Self guided audio tour in Amiens

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.

"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