting peat and clay, form a unique landscape amid the city. Cultivated for centuries, these plots are rich with various crops and flowers, demonstrating an age-old market gardening tradition. Guided boat tours on traditional flat-bottomed boats are a fun way to explore these floating gardens. In June, the traditional water market revives historic trading practices, with vendors dressed in period costumes selling their products directly from boats.

Cultural and Historical Attractions:

Amiens is home to many historical and cultural sites. The Musée de Picardie is a vast museum featuring art and archaeological finds that span the breadth of human history in the region. The Cathedral of Amiens, recognized by UNESCO, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famous for its elaborate facades and detailed craftsmanship. Not far from Amiens, the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Corbie showcases Romanesque and Gothic architecture, reflecting its monastic origins. The Tour Perret, which marks the skyline of Amiens, is notable as France's first skyscraper and provides views of the city and a glimpse of architectural innovation after World War II. The Maison Jules Verne, now a museum, is a look into the famous author's life, preserving his personal effects and manuscripts. Finally, the Maison de la Culture d'Amiens is a modern cultural institution that promotes a variety of artistic endeavors.

Activities for the Entire Family:

Amiens is known for its variety of family-friendly activities. The Cirque Jules Verne combines traditional circus arts with innovative theater to create spectacular shows. And the Théatre des Marionettes is a puppet theater that transforms classic and original stories into enchanting and funny performances. Together, these attractions ensure that a visit to Amiens is packed with exciting family activities, combining entertainment with learning.

Day Trip along the Circuit du Souvenir:

A day trip on the Circuit du Souvenir will take you through the major sites of the Great War in Picardy, a journey of reflection through battlefields, memorials and cemeteries. It's an enlightening way to explore the lasting impact of the war on the region and the memory of those who fell.

Day Trip to Samara Archaeological Village:

The Samara Archaeological Village gives an immersive look at prehistoric life, combining educational exhibits with reconstructed dwellings and demonstrations of ancient crafts. It is an outdoor museum experience that provides both a learning opportunity and an enjoyable day out for visitors of all ages.