Amiens

Day 1: First glimpse of Amiens’ waters and old town

Ease into the city where river, canals and cathedral define the skyline. You’ll sample Saint‑Leu’s waterside ambience, then slip into the marsh‑gardens that made Amiens famous.

• Morning: Start at the cathedral and the small Parc de l’Évêché next door for calm garden views up to the façade; early light is best for photography. Wander down to Saint‑Leu via Pont de la Dodane and along Quai Bélu for a coffee by the canals, noting the old mill‑runners and workshops that once powered local trades.
• Midday: If it’s Saturday between April and October, catch the marché sur l’eau at Place Parmentier where hortillons still sell produce from their boats (arrive early and buy a little if you linger with photos). Otherwise, enjoy a leisurely lunch on Quai Bélu; book terrace tables in summer weekends.
• Afternoon: Take the classic Hortillonnages boat tour from 54 boulevard de Beauvillé (Port à Fumier); pre‑book in high season. Go slow, greet gardeners with a “Bonjour”, and keep voices low—many plots are private; in winter when tours pause, swap for a towpath walk behind Parc Saint‑Pierre for wide views of the rieux.
• Evening: Return to Saint‑Leu for dinner and blue‑hour canal reflections; bridges and quays are unguarded, so mind the edges after dark. If it’s warm, stroll through Parc Saint‑Pierre on the way back—locals picnic and play boules until late.

Day 2: Green lungs, towpaths and botanical calm

Today you follow the Somme as residents do—on foot or by bike—then slow down among historic plant collections. It’s an easy, low‑carbon day with water and greenery never far away.

• Morning: Wake up in Parc Saint‑Pierre for a jog or lakeside stroll, then hire bikes to join the Véloroute Vallée de la Somme along the chemin de halage towards Camon. Continue to the lock at Lamotte‑Brebière to watch a cruiser rise or fall—kids love the mechanics; keep right and signal when passing walkers.

By Air

• Nearest airports:
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – approx. 120 km. By car: ~1h30. By public transport: ~1h45–2h15 (usually RER B to Paris Gare du Nord, then TER; some routes via Creil).
  • Paris Beauvais (BVA) – approx. 65 km. By car: ~1h. By train: ~50–60 min (Beauvais–Amiens TER).
  • Paris Orly (ORY) – approx. 150 km. By car: ~1h45–2h. By public transport: ~2–2h30 (Orlyval/RER to Paris, then TER from Gare du Nord).
  • Lille (LIL) – approx. 140 km. By car: ~1h30. By public transport: ~1h45–2h30 (bus or tram to Lille Flandres, then TER).
• No commercial airport in Amiens; fly into the above and continue by train or car.

By Train

• Main station: Amiens (central; adjacent to the bus station at Place Alphonse Fiquet). Secondary: Saint-Roch (west side, for some regional services).
• Key routes (TER Hauts-de-France unless stated):
  • Paris Gare du Nord – Amiens: frequent direct services, ~1h10–1h30.
  • Lille Flandres – Amiens: ~1h30–1h50 (often 1 change at Arras/Douai; some direct at peak times).
  • Rouen Rive Droite – Amiens: ~1h20–1h40 (direct).
  • Beauvais – Amiens: ~50–60 min (direct).
  • Calais/Boulogne – Abbeville – Amiens: ~1h30–2h30 (regional).

Amiens is a serene, water-laced city where cathedral-scale heritage and canal life meet—delivering big-city experiences without the big-city crowds.

• Vibe: A slow, waterside rhythm along the Somme; pastel Saint‑Leu terraces, garden-lined canals, and a soaring UNESCO‑listed cathedral set the scene for easygoing cafés, cycling and boat pottering.
• Why it’s different: You get the romance of canals and outdoor terraces without the elbow‑to‑elbow promenades—float through the Hortillonnages, stroll Parc Saint‑Pierre, and watch golden-hour light wash over Quai Bélu and the cathedral.
• Authentic hooks: Meet the hortillons at the Saturday water market, glide in a traditional barque à cornet, explore the Festival International de Jardins, and trace local life via the Chemin de Halage; refuel with ficelle picarde and gâteau battu in convivial riverside bistros.
• Value & ease: Compact, walkable, and great value for stays and dining; easy by train, with plenty of space even in peak months (just pre‑book boat tours in summer).

Love cities where water shapes daily life? In Amiens, medieval canals, floating gardens, and contemporary green spaces come together for slow, scenic exploring. Expect compact walks, tranquil boat rides through the Hortillonnages, and relaxed evenings by the water.

• History lovers: Trace Saint‑Leu’s old canals and mills, then seek out Jules Verne’s tomb before skyline views of the cathedral from the quays.
• Scenery seekers: Drift by boat through the Hortillonnages’ mirror‑still rieux and capture golden‑hour reflections in the city’s Little Venice of the North.
• Active travellers: Cycle the Véloroute along the Canal de la Somme, jog across Parc Saint‑Pierre’s bridges, or kayak permitted rieux for a serene workout.
• Garden enthusiasts: See cutting‑edge landscape art at the Festival International de Jardins, then contrast it with the Jardin des Plantes, a true Jardin Remarquable.
• Foodies: Taste seasonal produce from the hortillons at the waterside market and linger over regional dishes at canal‑side tables on Quai Bélu.
• City‑breakers: At around an hour from Paris, Amiens delivers calm, walkable sights and waterside cafés without big‑city crowds.

These are the unmissable highlights of Amiens, blending waterways, gardens and heritage. Use this quick list to see the city’s soul at a glance.

• Walk the Quai Bélu and Saint‑Leu canals at dusk for postcard views of the cathedral and waterside cafés.
• Explore the Hortillonnages floating gardens on a barque à cornet, spotting art installations, birds and hidden plots.
• Visit the Jardin des Plantes for historic greenhouses, themed beds and quiet 18th‑century charm.
• Take the Véloroute Vallée de la Somme along the Chemin de Halage for an easy riverside cycle past locks and reeds.
• Hike through Parc Saint‑Pierre and over to Île aux Fagots for serene waterside paths and skyline vistas.

These are the unmissable highlights of Amiens, blending waterways, gardens and heritage. Use this quick list to see the city’s soul at a glance.

• Walk the Quai Bélu and Saint‑Leu canals at dusk for postcard views of the cathedral and waterside cafés.
• Explore the Hortillonnages floating gardens on a barque à cornet, spotting art installations, birds and hidden plots.
• Visit the Jardin des Plantes for historic greenhouses, themed beds and quiet 18th‑century charm.
• Take the Véloroute Vallée de la Somme along the Chemin de Halage for an easy riverside cycle past locks and reeds.
• Hike through Parc Saint‑Pierre and over to Île aux Fagots for serene waterside paths and skyline vistas.

Amiens’ food culture blends hearty Picard comfort cooking with fresh produce grown in the Hortillonnages floating gardens. Expect generous, oven-baked dishes, buttery pastries, and straightforward flavours on canalside terraces. In season, the Saturday water market brings growers by boat into Saint‑Leu.

• Ficelle picarde – A savoury crêpe stuffed with ham and mushroom duxelles, topped with cream and cheese, then oven‑gratinated; classic comfort food in bustling brasseries and along the Quai Bélu.
• Gâteau battu – A tall, buttery, brioche‑like cake with a golden crust; share slices in cosy cafés or pick one up at weekend markets.
• Macaron d’Amiens – A soft, dense almond macaron scented with honey and apricot; best from local pâtisseries or as a sweet bite at the water market.
• Local ales & Picon bière – Sample regional amber ales or the northern staple of bitter orange liqueur mixed with beer; ideal in lively bars and on waterside terraces.

Amiens’ food culture blends hearty Picard comfort cooking with fresh produce grown in the Hortillonnages floating gardens. Expect generous, oven-baked dishes, buttery pastries, and straightforward flavours on canalside terraces. In season, the Saturday water market brings growers by boat into Saint‑Leu.

• Ficelle picarde – A savoury crêpe stuffed with ham and mushroom duxelles, topped with cream and cheese, then oven‑gratinated; classic comfort food in bustling brasseries and along the Quai Bélu.
• Gâteau battu – A tall, buttery, brioche‑like cake with a golden crust; share slices in cosy cafés or pick one up at weekend markets.
• Macaron d’Amiens – A soft, dense almond macaron scented with honey and apricot; best from local pâtisseries or as a sweet bite at the water market.
• Local ales & Picon bière – Sample regional amber ales or the northern staple of bitter orange liqueur mixed with beer; ideal in lively bars and on waterside terraces.

Choosing the right area in Amiens shapes your trip—each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe, from canalside buzz to tranquil gardens. Think about whether you want nightlife, heritage sights, or green space on your doorstep, then pick accordingly.

• Saint-Leu — canalside charm with cobbles, footbridges and lively terraces; ideal for dining, bars and cathedral views, but can be noisy at weekends.
• Cathedral & Centre-Ville — historic core packed with sights, museums and shops; best for first-timers and culture lovers who want everything walkable.
• Hortillonnages (Rivery/Camon) — serene floating gardens and art installations by the Somme; perfect for nature seekers, boat tours and quiet stays with early nights.
• Parc Saint‑Pierre & Saint‑Pierre — contemporary parkland near the university; great for families, runners and cyclists, with playgrounds and easy access to towpaths and Saint‑Leu.

Choosing the right area in Amiens shapes your trip—each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe, from canalside buzz to tranquil gardens. Think about whether you want nightlife, heritage sights, or green space on your doorstep, then pick accordingly.

• Saint-Leu — canalside charm with cobbles, footbridges and lively terraces; ideal for dining, bars and cathedral views, but can be noisy at weekends.
• Cathedral & Centre-Ville — historic core packed with sights, museums and shops; best for first-timers and culture lovers who want everything walkable.
• Hortillonnages (Rivery/Camon) — serene floating gardens and art installations by the Somme; perfect for nature seekers, boat tours and quiet stays with early nights.
• Parc Saint‑Pierre & Saint‑Pierre — contemporary parkland near the university; great for families, runners and cyclists, with playgrounds and easy access to towpaths and Saint‑Leu.

Travelling to Amiens is straightforward, with a compact centre that’s easy to navigate on foot or by bike. A little planning around seasonal boat tours and popular waterside spots will help you make the most of your time. Here’s what to know at a glance.

• Affordability: Amiens is mid‑priced: set lunches often €15–25, dinners €20–35, mid‑range hotels €80–130 (budget €50–80), with many parks free and boat/festival tickets modestly priced.
• Transport: The compact centre is very walkable, with bike hire (VLS) and the Somme towpath for cycling, buses for parks and suburbs, regional trains for easy connections, and a car useful for day trips into the Somme valley and coast.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is generally understood in tourist areas, on tours, and in many restaurants; a few polite phrases in French are appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: It’s a safe, relaxed city for families and solo travellers—use normal urban precautions, mind unguarded canal edges (especially in Saint‑Leu and the Hortillonnages), share towpaths with cyclists, and don’t swim in the waterways.
• Crowds: June–August is peak (book boat tours and waterside restaurants ahead), spring and autumn are calmer and scenic, and winter is very quiet with some boat tours paused.

Travelling to Amiens is straightforward, with a compact centre that’s easy to navigate on foot or by bike. A little planning around seasonal boat tours and popular waterside spots will help you make the most of your time. Here’s what to know at a glance.

• Affordability: Amiens is mid‑priced: set lunches often €15–25, dinners €20–35, mid‑range hotels €80–130 (budget €50–80), with many parks free and boat/festival tickets modestly priced.
• Transport: The compact centre is very walkable, with bike hire (VLS) and the Somme towpath for cycling, buses for parks and suburbs, regional trains for easy connections, and a car useful for day trips into the Somme valley and coast.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is generally understood in tourist areas, on tours, and in many restaurants; a few polite phrases in French are appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: It’s a safe, relaxed city for families and solo travellers—use normal urban precautions, mind unguarded canal edges (especially in Saint‑Leu and the Hortillonnages), share towpaths with cyclists, and don’t swim in the waterways.
• Crowds: June–August is peak (book boat tours and waterside restaurants ahead), spring and autumn are calmer and scenic, and winter is very quiet with some boat tours paused.

Seasonality in Amiens revolves around its waterways and gardens: April–October is prime for boat tours, festivals and outdoor dining; November–March is much quieter with some water-based activities paused. Expect a temperate maritime climate—changeable skies year‑round, with the lushest landscapes in late spring and early autumn.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild and blooming; manageable crowds; fresh, green vibe with boat tours restarting and the water market returning.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and busiest; long evenings and lively terraces; Garden Festival in full swing—book boats and restaurants early.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Cooler with golden light; thinning crowds and a calm, contemplative feel; great for cycling towpaths as the festival wraps mid‑October.

Seasonality in Amiens revolves around its waterways and gardens: April–October is prime for boat tours, festivals and outdoor dining; November–March is much quieter with some water-based activities paused. Expect a temperate maritime climate—changeable skies year‑round, with the lushest landscapes in late spring and early autumn.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild and blooming; manageable crowds; fresh, green vibe with boat tours restarting and the water market returning.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and busiest; long evenings and lively terraces; Garden Festival in full swing—book boats and restaurants early.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Cooler with golden light; thinning crowds and a calm, contemplative feel; great for cycling towpaths as the festival wraps mid‑October.

Day 3: Marsh‑garden art, hidden history and on‑the‑water views

Blend contemporary garden art with the centuries‑old marsh landscape, then seek out lesser‑known green heritage. End your trip back on the water at your own pace.

• Morning: From late May to mid‑October, explore the Festival International de Jardins in the Hortillonnages: either the boat circuit from Port à Fumier (allow ~2.5 hours) or the free walking route from Île aux Fagots (Parmentier parking fills early). Outside festival dates, visit the small Musée des Hortillonnages in Rivery for tools, stories and context before a gentle perimeter walk.
• Midday: Picnic between installations or grab a simple lunch near the Parc Saint‑Pierre end of the site; bring water and sun protection—shade is patchy on some islands. Wetland paths can be soft after rain; wear closed shoes.
• Afternoon: Head to the Jardin archéologique de Saint‑Acheul for an eye‑opening mix of geology, deep prehistory and planted interpretation; it’s a cerebral counterpoint to the marsh gardens. Alternative for romantics: a contemplative wander in the Cimetière de la Madeleine—serene woodland paths, mossy angels, and Jules Verne’s striking tomb.
• Evening: Kayak or SUP a permitted circuit in the Hortillonnages at golden hour (book ahead; keep clear of private plots and nesting birds). Toast your stay with a final waterside meal—summer terraces hum late, while in cooler months the canal lights make for quiet, reflective walks.

Seasonal notes:

• Spring (Apr–May): Blossom, fresh greens and lighter crowds—ideal for photography and towpath rides.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak demand—reserve boats, bikes and dinners; bring hats and refillable bottles.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Soft light and russet colours in the Hortillonnages and cemetery; festival closes mid‑October.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Classic boat tours pause; focus on towpaths, Jardin des Plantes’ greenhouses and museum visits.

By Coach

• Central coach stop: Gare routière (next to the railway station, Place Alphonse Fiquet).
• Operators typically include FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
• Indicative times:
  • Paris (Bercy/La Défense) – Amiens: ~2–2h30 (traffic-dependent).
  • Lille – Amiens: ~2–2h30.
  • Rouen – Amiens: ~1h45–2h15.

By Car

• Motorways and main roads:
  • A16 (north–south: Paris/Beauvais ↔ Abbeville/Calais).
  • A29 (east–west: Saint-Quentin/A1 ↔ Le Havre/A28).
  • N25 (to Arras).
• Approximate driving times (normal traffic):
  • Paris: ~1h45 via A16.
  • Lille: ~1h30 via A1/A29.
  • Rouen: ~1h30 via A28/A29.
  • Calais: ~1h30 via A16.
  • Beauvais: ~1h via A16.
• Several central car parks near the station and cathedral; a ring road eases cross-city access.

Love cities where water shapes daily life? In Amiens, medieval canals, floating gardens, and contemporary green spaces come together for slow, scenic exploring. Expect compact walks, tranquil boat rides through the Hortillonnages, and relaxed evenings by the water.

• History lovers: Trace Saint‑Leu’s old canals and mills, then seek out Jules Verne’s tomb before skyline views of the cathedral from the quays.
• Scenery seekers: Drift by boat through the Hortillonnages’ mirror‑still rieux and capture golden‑hour reflections in the city’s Little Venice of the North.
• Active travellers: Cycle the Véloroute along the Canal de la Somme, jog across Parc Saint‑Pierre’s bridges, or kayak permitted rieux for a serene workout.
• Garden enthusiasts: See cutting‑edge landscape art at the Festival International de Jardins, then contrast it with the Jardin des Plantes, a true Jardin Remarquable.
• Foodies: Taste seasonal produce from the hortillons at the waterside market and linger over regional dishes at canal‑side tables on Quai Bélu.
• City‑breakers: At around an hour from Paris, Amiens delivers calm, walkable sights and waterside cafés without big‑city crowds.