🇫🇷 Amiens – The Soul of Northern France

Located in the Hauts-de-France region, just 1.5 hours from Paris, Amiens is a peaceful riverside city steeped in history, art, and natural beauty. With its world-famous cathedral, whimsical floating gardens, and literary heritage (home to Jules Verne!), Amiens offers a slower, deeply cultural experience in a setting that feels both quaint and monumental.

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🏛️ Top Attractions in Amiens

• ⛪ Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens
  The largest Gothic cathedral in France (yes, even bigger than Paris!) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricate facade, towering nave, and original 13th-century sculptures are simply jaw-dropping.

• 🛶 Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)
  A network of canal-based gardens covering over 300 hectares. Take a guided boat tour or kayak through peaceful waterways lined with flowers, trees, and birdsong.

• 🧠 Maison de Jules Verne
  The former home of the legendary science fiction author. Explore rooms filled with manuscripts, artifacts, and inspiration behind Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

• 🏛️ Musée de Picardie
  One of France’s oldest regional museums, housing everything from Egyptian antiquities to modern art, with rich exhibits on Picardy’s local history.

• 🕯️ Saint-Leu District
  The picturesque old town with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and canal-side cafés. Perfect for strolling or evening drinks.

• 🪖 WWI Sites Nearby
  Amiens is a base for exploring Somme battlefield memorials, including the Thiepval Memorial and Villers-Bretonneux – important to French, British, and Australian history.

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🌿 Experiences You Shouldn't Miss

• 🎨 Hortillonnages Art Festival (May–Oct)
  Contemporary art installations appear in the floating gardens — a unique fusion of nature and creativity.

• 🕯️ Chroma Light Show (Summer)
  At night, the cathedral façade is illuminated with colored light projections that recreate its medieval painted glory — breathtaking.

• 🚲 Bike Along the River Somme
  Scenic cycling routes offer peaceful countryside views, wildlife, and riverside charm.

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🍽️ What to Eat in Amiens

• 🥧 Ficelle Picarde
  A local savory crêpe filled with ham, mushrooms, cream, and cheese, then baked — rich and comforting.

• 🥘 Duck or Rabbit à la Picarde
  Hearty, rustic dishes slow-cooked in local cider or wine.

• 🍰 Macarons d’Amiens
  Almond-based and denser than the Parisian kind — sweet, chewy, and locally beloved.

• 🧀 Maroilles Cheese
  A pungent local cheese from the region — strong, creamy, and best with fresh bread.

• 🍷 Local Cider & Picardy Beer
  Refreshing, farmhouse-style drinks perfect with regional cuisine.

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🏨 Where to Stay

• 🏰 Luxury: Hôtel Marotte
  A refined boutique hotel with elegant rooms, central location, and excellent service.

• 🛶 Mid-Range: Moxy Amiens
  Trendy, comfortable, and close to the train station and Saint-Leu.

• 🏡 Charming: Les Aires en Scène
  A peaceful countryside stay in eco-lodges near the floating gardens.

• 💸 Budget: Hôtel Victor Hugo
  Cozy and affordable, just a short walk from the cathedral and river.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Season	Months	Why Visit
🌸 Spring	April–June	Gardens bloom, pleasant temperatures.
☀️ Summer	July–Sept	Light shows, festivals, canal life.
🍂 Autumn	Sept–Oct	Fewer tourists, beautiful foliage.
❄️ Winter	Nov–Feb	Quiet, but the Christmas market is magical.

📊 Traveler Ratings (Out of 10)

Category	Rating	Notes
🏛️ History & Architecture	9.5	Gothic masterpieces and WWI sites.
🌿 Nature & Scenery	8.5	Unique canal gardens, river walks.
🍽️ Food & Culinary	8	Rustic regional cuisine with flair.
🎭 Culture & Museums	8.5	Strong museum and literary heritage.
🚉 Accessibility	9	Easy train from Paris or Lille.
🧘 Relaxation & Ambience	9	Serene, romantic, never overcrowded.
💸 Value for Money	8.5	Much cheaper than Paris for similar charm.
☀️ Weather	7.5	Mild but can be rainy — bring layers.
🧍 Solo/Family-Friendly	9	Safe, quiet, and walkable.
🛏️ Accommodation Variety	8	Good mix of boutique, budget, and B&Bs.