When I first arrived in Amiens, I thought my time here would be filled mainly with Gothic architecture, floating gardens, and literary references to Jules Verne. And while those are unforgettable highlights, what surprised me most was the city’s shopping scene. From chic modern shopping centers to intimate local boutiques and vibrant markets, Amiens is a retail haven for travelers like me who love to combine sightseeing with a bit of indulgence.
I’ll share my deep dive into Amiens shopping — from four modern shopping centers I personally explored to two traditional markets that I’d wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking authenticity. Along the way, I’ll give you my first-hand impressions on services, facilities, discounts, and overall vibe.
Why Shopping in Amiens is Unique
Before diving into individual destinations, let me say this: shopping in Amiens isn’t just about buying things. It’s about connecting with the city. Paris might have the glamour, Lille the cutting-edge boutiques, but Amiens strikes a balance between everyday French life and hidden gems.
What I noticed is that shopping here feels slower and friendlier. Whether in a polished mall or a bustling weekend market, you get the sense that retail is woven into the fabric of the community. And that makes every purchase feel more personal — whether it’s a baguette from the market, a scarf from a local designer, or a souvenir keychain from a boutique tucked under medieval arches.
The Modern Shopping Centers of Amiens (My Personal Visits)
- Les Halles du Beffroi
• Location: Place Maurice Vast, right in the heart of Amiens, steps from the Belfry.
• My Experience: I remember entering on a drizzly afternoon, and instantly feeling uplifted by the warm glow and hum of the shops. Les Halles du Beffroi is compact compared to mega malls in bigger French cities, but it has a carefully curated mix of boutiques and mainstream stores.
What stood out to me was the focus on fashion. Stores like Zara and H&M are here for staples, but I gravitated toward smaller French boutiques like Devred 1902, a men’s fashion brand originally founded in Amiens. Buying a shirt here felt symbolic — like I was taking a piece of the city’s textile heritage home.
• Strengths: Central location, great for quick shopping before or after sightseeing. Lots of cafés around for breaks.
• Weaknesses: Not as big as Parisian centers — so don’t expect endless variety.
• Discounts: I found winter sales (les soldes d’hiver) particularly good here, with 30–50% off many clothing brands.
• Tip: Combine your visit with the nearby Belfry (a UNESCO site) for a half-day outing.
- Shopping Center Les 3 Cailloux
• Location: Rue des 3 Cailloux, the main pedestrian shopping street of Amiens.
• My Experience: If Les Halles du Beffroi feels cozy, Les 3 Cailloux feels like the beating retail heart of the city. This shopping street is open-air, lined with both national and international brands. On my visit, I spent hours weaving in and out of shops, from Sephora (perfect for French cosmetics) to FNAC (where I bought a French music CD for nostalgia).
I especially loved Nature & Découvertes, which blends eco-products, books, and unique gadgets. I picked up a small herbal tea set — not only a practical souvenir, but also a reminder of how French shopping often connects lifestyle with wellbeing.
• Strengths: Endless variety, energetic vibe, lots of side cafés for people-watching.
• Weaknesses: Can get very crowded, especially on weekends.
• Discounts: Many loyalty cards offered by French chains — sign up if you plan multiple visits.
• Tip: Go early in the morning when the shops open, and you’ll have the street almost to yourself.
- Centre Commercial Géant Amiens Glisy
• Location: Rue des Industries, just outside Amiens, near the A29 motorway.
• My Experience: Visiting this center was like stepping into French suburban shopping culture. It’s anchored by a Géant Casino hypermarket, but the attached shopping gallery surprised me with how diverse it was. I browsed electronics at Darty, home goods at Maisons du Monde, and even popped into Decathlon for affordable outdoor gear.
This was the place where I truly felt like a local. Families strolled slowly, couples compared furniture, teenagers bought sneakers. I ended up buying a pair of walking shoes here — not glamorous, but incredibly practical for all the cobbled streets and garden paths of Amiens.
• Strengths: Wide variety of practical goods, from groceries to fashion to electronics.
• Weaknesses: Not central — you need a car or bus (I took Bus 1).
• Discounts: Hypermarket promotions are excellent, especially if you’re self-catering.
• Tip: If you’re on a longer trip, this is the best place to stock up on essentials at reasonable prices.
- La Vallée des Vignes Commercial Zone
• Location: South of Amiens, accessible by car or bus (Bus 7).
• My Experience: This area feels more like an American-style retail park than a mall. Big-box stores line the perimeter, and you hop from one to the other. While it may not ooze charm, it’s incredibly convenient. I went specifically for IKEA, which is always a guilty pleasure of mine when traveling. There’s something fascinating about seeing how IKEA feels familiar yet slightly French in its offerings.
I also explored Sport 2000 and a local wine shop that offered excellent deals on bottles from nearby Champagne. Picking up a bottle felt like the perfect way to blend practicality and indulgence.
• Strengths: Huge stores, good for one-stop big purchases.
• Weaknesses: Not walkable; requires transport.
• Discounts: Seasonal sales can be significant — I saw 70% off furniture pieces.
• Tip: Pair a visit here with a meal at one of the chain restaurants (I tried Buffalo Grill, which felt hilariously American-in-France).
Traditional Markets of Amiens (My Recommendations)
- Les Halles du Marché sur l’Eau
• Location: Quai Bélu, near the Somme River.
• My Experience: This was my favorite shopping experience in Amiens, hands down. The market takes place every Saturday morning, and it feels like stepping back in time. Stalls brim with vegetables, cheeses, breads, and fresh fish.
I bought a wedge of Maroilles cheese (pungent but divine) and some strawberries from local producers. The interactions here were priceless — farmers explaining their goods, locals greeting each other warmly. Shopping here didn’t feel transactional; it felt communal.
• Strengths: Authentic atmosphere, unbeatable local produce.
• Weaknesses: Only runs once a week, so time your visit.
• Discounts: Prices are lower toward closing time, but the best goods sell early.
• Tip: Bring cash and a reusable bag — cards aren’t always accepted. - Saint-Leu Flea Market
• Location: Rue Saint-Leu, in the student district.
• My Experience: This flea market happens monthly, and it’s a treasure hunter’s dream. I stumbled upon vintage postcards of Amiens, old French vinyls, and quirky antiques like brass candlesticks. Even if you don’t buy much, wandering here is a cultural experience — full of students, locals, and curious travelers.
I left with an old book of Jules Verne stories in French. It wasn’t expensive (15€), but it’s one of my favorite souvenirs from the city.
• Strengths: Unique finds, cultural immersion.
• Weaknesses: Not guaranteed to happen every week; check dates.
• Discounts: Bargaining is possible — and expected.
• Tip: Arrive early for the best items, linger late for better prices.
My Reflections: The Soul of Shopping in Amiens
What makes shopping in Amiens so special isn’t the size of its malls or the grandeur of its boutiques. It’s the way modern convenience and old-world charm exist side by side. One morning I could be picking up designer skincare in Les 3 Cailloux, and by afternoon, I’d be buying farm-fresh cheese along the river.
Every purchase carried a memory. The shoes from Glisy carried me through long city walks. The tea set from Nature & Découvertes became a ritual at home. The vintage book from Saint-Leu sits proudly on my shelf, reminding me of Amiens’ literary legacy.
Shopping in Amiens is retail therapy in the truest sense — it heals not just through material gain, but through cultural connection.
Why Amiens is a Shopper’s Delight
If Paris overwhelms you with endless options and Lille dazzles you with avant-garde, Amiens will charm you with balance. Its shopping scene is approachable yet diverse, with something for every traveler:
• For the fashion-conscious: Les 3 Cailloux is your runway.
• For the practical traveler: Glisy and La Vallée des Vignes will cover your essentials.
• For the culture lover: Les Halles du Marché sur l’Eau and Saint-Leu Flea Market offer authenticity and connection.
So next time you find yourself in this northern French gem, don’t just tick off cathedrals and gardens. Leave room in your itinerary — and your suitcase — for a little retail therapy. Because in Amiens, shopping isn’t about stuff. It’s about stories.
