Amiens offers an unusual combination: a grand Gothic cathedral, city quarters by the water and gardens separated by canals. On the first day, it’s a good idea to focus on the cathedral area and a stroll along the waterfront, whilst planning the water-side section separately once you’ve checked accessibility.
Where to start your walk
It’s worth taking your time to explore the cathedral, both from the outside and inside, if it’s open to visitors. The grand façades are best appreciated from a distance, so don’t limit yourself to the nearest entrance. After your visit, take a break before moving on to the next part of your itinerary.
How to continue your route
The Ortionaggi — water gardens — are places where the season and visiting arrangements are important. This isn’t just another square next to the cathedral. The Jules Verne House could be an alternative on a rainy day, but you’ll need to check its opening times in advance.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
Don’t plan a boat trip without confirming the departure time. If it doesn’t work out, the city centre and the waterfront neighbourhoods offer a perfectly good alternative route.
Plan for after the bus tour
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city independently, rather than as a scheduled guided tour. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and decide where to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the return pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment you’ve left your luggage and are ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan one main sightseeing tour. If your flight is delayed, shorten the additional part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the return journey. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the exterior of a building does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport operator’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour slot;
- contact details for your accommodation and the arrangements for collecting any left-behind luggage.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Amiens, Amiens Cathedral. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s version; please check with the relevant venues for current access details.
Image details
- 0 Amiens - Place du Don - Cathédrale (1).JPG — Jean-Pol GRANDMONT; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
- 0 Amiens - Cathédrale Notre-Dame (1).JPG — Jean-Pol GRANDMONT; CC BY 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Amiens église St-Pierre 1.jpg — Markus3 (Marc ROUSSEL); CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
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Questions and answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling overnight, it’s better to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys until the next day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
Don’t commit to a boat trip without a trial run. If it doesn’t work out, the city centre and the waterfront neighbourhoods offer a perfectly good alternative route.
What should you do with your suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage will be stored at your accommodation or in a trusted left-luggage facility, including the time for collection. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its guidelines. Do not book several closely spaced time slots until you have confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.