Twice the size of Notre-Dame de Paris and the largest gothic cathedral in Europe, Notre-Dame d’Amiens is a UNESCO heritage site with vibrant stained-glass windows, a labyrinth floor and a 42 metre high nave. It’s very much the heart of the city - but as you follow the cobbled streets away from it, you’ll find there’s much more to discover.

Gourmet delights

Amiens has its own type of macaroon made from almonds and honey. You can try them at artisan chocolatier Douceurs & Gourmandises, where you can also see the intricate delicacies and chocolate sculptures being made by hand. From there, it’s a short stroll to the Halles du Beffroi covered market where you can buy everything from meat and fish to wine and olives. At fromagier Julien Planchon’s stalls, you can taste local cheeses such as maroilles and bray picard, as well as cheeses from all over France (and some from the UK too). M. Planchon also creates artisanal cheeses including one with a jellied centre made from Somme poppies.

Eat, drink and shop

After a drink on one of the many terraces of the Place de Gambetta cafés, explore the shops of the pedestrianised streets or visit Maison Jules Verne, where the author lived at the end of the 19th century.
You might like to have  lunch at one of the many restaurants along the canals in Saint-Leu (also known as “Little Venice”), or perhaps enjoy a picnic in Parc Saint-Pierre, followed by a boat ride through Les Hortillonnages - a series of simple privately-owned islands where local people grow vegetables and flowers. 
“There’s a market on Saturdays in Place Parmentier which includes produce from Les Hortillonnages,” explains certified tour guide Julia Maassen, “It has a lovely atmosphere. And once a year in June, boats are loaded