When most people think of Amiens, their minds go straight to the magnificent Gothic cathedral or the charming floating gardens within the city. But if you’re like me — someone who needs fresh air, open skies, and green landscapes to truly feel a place — then Amiens’ biggest secret lies not in its urban attractions but in the natural escapes just beyond the city limits.
During my last trip, I decided to dedicate a few days entirely to the outdoors. I packed my hiking boots, rented a car for flexibility, and set out to explore everything from bird sanctuaries to forest trails and river kayaking. Amiens is perfectly located in the Somme region, which is rich in wetlands, cliffs, beaches, and countryside. If you’re willing to venture just 30 minutes to an hour outside the city, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking natural spots in northern France.
I’ll take you with me on three outdoor adventures I personally experienced, complete with my raw impressions (muddy boots, aching legs, moments of awe included), and then share four more outdoor activities I highly recommend if you’re planning your own nature-focused trip to Amiens.
My Three Outdoor Experiences
- Birdwatching at the Baie de Somme
If there’s one place that completely stole my heart, it was the Baie de Somme. Located about an hour west of Amiens by car, this vast estuary is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and after spending a day there, I can honestly say it deserves that title.
My Experience
I arrived early in the morning, bundled up in a jacket because the coastal wind can be chilly even in spring. I’d booked a guided birdwatching tour with Maison de la Baie de Somme, which cost around €12 per person. With binoculars around my neck, I joined a small group led by a local naturalist.
Almost immediately, I was hooked. Thousands of migratory birds use this bay as a stopover: avocets, oystercatchers, redshanks, and even spoonbills. The guide pointed out each species with enthusiasm, and I found myself squealing (quietly) when I spotted a flock of elegant shelducks flying low over the water.
The highlight? Seals. Yes, real seals! I hadn’t expected to see them, but sure enough, on a sandbank, a group of grey seals was basking in the sun. Watching them roll lazily on the sand while birds wheeled above felt like a dream.
Practical Details
• Location: 80230 Lanchères, about 65 km from Amiens.
• Getting There: Rent a car (1h drive). Public transport is tricky, but there are occasional trains to Noyelles-sur-Mer, then a bus.
• Activities: Birdwatching, guided walks, seal-watching boat tours, photography.
• Tickets: Guided tours from €10–15. Boat tours ~€20.
• Pros: Stunning scenery, unique wildlife, great for photographers.
• Cons: Very windy, bring layers! Limited food options nearby, so pack snacks.
My Impression
Standing on the bay, wind whipping my hair, binoculars fogging up, I felt tiny — in the best way. Nature dwarfs you here. It’s raw, wild, alive. I left with sandy shoes, a full memory card on my camera, and a deep sense of peace.
Recommendation Index: 10/10. Absolute must for nature lovers.
- Kayaking on the Somme River
The Somme River cuts through Amiens, but to really appreciate its calm beauty, I decided to rent a kayak outside the city, near Corbie.
My Experience
I booked through a small local outfitter called Canoë-Kayak Club de Picquigny, which offered half-day rentals for €15. Paddling down the Somme was like gliding through a postcard: willow trees dipping their branches into the water, herons lifting off from the banks, and the occasional fisherman waving from the shore.
What I loved most was the silence. Unlike city life, where noise is constant, on the river the only sounds were my paddle dipping into the water and the occasional birdcall. About an hour in, I pulled my kayak onto the bank, sat on the grass, and ate the sandwich I’d packed. It was one of those moments where life feels simple and perfect.
Practical Details
• Location: Picquigny or Corbie, 20–25 minutes from Amiens by car.
• Getting There: By car (best option). Train to Corbie also possible, then walk to the kayak rental point.
• Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding.
• Tickets: €15–20 for half-day rental.
• Pros: Peaceful, accessible, beginner-friendly.
• Cons: Weather-dependent. Bring waterproof shoes or you’ll end up soggy like I did.
My Impression
I’ve kayaked in a lot of places, but something about the Somme River felt almost meditative. Maybe it was the gentle current, maybe the pastoral scenery, but I came back to Amiens that evening feeling lighter.
Recommendation Index: 9/10. Perfect half-day activity for calm adventurers.
- Hiking in the Forêt de Crécy
After days of water-based adventures, I craved trees and trails. So I drove 45 minutes northwest to the Forêt de Crécy, the largest forest in Picardy.
My Experience
Armed with a trail map (picked up at the Crécy visitor center), I set off on a 10 km circular hike. The forest was thick with oaks and beeches, and in springtime the ground was carpeted with wildflowers. Every so often, I’d hear woodpeckers hammering in the distance.
The highlight of the hike was reaching a small clearing where deer suddenly bounded across the path. I froze, not wanting to scare them, and watched in awe as they disappeared back into the trees.
By the end of the hike, my legs were sore, but my heart was full. The air smelled of damp earth and leaves, and I realized how much I’d needed this deep-forest immersion.
Practical Details
• Location: Crécy-en-Ponthieu, ~50 km from Amiens.
• Getting There: Best by car (45 minutes). No convenient public transport.
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching.
• Tickets: Free access.
• Pros: Vast, uncrowded, perfect for hikers.
• Cons: Bring water/snacks, as services are minimal. Trails can be muddy.
My Impression
This wasn’t a polished tourist attraction — it was nature in its purest form. And that’s exactly why I loved it.
Recommendation Index: 8.5/10. Best for hikers and those craving solitude.
Four Outdoor Activities I Recommend
Beyond what I personally experienced, I researched and talked with locals to build a wish-list for my next trip. Here are four highly recommended outdoor adventures around Amiens.
- Seal Watching at Le Hourdel
• Location: Near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, 1h15 from Amiens.
• Why Go: The sandbanks at Le Hourdel are home to the largest French colony of harbor and grey seals.
• Activities: Guided walking tours or boat trips.
• Tickets: Walking tours €12–15.
• Pros: Unique wildlife, great for families.
• Cons: Tides matter — go with a guide for best viewing. - Cycling Along the Véloroute Vallée de Somme
• Location: Cycle path running from Péronne to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (over 120 km).
• Why Go: Dedicated cycling route, scenic riverside, history-rich landscapes.
• Activities: Rent bikes in Amiens and do shorter sections.
• Pros: Safe, flat, suitable for all levels.
• Cons: Long sections can feel repetitive. - Cliffs of Ault and the Côte Picarde
• Location: Ault, 90 minutes from Amiens by car.
• Why Go: Dramatic chalk cliffs rising above the sea, reminiscent of Étretat but less crowded.
• Activities: Coastal walks, photography, seaside picnics.
• Pros: Stunning views, fewer tourists.
• Cons: Can be windy and slippery — bring good shoes. - Marquenterre Bird Reserve
• Location: Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, ~1h15 from Amiens.
• Why Go: Famous nature reserve with observation hides and migratory birds.
• Activities: Guided tours, photography, family-friendly walks.
• Tickets: €10 adults, €7 children.
• Pros: Professional facilities, great for birders.
• Cons: Crowded in high season.
Getting There and Practical Travel Tips
• Car Rental: Essential for most outdoor activities. I rented mine at Amiens train station via Europcar for €45/day.
• Public Transport: Works for short trips (like Corbie) but is limited for remote areas like Crécy or Le Hourdel.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn are perfect. Summer can be crowded at the coast; winter is peaceful but chilly.
• Booking Platforms: GetYourGuide for tours, local websites for kayak/bike rentals.
When I first planned my trip to Amiens, I thought it would be all about Gothic architecture and Jules Verne. But nature had other plans for me. Birdwatching on windswept sandbanks, kayaking in silence along the Somme, hiking deep into ancient forests — these were the moments that gave my journey soul.
Amiens is more than a city. It’s a gateway to wild spaces, a starting point for adventures where the horizon is wide and the air is fresh. If you’re a nature lover, don’t just stop at the cathedral. Go beyond. Let the wind at Baie de Somme sting your cheeks. Let the river carry your kayak. Let the forest embrace you.
Because Amiens is not just history — it’s life, in all its natural beauty.
