France
Amiens
Discover Amiens, the vibrant heart of Hauts-de-France, where history, culture, and modern life collide. Just a short trip from Paris and Lille, this city is famed for its breathtaking Gothic masterpiece, Amiens Cathedral, the largest of its kind in France. Beyond its historic charm, Amiens is a hub of innovation with one of France’s largest university hospitals and a rich literary legacy—home to Jules Verne and the birthplace of President Emmanuel Macron. Steeped in history, the city bears scars from both World Wars but has risen anew, blending striking contemporary architecture like Pierre Dufau's wide streets and Auguste Perret’s iconic Gare d'Amiens. Explore lively neighborhoods, the scenic hortillonnages gardens, and cultural gems like the Musée de Picardie or the bustling Saint-Leu district. Come December, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, hosting the region’s largest Christmas market. Indulge in local delicacies such as almond macarons, orange-chocolate tuiles, duck pâté, and savory crêpes—each taste a nod to Amiens’ rich culinary tradition.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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Things to do
Amiens is best known for its UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral, peaceful waterways and the Hortillonnages, a unique network of floating gardens that has earned the city the nickname “Little Venice of the North.” Inside the cathedral, look for the intricate Gothic sculpture, stained glass and stone labyrinth; when access is available, climbing the tower adds a broad view over the city. The cathedral façade may also be illuminated by Chroma, a colourful heritage light show presented during selected periods. For things to do in Amiens city centre, explore the streets around the cathedral and wander through the historic Saint-Leu district, where canals, colourful houses, riverside cafés, restaurants, artists’ spaces and bookstalls create one of the city’s most distinctive atmospheres. The Musée de Picardie adds an art-and-history stop, with collections spanning antiquity to modern art, while the Perret Tower provides a striking reminder of Amiens’ post-war modern architecture from the outside. The Hortillonnages are the city’s signature nature experience. Take a boat trip through the small cultivated islands and narrow waterways, or explore the area on foot or by bicycle for a slower view of gardens, marshes and wildlife. Guided electric-boat trips, paddling and riverside walks offer different ways to experience this landscape. Local produce from the remaining market gardeners can be found around Saint-Leu, adding a taste of the living tradition behind the gardens. Literature lovers can visit the House of Jules Verne, the 19th-century home where the writer lived from 1882 to 1900, to see period rooms, personal objects, documents and his study. For an evening beyond the major sights, check the programme at the Amiens Circus or attend a football match at Stade de la Licorne when fixtures coincide with your visit. For weekend activities in Amiens, combine the cathedral and Saint-Leu’s canals with the Picardy Museum, then make time for the Hortillonnages, a market, a riverside meal or a cultural performance; the city’s compact heritage core and green waterways make it well suited to an unhurried short break.
Things to do
Amiens is best known for its UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral, peaceful waterways and the Hortillonnages, a unique network of floating gardens that has earned the city the nickname “Little Venice of the North.” Inside the cathedral, look for the intricate Gothic sculpture, stained glass and stone labyrinth; when access is available, climbing the tower adds a broad view over the city. The cathedral façade may also be illuminated by Chroma, a colourful heritage light show presented during selected periods. For things to do in Amiens city centre, explore the streets around the cathedral and wander through the historic Saint-Leu district, where canals, colourful houses, riverside cafés, restaurants, artists’ spaces and bookstalls create one of the city’s most distinctive atmospheres. The Musée de Picardie adds an art-and-history stop, with collections spanning antiquity to modern art, while the Perret Tower provides a striking reminder of Amiens’ post-war modern architecture from the outside. The Hortillonnages are the city’s signature nature experience. Take a boat trip through the small cultivated islands and narrow waterways, or explore the area on foot or by bicycle for a slower view of gardens, marshes and wildlife. Guided electric-boat trips, paddling and riverside walks offer different ways to experience this landscape. Local produce from the remaining market gardeners can be found around Saint-Leu, adding a taste of the living tradition behind the gardens. Literature lovers can visit the House of Jules Verne, the 19th-century home where the writer lived from 1882 to 1900, to see period rooms, personal objects, documents and his study. For an evening beyond the major sights, check the programme at the Amiens Circus or attend a football match at Stade de la Licorne when fixtures coincide with your visit. For weekend activities in Amiens, combine the cathedral and Saint-Leu’s canals with the Picardy Museum, then make time for the Hortillonnages, a market, a riverside meal or a cultural performance; the city’s compact heritage core and green waterways make it well suited to an unhurried short break.
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Beauvais
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Nestled in northern France, Beauvais is a charming town about 75 kilometers north of Paris, serving as the capital of the Oise department. With a population of around 55,500 residents, it's the most populous spot in the region and offers a quieter alternative to the hustle of the French capital. The town’s highlight? Its stunning 13th-century cathedral, renowned for its intricate stained glass windows and an impressive 18th-century astronomical clock that’s well worth a visit. For travelers looking for a practical travel tip, Beauvais’s small airport provides budget-friendly flights, making it a handy gateway to Paris without the big crowds at Charles de Gaulle or Orly.
Lille
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Lille, known locally as Rijsel in Dutch, stands at the heart of one of France’s most expansive metropolitan areas. This vibrant city boasts a striking historic core filled with charming Flemish-style architecture, making it a visual treat for visitors. As a hub of innovation and learning, Lille pulses with a lively nightlife fueled by its large student population and thriving cultural scene. Strategically positioned at Europe’s crossroads in Hauts-de-France, it’s just a 90-minute train ride from Paris, Brussels, and London. The surrounding towns of Villeneuve d'Ascq, Roubaix, and Tourcoing are all part of this dynamic metropolitan fabric, offering even more to explore.
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Paris, the heart of France, is renowned worldwide for its stunning sights and romantic charm. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River define its skyline, while the city’s influence in art, fashion, and cuisine is unmatched. Known as the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris hosts top-tier fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint-Laurent, along with luxury cosmetics giants like Guerlain and Lancôme. Much of the city, including the banks of the Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it boasts the second-highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants globally, just behind Tokyo. From the Louvre and Notre-Dame to the Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Cœur, Paris is a magnet for tourists, drawing around 14 million visitors each year.
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