Historic capital of Picardy, this Somme town has just over 130,000 inhabitants, and is nicknamed the “little Venice of the North” thanks to the multiple canals that cross it. Many other points of interest make it a city to discover: its grandiose Notre-Dame cathedral, its 300 hectares of floating gardens, its rich heritage, its intense cultural life, its privileged location in the heart of the Paris/London triangle /Brussels and its accessibility favored by numerous means of transport.
To start the day, the cathedral represents an obligatory stop: immense and majestic seen from the outside, this masterpiece of Gothic art is the largest cathedral in France and offers sumptuous internal decorations, paintings, sculptures, tombs, bas-reliefs, highlighted by plays of light.
A jewel that some claim to be the most beautiful cathedral in the country. After this mineral wonder, continue with the bucolic charm of Gardening of Amiens, these floating gardens to be explored on foot or by boat, with a boatman who will guide your exploration in a calm and refreshing atmosphere telling you about the development by man of these marshy spaces in the Middle Ages, the towpath which became a green, the richness of the local fauna and flora, horticulture gradually abandoned in favor of pleasure gardens; a visit full of charm that leaves an indelible memory.
Ends with the Saint-Leu district, in old Amiens, which takes on the air of little Bruges with its canals, its typical colorful houses, its bridges, its cobbled pedestrian streets and its terraces on the quays, for a truly exotic walk.
In the afternoon, experience a dive into the world of Jules Verne with a visit to his house, the one he occupied during the twenty most productive years of his life as a writer. You will discover his living environment, his office, his trunks of memories, old photos, posters, flying machines imagined by the writer, and an atmosphere that makes you want to reread his work.
We can continue with a more distant history, presented in the Samara Park which presents the archaeological heritage of the Somme: reconstruction of the daily life of our prehistoric ancestors, of their subsequent habitats (skin tents, cob and straw houses, then wooden, additional constructions for animals), but also activities and demonstrations of different period gestures, lighting a fire, hunting, creating ceramics, weaving, etc. You can then walk in the 30-hectare park of preserved nature with an arboretum, a labyrinth of wild plants and a swamp. Finally, conclude with the Picardie Museum, a splendid building built at the end of the 19th century that brings together rich collections of archeology and painting between Prehistory and the 20th century, for an exceptional visit.
Your evening in Amiens
At dinner time, Le 8 will seduce you with its very modern but welcoming environment and its delicious dishes, served by attentive staff. Otherwise, try Les Petits Bonheurs for its generous dishes and welcoming staff.
For night owls, the Network offers tasty cocktails and evenings with DJs who create a festive atmosphere. If the opportunity arises, don’t miss the chance to attend a show in the fabulous Cirque Jules Vernes, a splendid building which today hosts variety shows, concerts, of course circus and various other events.
Finally, the night will be regenerating and very comfortable at Hôtel Le Prieuré thanks to its spacious rooms and original decorations. Ditto if you spend it at the Marotte hotel housed in a beautiful red brick building and equipped with modern and romantic rooms at the same time.