Amiens and Battle Somme Memorials

Start your road trip with a stop at one of the most stunning viewpoint over the Somme Valley. The "Montagne de Frise" is truly appealing, with great views of the Somme river lakes. There is lots of wildlife to spot such as wild orchids, dragonflies and many kinds of birds.
The Frise Belvedère is also a place of history and remembrance, which still bears the scarfs of the Battle of the Somme. Along the walk, you can read information boards about how was this place during the Great War. The soldier-writer Blaise Cendrars was stationed here during the war.

There are many war memorials and military cemeteries along the Somme Valley. This road trip is not a remembrance pilgrimage, but you should at least visit one of them, for a better understanding about the history of the region.
The Sir John Monash Centre is dedicated to the Australian soldiers on the Western Front, but it is in fact one of the best museum about WWI and the Somme Battle. Never mind if you don't have a special interest regarding the Australian perspective. The exhibition takes advantage of high-tech multimedia technologies and offers an actual war experience.
Climb to the top of the 32metres-high tower of the Memorial. You will enjoy a large panoramic view on the surrounding countryside.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Have lunch at this nice restaurant, located in Camon in the outskirts of Amiens. It is nearby the famous "Hortillonnages", that you will discover right after.
Open Hours: Closed on Monday and Wednesday Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 12:00 - 14:30, 19:00 - 21:30 Sunday: 12:00 - 15:00

The "Hortillonnages" is a maze of fabulous floating gardens along the Somme entering Amiens. They used to be market gardens growing flowers, fruits and vegetables for the townspeople. But today, most of the plots have become leisure gardens where local residents come for a picnic, barbecue or to go fishing. You can rent en electric boat to wander around by yourself or take a guided tour on a traditional local boat.
The best time of the year to visit them is during the "International Garden Festival", which takes place from the end of May till mid-October. It hosts contemporary art installations combining nature, culture and agriculture. It is a beautiful aesthetic and poetic water journey on the banks of the river Somme. You can check all the information on their website
Open Hours: Every day from April 1 to October 31 Hours depending on the season: check the website

You have arrived in Amiens, a very picturesque town, also called the "Little Venice of the North". Finding a parking spot here may be tricky, especially during high season. Go park your car there, right in the centre.

Designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Amiens Notre-Dame cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in France. Built in the 12th century, it has been restored during the 19th by Viollet-le-Duc, a famous French architect who worked on many cathedrals such as Notre-Dame de Paris. The Amiens cathedral is also notorious for the quality of the gothic sculptures on the main west façade. Part of the skull of St John the Baptist can be seen in the treasury. There is also a memorial to pay tribute to soldiers who perished in WWI.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 08:30 - 17:15

Discover the imaginary world and the daily life of this well-known French writer, who lived there from 1882 to 1900. From the ground floor to the attic, each room will put you in the fabulous world of Jules Verne and his fantastic heroes such as Phileas Fogg, Captain Nemo or Michel Strogoff.
Open Hours Closed on Tuesday Wednesday - Monday: 10:00 - 12:30, 14:00 - 18:30

Located near the river Somme canals, Saint-Leu is one of the most picturesque quarters of Amiens. It is the best place to wander at the end of the day and watching people from a sidewalk café. Don't hesitate to venture yourself in the narrow streets or follow the little canals. You will see many beautiful timbered houses.

Saint-Leu is the best quarter of Amiens for having dinner. The Lobby is one of the most emblematic restaurant of the city. Don't forget to book a table on their website
Open Hours: Closed on Monday Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 - 23:00 Friday and Saturday: 12:00 - 00:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 14:30

After such a lovely day along the Somme river and in Amiens, it is time to rest in this lovely hotel in the heart of the city.