When most people hear the name Amiens, their minds immediately jump to the towering Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline, or perhaps to Jules Verne, who spent his later life here dreaming up voyages across land, sea, and sky. But for me, what truly made Amiens memorable were its parks and gardens.
There’s something about green spaces in a city that makes me feel instantly at home. They are breathing spaces, places where time slows down, where locals reveal themselves not as passersby but as people living their lives — picnicking, reading, laughing, or simply strolling hand in hand. During my time in Amiens, I dedicated myself not only to the famous cultural landmarks but also to its parks and gardens. And honestly, I fell in love.
I’ll take you with me through three parks and gardens I explored myself — complete with my candid impressions, practical tips, pros and cons — and then share three more green escapes I recommend for travelers who want a fuller experience of Amiens.
- Hortillonnages d’Amiens (Floating Gardens)
If you only have time for one park in Amiens, let it be this. The Hortillonnages, also known as the floating gardens, are unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in France. Imagine a patchwork of little islands — over 300 hectares of them — separated by narrow canals, cultivated since the Middle Ages for fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
My Experience
I decided to book a traditional barque à cornet boat ride. These flat-bottomed boats are guided by locals who row you quietly through the canals. The moment I stepped in, I felt like I’d entered a storybook — the water reflecting the trees, little wooden huts dotting the banks, flowers spilling over into the water.
The guide told us that the gardens are still used for growing produce today, sold at the Saturday market in Amiens. The experience felt authentic, not staged for tourists. Ducks glided by, dragonflies hovered, and at one point we even passed a fisherman casting his line.
Practical Details
• Location: Entrance at 54 Boulevard Beauvillé, 80000 Amiens.
• Getting There: From Amiens train station (Gare d’Amiens), it’s a 20-minute walk or a quick taxi. From Paris CDG airport, take a train to Amiens (about 1h30) and then walk.
• Activities: Boat tours (April to October), art installations in summer, photography, and quiet walks.
• Tickets: Boat tours €8 adults, €5 children. Tickets available on-site or through the official Hortillonnages website.
• Pros: Unique, serene, very photogenic.
• Cons: Weather-dependent (avoid rainy days). Limited access in winter.
My Impression
Floating through the Hortillonnages was like floating through time. I could have stayed on that boat forever, lulled by the gentle sound of water against the wood. It’s not just a garden — it’s a cultural treasure, a living piece of Amiens’ identity.
Recommendation Index: 10/10. Do not miss it.
- Parc Saint-Pierre
Located right in the heart of Amiens, Parc Saint-Pierre is the city’s modern, lively green lung. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel the rhythm of local life. Designed by landscape architect Jacqueline Osty, it mixes lakes, bridges, lawns, and modern art-inspired features.
My Experience
I went on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and the park was buzzing. Families picnicked under trees, teenagers skated on ramps, couples rowed boats across the lake. I rented a bike at the Vélo service near the entrance and cycled around the paths. There was a moment where I stopped on one of the bridges and just breathed in the view: the Cathedral spires in the distance, ducks paddling, kids flying kites.
What struck me most was the sense of community. This wasn’t just a park for tourists — it was for everyone. I ended up chatting with a local retired man who told me he comes here daily to walk, no matter the weather.
Practical Details
• Location: Rue Saint-Fuscien, 80000 Amiens.
• Getting There: A 15-minute walk from the cathedral. If coming from the train station, it’s about 20 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by bus.
• Activities: Rowing, cycling, skating, picnicking, jogging. There’s also a small café kiosk for snacks.
• Tickets: Free entry. Boat rentals from €5/hour.
• Pros: Vibrant, free, perfect for people-watching.
• Cons: Can be crowded on weekends.
My Impression
Parc Saint-Pierre was less about quiet reflection and more about energy. I loved the lively buzz, the sound of kids laughing, the sight of teenagers zooming past on scooters. It reminded me that green escapes aren’t only about nature — they’re about community, too.
Recommendation Index: 9/10. Go for the energy and views.
- Jardin des Plantes d’Amiens
For a completely different vibe, I headed to the Jardin des Plantes, Amiens’ botanical garden founded in 1751. It’s one of the oldest in France, and walking in felt like stepping into a green museum.
My Experience
This garden was calm, structured, almost scholarly. I walked slowly down the long central avenue, flanked by meticulously labeled plants and flowers. There were themed sections — medicinal plants, roses, seasonal flowers. I took my time, stopping to read the plaques (in French, but easy to translate with my phone).
What really caught my attention was the greenhouse collection. Exotic plants from faraway lands thrived here, and it made me think of explorers bringing seeds back centuries ago.
Practical Details
• Location: 60 Rue de la République, Amiens.
• Getting There: A 10-minute walk from Musée de Picardie. From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk.
• Activities: Strolling, botany study, photography.
• Tickets: Free entry.
• Pros: Quiet, educational, historical.
• Cons: Less interactive than other parks, best for plant lovers.
My Impression
I felt at peace here. The Jardin des Plantes doesn’t overwhelm — it whispers. It’s the kind of place where you bring a notebook, sit on a bench, and let your thoughts wander.
Recommendation Index: 8/10. Perfect for plant enthusiasts and anyone seeking calm.
Recommended Parks and Gardens
Besides the ones I visited, Amiens has several other green gems that I researched, some of which are high on my list for my next trip.
- Parc du Grand Marais
Known as Amiens’ largest park, the Parc du Grand Marais is located west of the city and offers wide open spaces. It’s popular for sports — football, running, cycling — and also for families.
• Location: Avenue de l’Hippodrome, Amiens.
• Activities: Sports fields, walking trails, family picnics.
• Pros: Spacious, good for outdoor exercise.
• Cons: Less scenic compared to Parc Saint-Pierre.
• Recommendation Index: 7/10. Great for sporty travelers. - Parc de l’Évêché (Bishop’s Garden)
Right behind the cathedral lies a hidden gem — the Bishop’s Garden, also called Parc de l’Évêché. It’s a smaller, more intimate park with neat flowerbeds and benches.
• Location: Behind Amiens Cathedral.
• Activities: Relaxing after visiting the cathedral, photography.
• Pros: Central, quiet, easy to combine with sightseeing.
• Cons: Small, not for long stays.
• Recommendation Index: 7.5/10. Lovely for a short pause. - Parc Zoologique d’Amiens (Amiens Zoo)
For families, the Amiens Zoo is both a garden and an educational escape. Recently renovated, it combines landscaped spaces with animal enclosures.
• Location: Esplanade de la Hotoie, Amiens.
• Activities: Walking, animal watching, family-friendly activities.
• Tickets: €7 adults, €5 children.
• Pros: Kid-friendly, educational.
• Cons: Not purely botanical, may feel small compared to bigger zoos.
• Recommendation Index: 8/10. Excellent for families.
How to Get to Amiens Parks
Most parks in Amiens are within walking distance of the city center or a short bus ride away. From Paris CDG airport, take a direct train to Amiens (about 1h30). From the Amiens train station, taxis, buses, and walking will get you anywhere you need.
For day-trippers: The Hortillonnages and Parc Saint-Pierre are closest to the station. For Jardin des Plantes and Parc du Grand Marais, allow a 20–30 minute walk.
Booking, Tips, and Platforms
• Boat tours in Hortillonnages can be booked via the official Hortillonnages website or through platforms like GetYourGuide.
• City bikes for Parc Saint-Pierre can be rented on-site or via the Amiens Métropole Vélo app.
• Amiens Zoo tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for faster entry.
When I think back on Amiens, it’s not just the cathedral that lingers in my memory — it’s the soft ripple of water in the Hortillonnages, the laughter of children in Parc Saint-Pierre, the quiet whispers of roses in the Jardin des Plantes. Parks and gardens are not just “filler” attractions — they are the soul of a city.
Amiens taught me that green escapes are essential to understanding local life. In the parks, you see Amiens not as a tourist postcard, but as a living, breathing city. And for me, those moments of stillness, laughter, and green beauty were priceless.
If you’re coming to Amiens, don’t just tick off the cathedral. Slow down. Walk the gardens. Float the canals. Sit on a bench. You’ll leave with not only photos but also peace in your heart.
