If Amiens is famous for its cathedral, it also has other assets that justify a visit, especially as it’s a city that can be visited quickly and easily.
I had planned two full days in Amiens to visit the city, aware that I had planned very broadly. But it gave me the opportunity to take my time, try out two restaurants and above all spend two nights at the hotel and take advantage of a promotion on the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Otherwise, I think a full day on site would have been more than enough if organized properly.
You will find at the bottom of the page a summary of the articles about this stay in Amiens.
- Amiens Notre Dame Cathedral
- The Amiens belfry
- Hôtel de Berny Museum
- The Picardie Museum
- The house of Jules Verne
- Bottom line
- The articles about this stay in Amiens
Amiens Notre Dame Cathedral
Amiens’ Notre-Dame cathedral, located in the heart of the city, is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Built in the 13th century, it is a fine example of Gothic architecture and holds the title of France’s largest cathedral in terms of volume. It was built to accommodate the many pilgrims who came to venerate its relics, and continues to attract many visitors today.
As you approach the façade, you’ll notice the many sculptures depicting episodes from the Bible. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the statues of the saints to the gargoyles, reflecting the excellence of the craftsmen of the period.
Inside, the impression of space is striking, thanks to the high vaults and the natural light streaming through the stained glass windows. The cathedral is home to a number of interesting works, such as the shrine of St. John the Baptist, as well as stained glass windows from various periods. A soothing place.
The Amiens belfry
The Amiens belfry is a monument steeped in history, standing in the heart of the city just a stone’s throw from the cathedral. It dates back to the Middle Ages, around the 13th century, and has long played a central role in the lives of the town’s inhabitants. In those days, the belfry was used to protect the city’s archives and treasures, but also to sound the alarm in case of danger. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Amiens’ identity and its communal past.
Although it has undergone several transformations over the centuries, the belfry retains its imposing appearance, with its stone structure and octagonal slate tower. It rises to a height of 52 meters, offering a fine view of the surrounding area. As you pass by, don’t hesitate to look up: its bell is still functional, even if its use is now more symbolic than it once was.
Hôtel de Berny Museum
The Hôtel de Berny is an elegant 17th-century building well worth a visit. Formerly a private residence, it now houses the Musée de Berny, where you can discover a wide range of collections relating to the history of the town and its key personalities. It’s a tranquil place, perfect for soaking up the charm and architecture of the period.
Inside, the various rooms feature decorative art objects, antique furniture and portraits depicting part of the region’s history.
Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited.
The Picardie Museum
Built in the 19th century, it was conceived as a “palace of the arts” and today houses collections ranging from prehistory to contemporary art.
It has a number of unique features. It is one of the very first museums in France to have been conceived from the outset as a museum, rather than housed in an existing building. Its architecture itself is impressive: a neoclassical building with a monumental façade that reflects its ambition to be a “palace of the arts”. Recently renovated, the museum now combines original elements with more modern spaces.
One of its greatest assets is the diversity of its collections. The museum covers an extremely broad period, with pieces ranging from prehistory to contemporary fine art. Highlights include classical French and Italian paintings, medieval sculptures and regional archaeological treasures. Artists such as Corot, El Greco and Picasso are represented, but you’ll also find lesser-known objects that tell the story of local and regional history.
The museum also has a decorative arts collection, with furniture, porcelain and everyday objects from different eras, providing a more complete view of life over the centuries. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions exploring a variety of themes, always with a link to the region or art in general.
The house of Jules Verne
This large bourgeois house, where the writer lived for more than 15 years, plunges us into his daily life and work. As you wander through the rooms, you’ll see many personal objects, as well as documents and illustrations relating to his novels.
The tour takes you through several floors, where you discover his office, an impressive library and rooms that reflect Jules Verne’s era and tastes. What’s striking is the way you can sense his vivid imagination through the exhibits, from model ships to globes. It’s a place where you can understand where his inspiration for works like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days came from.
Bottom line
Amiens is a city well worth a visit, if only for its cathedral, and its very small city center makes it very easy to get around. In addition to the cathedral, there are several other sites to occupy your day.
Just an hour by train from Paris, like Rouen, it’s an easy weekend getaway.
The articles about this stay in Amiens
# | Type | Post |
1 | Diary | Preparing a trip to Amiens |
2 | Train | Paris-Amiens TER HDF (no post) |
3 | Hotel | Moxy Amiens |
4 | Restaurant | Les Orfèvres, Amiens |
5 | Restaurant | L’Ail des Ours, Amiens |
6 | Diary | Visit Amiens in two days |
7 | Train | Amiens Paris TER HDF (no post) |
8 | Diary | Debriefing my stay in Amiens |