Car hire in Amiens gives you access to one of France’s finest Gothic cathedrals and the WWI Somme battlefields. This city, home to Jules Verne, sits on the Somme river and serves as the gateway to the battlefields, the Somme bay, and the historic towns of Picardy. The cathedral alone is worth the visit — the largest in France by surface area.

Getting Around Amiens by Car

Amiens’ old town is walkable, with the cathedral, Jules Verne’s house, and floating gardens (Hortillonnages) within 20 minutes of each other. Street parking costs €1-2 per hour. The A16 connects to Calais (90 minutes north) and Paris (90 minutes south). The A29 heads east towards Reims and Strasbourg.

Driving in the Somme region is straightforward — flat terrain and good roads. The D roads to battlefields are well-signed. The Somme bay is 45 minutes west.

The city is less than 2 hours from the Channel ports and Belgium, making it ideal for cross-Channel travellers.

Day Trips from Amiens

Amiens Cathedral dominates the city — the largest Gothic cathedral in France, with remarkable façade sculptures. The light show in summer evenings is spectacular. Allow 2 hours. The Hortillonnages floating gardens offer boat tours — a unique experience.

Somme Battlefields, 30-45 minutes east, include the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, the Lochnagar Crater at La Boisselle, and the Thiepval Memorial. The battlefields span a large area — allow a full day for key sites.

Somme Bay, 45 minutes west, is a stunning estuary with bird reserves and beaches. The Parc du Marquenterre offers excellent birdwatching. The coast is wilder than the Riviera — bring a jacket.

Arras, 45 minutes northeast, has a stunning Flemish-Baroque square. The Wellington Quarries (underground tunnels) offer a unique WWI experience. The town is worth half a day.

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, 45 minutes northeast, is one of the best-preserved WWI sites. The trenches are still visible. Essential for understanding trench warfare.

Driving Tips for France

The A16 between Amiens and Calais has tolls. If heading to the UK, factor in these costs. The D roads are free but slower.

Battlefield driving requires planning. Sites are spread across 40km. Key sites: Villers-Bretonneux (Australian), Thiepval (British), Beaumont-Hamel (Canadian), Verdun (French). Allow a full day minimum.

Weather in northern France is unpredictable — rain is common year-round. Carry waterproofs for battlefield walks. The terrain is flat and exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend at the Somme battlefields?

A full day minimum. Key sites: Villers-Bretonneux (Australian Memorial + museum, 2 hours), Thiepval Memorial (1 hour), Lochnagar Crater (30 minutes), Beaumont-Hamel (1.5 hours). With travel between sites, this is a 6-8 hour day.

Is the Amiens cathedral worth a special trip?

Yes — it’s one of France’s finest Gothic cathedrals, larger than Notre-Dame in Paris. The façade has over 3,000 figures. In summer, the cathedral is illuminated at night to show how medieval cathedrals would have been painted.

Can I combine Somme battlefields with Vimy Ridge?

Yes — Vimy (Canadian) is 45 minutes from Arras, which is close to the Somme. Allow two days for a comprehensive tour. Start in Amiens, move to Arras, then north to Vimy.