My First Encounter with Amiens
I still remember the first time I set foot in Amiens. After years of hopping across Europe’s capital cities, I wanted something quieter but still rich in history and culture. When I booked my trip, I knew about the towering Gothic cathedral and maybe a little about Jules Verne, but I wasn’t fully prepared for what awaited me: canals that look like they belong in a watercolor painting, hearty Picard cuisine, friendly locals, and that blend of French elegance with small-town authenticity.
But I’ll be honest — as much as I loved my trip, I also made mistakes. I overpacked, underestimated the weather, struggled with public transportation the first two days, and only discovered the best budget-saving hacks after spending more than I should have. That’s why I’m writing this guide: to help other first-timers avoid the pitfalls and maximize their stay in Amiens.
So here it is — my complete survival and enjoyment guide for your first trip to Amiens.
Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Amiens
If you’re anything like me, packing can be stressful. My suitcase has been a battlefield of “just-in-case” items versus “do-I-really-need-this?” For Amiens, here’s what I learned the hard way.
- Layers, Layers, Layers
The weather in Amiens is unpredictable. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons pleasantly warm, and evenings damp. A lightweight waterproof jacket saved me when it rained unexpectedly during my cathedral tour. I also packed a fleece that I layered under a trench coat — perfect for spring. - Comfortable Shoes
Forget the fancy heels or stiff loafers. Amiens is a city meant for walking. From the cobblestones near the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens to the riverside paths of Les Hortillonnages, you’ll need sturdy sneakers or walking shoes. I wore my trusty waterproof sneakers, and they were lifesavers. - A Daypack
A small, lightweight backpack was perfect for carrying water, snacks, a guidebook, and my camera. Bonus: it doubled as my carry-on. - Travel Umbrella
I didn’t think to pack one until I got caught in an afternoon drizzle. I ended up buying a cheap umbrella for €7 at Monoprix, but I wished I had brought my compact travel one. - Reusable Water Bottle
Most cafes and even public fountains offer clean water refills. Having my bottle saved me at least €10 during my trip.
What to Wear in Amiens
French style often intimidates travelers, but Amiens has a more relaxed vibe compared to Paris.
• For Women: Casual dresses layered with tights, jeans paired with a chic blouse, or sweaters with scarves. Neutral colors always blend in.
• For Men: Slim-fit jeans, polos, button-down shirts with a lightweight jacket. Sneakers are fine, but avoid overly sporty looks.
• Seasonal Notes:
o Spring/Fall: Pack a trench coat and cardigans.
o Winter: Heavy coat, gloves, and scarves are essential.
o Summer: Light dresses, shorts, but always bring a light jacket for evenings.
💡 Personal Lesson: I underpacked warm clothing in April. The cathedral’s interior was stunning but chilly — I ended up buying an Amiens-themed hoodie at a souvenir shop, which became both a warm layer and a funny keepsake.
Weather in Amiens: Expect the Unexpected
Amiens has a temperate oceanic climate, meaning mild summers and cool, damp winters.
• Spring (March–May): Temperatures between 8°C–18°C (46°F–64°F). Rain is frequent.
• Summer (June–August): Pleasant, averaging 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F). Warm afternoons, cool nights.
• Fall (September–November): Crisp air, 10°C–18°C (50°F–64°F). Beautiful foliage.
• Winter (December–February): Cold and damp, 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F).
💡 Pack versatile clothing and always carry a rainproof layer.
Understanding Amiens Culture
This is what I wish I had known beforehand. Amiens is not Paris — and that’s a wonderful thing.
• Local Pride: People are proud of their heritage, especially the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is larger than Paris’s in sheer volume.
• Cuisine: The Picardy region is known for hearty dishes like ficelle picarde (savory crêpes filled with ham, mushrooms, and cream) and duck pâté.
• Politeness Matters: Always greet with a “Bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants. Locals appreciate it.
• Slower Pace: Meals are leisurely. Don’t expect rushed service — embrace it.
Currency and Budgeting
Amiens uses the euro (€). I underestimated how cash-friendly some smaller cafes and markets are.
• Currency Exchange: It’s easier to withdraw euros from ATMs than to exchange cash. I used BNP Paribas ATMs without extra fees (my bank reimburses international fees).
• Budget Breakdown (per day, average):
o Meals: €25–40
o Transport: €5–10
o Attractions: €10–20
o Coffee/Snacks: €5–10
o Total: Around €60–80 per day for a mid-range budget.
💡 Personal Hack: I bought a 5-day Amiens Pass for €35, which included discounts at several attractions and free bus rides. Saved me about €20 in total.
Public Transportation and Metro Cards
Here’s where I initially got confused. Amiens doesn’t have a subway (like Paris), but it does have a reliable bus system called Ametis.
Bus System in Amiens
• Single Ticket: €1.40, valid for 1 hour.
• Day Pass: €3.80, unlimited rides.
• Weekly Pass: €12, worth it if you’re staying longer.
Tickets can be bought at kiosks, directly from the driver, or via the Ametis mobile app.
Comparing to Paris Metro
While Paris’s metro system is sprawling and overwhelming, Amiens’s bus network is simpler. However, buses stop running earlier in the evening (around 9:30 pm), so don’t rely on late-night rides.
💡 I learned to always check the timetable in advance — I missed the last bus once and had to walk 30 minutes back to my hotel.
Street Food in Amiens
One of the most delightful surprises was Amiens’s food scene. While it’s not as famous as Lyon or Paris, Amiens offers some unique street food.
My Favorites
- Macarons d’Amiens — almond-based cookies, slightly chewy, sold for about €6 per box at Maison Trogneux.
- Ficelle Picarde Wraps — some street stalls sell portable versions of the classic dish for €4–5.
- Crêpes — at the weekend market near Place Gambetta, I had a Nutella crêpe for €3.
Street Food Safety Tips
• Stick to stalls with a crowd — turnover means freshness.
• Avoid anything sitting uncovered too long.
• Ask locals where they buy their snacks — they know best.
Getting a Local SIM Card
Staying connected in Amiens was easier than I expected. At the Gare d’Amiens (train station), I bought a Lebara SIM card for €10, which included 5GB of data. It worked flawlessly across the city.
Other options: Orange, SFR, or Free Mobile kiosks. For short stays, prepaid cards are the way to go.
My 5-Day Mini Itinerary for Amiens
Here’s how I’d plan a first-time visit:
Day 1: Cathedral & Old Town
• Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral (€8 entry for tower climb).
• Afternoon: Stroll through Quartier Saint-Leu canals.
• Evening: Dinner at Le Quai.
Day 2: Jules Verne & Museums
• Morning: Visit Maison de Jules Verne (€7).
• Afternoon: Musée de Picardie (€10).
• Evening: Crêpes at Place Gambetta.
Day 3: Les Hortillonnages
• Morning: Boat tour of floating gardens (€7).
• Afternoon: Picnic in Parc Saint-Pierre.
• Evening: Local beer at a riverside bar.
Day 4: Markets & Shopping
• Morning: Saturday market at Place du Beffroi.
• Afternoon: Shopping in Rue des Trois Cailloux.
• Evening: Try ficelle picarde.
Day 5: Day Trip to Villers-Bretonneux
• Australian National Memorial, WWII history. Bus or rental car, €5–10.
Adjusting Your Budget
What I learned: Amiens is affordable compared to Paris, but little extras add up.
• Save on transport with passes.
• Shop at markets for snacks instead of always eating out.
• Visit museums on free days (first Sunday of each month).
Recommended Day Trips
- Villers-Bretonneux: War memorials.
- Arras: About 1 hour by train, charming Flemish-style square.
- Beauvais: Famous cathedral and astronomical clock.
- Somme Battlefields: Emotional but important historical trip.
Travel Insurance
I always recommend insurance — I’ve had lost luggage and medical emergencies before. For Amiens, I used Allianz Global Assistance “OneTrip Prime”.
• Cost: About $55 for 7 days.
• Coverage: Trip cancellation, baggage delay, €50,000 medical.
• Personal Note: My suitcase was delayed by 12 hours, and Allianz reimbursed me €75 for emergency purchases (toiletries, socks, T-shirt). Worth every cent.
Why Amiens Was Worth Every Moment
Looking back, Amiens gave me so much more than I expected. It wasn’t just about the grand cathedral or Jules Verne’s house — it was about the quiet beauty of the canals, the warmth of people greeting me with “Bonjour,” and the pleasure of finding a €3 crêpe that tasted like pure happiness.
What I wish I had known? To pack more layers, to rely on buses instead of assuming there’d be a metro, to budget smarter, and to allow time for side trips.
Amiens is a city that rewards the curious, the slow wanderer, and the traveler who wants to step away from the Paris spotlight. My advice: go with an open mind, go prepared, and let Amiens surprise you the way it surprised me.
Because if you do, you won’t just visit Amiens — you’ll feel it.
