Why CityAppTour?
Explore a city in 1 day
Stories from local guides
Pause whenever you want
Affordable & flexible
Stress-free navigation with audio guidance
English guide
Amiens proudly houses France's largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dominates the skyline with its awe-inspiring 42-meter-high nave. This northern French city developed around the winding Somme River, creating a unique landscape where water and architecture blend seamlessly in the famous hortillonnages – floating gardens that have supplied the city with fresh produce since medieval times.
As you wander through Amiens, the gentle sound of water lapping against the banks of the Somme creates a peaceful soundtrack to your exploration. With Amiens walking tours on your smartphone, you'll discover stories behind the intricate cathedral sculptures and learn why Jules Verne chose to spend the last 34 years of his life here. Discover the city in one day with comprehensive self-guided tours in Amiens that let you truly experience both famous landmarks and hidden corners at your own rhythm.
Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Amiens. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:
Amiens Cathedral Tour - Explore this UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece with an expert guide who'll reveal the history and secrets behind its stunning façade and remarkable interior. Perfect for understanding why this is considered one of France's most impressive cathedrals.
Hortillonnages Boat Tour - Glide through Amiens' floating gardens on a traditional flat-bottomed boat. These 300 hectares of market gardens crisscrossed by small canals offer one of the must-see places in Amiens for nature lovers.
Jules Verne House - Visit the home where the famous author wrote many of his most celebrated works. The period-furnished rooms and personal artifacts provide fascinating insights into his life and creative process.
Saint-Leu Quarter - Wander through this charming medieval neighborhood with colorful houses lining the canals. It's one of the best areas to explore in Amiens, filled with restaurants and boutiques.
Picardy Museum - Discover one of France's richest regional museums with collections spanning archaeology, fine arts, and local history. The museum provides excellent context for understanding Amiens' cultural heritage.
Amiens Food Tour - Sample local specialties like macarons d'Amiens, duck pâté, and the famous ficelle picarde (savory crêpes). A delicious way to experience the city's culinary traditions.
Samara Archaeological Park - Just outside the city, this open-air museum recreates prehistoric and Gallo-Roman settlements. Great for families wanting to understand how people lived thousands of years ago.
Amiens Christmas Market - If visiting in December, don't miss one of northern France's largest Christmas markets, with over 130 chalets selling crafts, food, and gifts against the backdrop of the illuminated cathedral.
Cycling Along the Somme - Rent a bike and explore the scenic Somme Valley on well-maintained cycling paths. It's a perfect way to see Amiens without a guide and discover hidden gems in Amiens' surrounding countryside.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and summer (April to September) offer the most pleasant experience in Amiens, when the Hortillonnages gardens burst with colorful produce and flowers. June is particularly magical with the cathedral light show evenings, while December transforms the city with one of France's most atmospheric Christmas markets. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the riverside districts and fewer tourists.
Accessibility
Amiens is conveniently located just 1 hour 15 minutes from Paris by TGV high-speed train, with regular departures from Gare du Nord. If driving, the A16 and A29 motorways provide easy access, with several parking garages available near the city center. Within Amiens, the compact center is perfect for walking, though the efficient bus network (AMETIS) can help reach outlying attractions.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Most shops in Amiens open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, though many smaller businesses close for lunch between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Museums typically close on Tuesdays. The cathedral is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM (5:15 PM in winter). Be aware that many attractions have reduced hours on public holidays, particularly November 1st, May 1st, and August 15th.
Comfortable on the Go
Wear comfortable walking shoes as Amiens' historic center features cobblestone streets, particularly around the cathedral and Saint-Leu quarter. The weather in northern France can change quickly, so carry a light rain jacket even on sunny days. Bringing a power bank is recommended if you'll be using your phone for navigation and photography throughout the day.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Greeting shop owners with "Bonjour" when entering and "Au revoir" when leaving is considered polite in Amiens. When visiting the cathedral, modest dress is appreciated, and voices should be kept low out of respect. If dining out, be aware that the French typically eat dinner later (around 7:30-8:00 PM), and tipping is not expected as service is included in menu prices.
How much time should I plan for a visit to Amiens?
Plan a full day for our Amiens city walk. The audio tour covers the major highlights including the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the picturesque Saint-Leu district, and Jules Verne's connections to the city. You'll want time to appreciate the details of the UNESCO-listed cathedral, perhaps take a lunch break at a canalside restaurant, and possibly add a boat trip through the Hortillonnages floating gardens.
What makes Amiens different from other cities in Northern France?
Amiens stands out for its remarkable blend of Gothic architecture and natural beauty. Unlike industrial Lille or coastal Calais, Amiens boasts France's largest cathedral (twice the size of Notre-Dame in Paris), 300 hectares of unique floating gardens cultivated since the Middle Ages, and strong literary connections through Jules Verne. The city's 2,000-year history has created a distinctive character where medieval heritage meets vibrant university life.
Why should I choose an audio tour instead of a guided tour in Amiens?
An audio tour gives you the freedom to explore Amiens at your own rhythm. You can spend extra time admiring the 3,000 sculptures on the cathedral façade, pause for a coffee overlooking the floating gardens, or browse the boutiques in Saint-Leu without feeling rushed. With our audio guide, you'll hear the same fascinating stories a live guide would share, but with the flexibility to customize your experience throughout the day.
Do I need internet during the walk?
No, you don't need internet during the walk. After downloading the tour via WiFi at your hotel or a café, everything works completely offline. The map, navigation, audio stories, and images are all stored on your device, allowing you to avoid roaming charges while exploring Amiens. This is especially convenient as you wander through narrow medieval streets where signals might be weaker.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, especially those interested in history and architecture. The stories about the cathedral's construction, the floating gardens, and Jules Verne's fantastic inventions often capture young imaginations. While the content is primarily designed for adults, the flat terrain and relatively compact city center make Amiens physically easy for families to explore together.
Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! We offer attractive group discounts when you explore Amiens together. One device can easily be shared between 2-3 people using earphone splitters or simply taking turns listening. For larger groups, multiple licenses can be purchased at reduced rates, ensuring everyone enjoys the full Amiens experience without missing any details.
What are other nice things to do in Amiens?
Beyond our audio tour, Amiens offers numerous additional experiences: take a traditional boat through the Hortillonnages floating gardens, visit Jules Verne's house with its fascinating memorabilia, enjoy the spectacular cathedral light show (summer evenings), explore the excellent Picardy Museum, or sample local specialties like "ficelle picarde" (savory crêpes) at the covered market. Check our "What to Do in Amiens" section for more inspiration.
Is there a free tour in Amiens?
No, there is no free tour of comparable quality in Amiens. While the tourism office occasionally offers brief introductory walks, these cover only basic information about the cathedral and main square. Our audio tour provides comprehensive coverage of the entire historic center with in-depth stories about the cathedral's construction, the floating gardens' history, and Jules Verne's life in the city. The reasonable fixed price offers better value than "free" tours that expect substantial tips.
Who is CityAppTour?
Behind every tour is a passionate team of historians, local storytellers, and content creators dedicated to revealing authentic city experiences. For Amiens, we've collaborated with local experts who understand the architectural significance of the cathedral, the ecological importance of the Hortillonnages, and the literary heritage of Jules Verne. Our research goes beyond tourist clichés to uncover genuine stories that connect you with Amiens' unique character and hidden treasures.
"De verhalen over de bouw van de kathedraal en de drijvende tuinen waren fascinerend! Geweldig om de geschiedenis van Amiens zo levendig verteld te krijgen terwijl je er middenin staat." — Thomas, België
"Enfin une visite à pied où je pouvais prendre mon temps pour faire des photos et goûter une ficelle picarde. L’audioguide m’a emmenée dans des endroits que je n’aurais jamais découverts autrement." — Marie, France
"De combinatie van de indrukwekkende kathedraal en de rustgevende Hortillonnages maakte deze stadswandeling door Amiens tot een perfecte dagtrip vanuit Parijs. De app werkte vlekkeloos!" — Joost, Nederland
