Budget-Style Adventure: 5 Days in Amiens
Discover the charm of Amiens without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Amiens, with its stunning Gothic cathedral, charming canals, and rich culture, is a perfect destination for budget travelers. By staying in budget-friendly accommodations and sampling local street food, visitors can experience the city’s unique charm without breaking the bank. With many free or low-cost attractions such as the Hortillonnages Floating Gardens and the Musée de Picardie, Amiens is an excellent destination for those seeking a cultural adventure on a budget.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into Hotel Le Prieuré, an inexpensive yet charming hotel in the historic city center.
- Head to Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens, an impressive Gothic cathedral with stunning stained glass windows.
- Explore the Saint Leu district, known for its picturesque canals and charming houses.
- Enjoy traditional French cuisine at Chez Eugène, a cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
- End the day with a drink at Les 3 Baudets, a quirky bar with a wide selection of craft beers.
- Visit the Musée de Picardie, a beautiful museum showcasing art and artifacts from the region.
- Take a tour of Maison de Jules Verne, the former home of the famous science fiction author.
- Stop by the Maison de la Culture, a modern cultural center with exhibitions and events.
- Have lunch at Les Caves de Madeleine, a chic wine bar with delicious French cuisine.
- Attend a performance at Théâtre de la Halle au Blé, an intimate theater hosting various productions.
- Rent a bike and cycle along the idyllic banks of the Somme river.
- Visit the nearby Château de Rambures, a medieval castle with beautiful gardens and a falconry show.
- Stop at the village of Longueval, which played a significant role in World War I and has a museum dedicated to the Great War.
- Enjoy dinner at L'Estaminet du Quai, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Picardie dishes.
- End the day with a drink at Le Comptoir à Bières, a hip bar with a creative cocktail menu.
- Explore Marché sur l'Eau, a unique floating market with local produce and crafts.
- Visit the city's many antique shops, such as Antiquités Leclercq, for vintage finds.
- Stop by La Halle au Fil, a bustling market selling fabric and textiles.
- Have lunch at Le Bistrot Saint-Leu, a charming brasserie with a sunny outdoor terrace.
- Take a break at Les Trois Petits Cochons, a cozy tea room with sweet treats and hot drinks.
- Walk through the Parc Saint-Pierre, a sprawling park with beautiful landscaping and a rose garden.
- Visit the Hortillonnages, a series of picturesque gardens and waterways accessible by traditional flat-bottomed boats.
- Have a picnic lunch in the Jardin des Plantes, a peaceful botanical garden.
- Go for a hike in the nearby Réserve naturelle du Marais d'Isle, a protected wetland with diverse flora and fauna.
- End the day at La Taverne des Hortillons, a charming restaurant overlooking the Hortillonnages.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Amiens, France by plane is to fly into Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and take a train from the airport to Amiens train station, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Car
The best way to get to Amiens, France by car is to take the A16 motorway from Paris, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Train
The best way to get to Amiens, France by train is to take a train from Paris Gare du Nord station, which takes approximately 1 hour.
Boat
There is no direct boat transport to Amiens, France as it is an inland city. However, it is possible to take a boat tour along the Somme River from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, which is approximately 35 km from Amiens.
Bus
The best way to get to Amiens, France by bus is to take a bus from Paris Porte Maillot bus station, which takes approximately 2 hours.