# A weekend in Amiens and Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme

> To stretch out the summer and make the most of the last fine days, we decided to book a weekend in Picardy in mid September.

Source: https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/en/blog/weekend-in-amiens-and-saint-valery-sur-somme/
Published on 20 September 2020

To stretch out the summer and make the most of the last fine days, we decided to book a **weekend in Picardy in mid September**. We had wanted to discover this region of France for a long time, reachable by train from Paris. So we left for Amiens on Saturday midday (**17€ one way** on the TER; 1h10 journey from Gare du Nord) and arrived for lunch at 1pm. On the weekend's programme: visiting Amiens on the Saturday, sleeping there and taking the steam train of the [Baie de Somme Railway](https://www.chemindefer-baiedesomme.fr/fr/bienvenue-sur-le-reseau-des-bains-de-mer) to discover Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme.

## What to see in Picardy

### Amiens

#### The centre and the Saint-Leu district

After an excellent lunch at [Ail des ours](https://www.facebook.com/aildesoursamiens/), which we had booked beforehand, we headed for the centre of Amiens and its **cathedral**[ ](http://www.cathedrale-amiens.fr/#), which is celebrating its 800th anniversary this year. So we were able to visit the inside but it wasn't possible to go up the [towers](http://www.cathedrale-amiens.fr/#), nor to see the treasury, because reception was short staffed on this European Heritage Days weekend. Next time perhaps!

> **Good to know**
>
> built in the 13th century in the classic gothic style, the cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. And more surprisingly, it's also the largest French cathedral!

And if we came that weekend, it was also to see one of the last evenings of the [Chroma](https://www.somme-tourisme.com/amiens-et-autres-histoires/la-cathedrale-notre-dame-damiens) show, the **sound and light show** projected onto Amiens cathedral, in tribute to the monument's 800 years. This show is also available in December during the Christmas market, at 7pm. Remember to get to the forecourt early because a lot of people come and watch!

![Gothic cathedral bathed in a night light projection](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-02-a49f3fc7.webp)

![Low angle view of the gothic facade of Amiens cathedral](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-03-66c1e9d6.webp)

![Facade of the cathedral painted in bright colours by the light](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-04-72d0c003.webp)

![Brick staircase climbing towards the bell tower between the trees](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-05-ffe91cf3.webp)

![Portals of the cathedral lit up in orange and blue](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-06-66939bd5.webp)

North of the cathedral is the famous little **Saint-Leu district**, which also made Amiens famous with its countless canals, which could almost make you think of a little Amsterdam. We wandered through the maze of the district's streets: **rue du Don, place Parmentier, rue de la Dodane, rue d'Engoulvent**... each as pretty as the next with their colourful or half-timbered houses and their flower covered bridges that give the town a bucolic air.

![Woman leaning on the railing in front of the Saint-Leu canal](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-07-ccf7369a.webp)

![Canal lined with terraces and facades, pink flowers in the foreground](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-08-bd04c0de.webp)

![Narrow canal running along half timbered houses and a willow](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-09-a1159367.webp)

![Cobbled street lined with half timbered houses with colourful shutters](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-10-073c137c.webp)

![Flower decked footbridge spanning the canal of the Saint-Leu quarter](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-11-628bb47f.webp)

![Straight canal between the quays and the pastel facades](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-12-47d0d6d6.webp)

![Arm of the river reflecting the rooftops and a bridge in the town centre](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-13-2f3dd7c1.webp)

![Side of the cathedral and its rose window seen from a brick street](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-14-28958250.webp)

![Row of brick and half timbered facades with blue windows](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-15-c6e88010.webp)

#### The hortillonnages

We then reached **Saint-Pierre park**, the real green lung of Amiens, laid out for walks, cycling, outdoor sports... You wouldn't think you were in the heart of a city at all, but very much in the countryside, thanks to the presence of the famous **hortillonnages**. These are gardens on the water, over almost 300 hectares, first intended for market gardening and which today are also pleasure gardens filled with flowers to the extreme. There's even an international festival of hortillonnage gardens!

The hortillonnages can also be discovered along the water and we felt like taking a boat trip. After stopping in front of the landing stage, under the boulevard de Beauvillé ([here](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Les+Hortillonnages/@49.8961225,2.3113021,15.83z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x47e784346c7ddcdf:0xb8db79886d4fe48e!8m2!3d49.896535!4d2.3112595)), we changed our minds when faced with the huge queue... But we found what we were after a little further on! We walked to the [Musée des Hortillonnages](http://www.museedeshortillonnages.fr/), in Rivery, a town bordering Amiens, which offers electric or rowing boats to hire to explore the surrounding hortillonnages. **Hiring a boat** costs **7€ per person** for a loop of **about 50 minutes**. The museum's volunteers explained to us how to handle the boat and showed us the route to follow, to avoid getting lost in the maze of canals.

This boat trip was one of the highlights of our weekend, we so enjoyed taking the time to discover the landscape. If _slow_ tourism has become a trend over the last few years, we can say we've completely bought into the concept!

![Half timbered house at the water's edge and a green boat moored](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-16-7a4475eb.webp)

![Visitors' boat passing a flowering plot of the hortillonnages](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-17-4b4ed256.webp)

![Garden hut and reed beds beside a canal of the hortillonnages](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-18-2b4737cd.webp)

![Bow of the boat gliding between the beds of marigolds](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-19-bde806f5.webp)

![Blue boat moored at the foot of a cultivated plot](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-20-7f8be715.webp)

![Wide canal lined with floating gardens under a cloudy sky](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-21-843a1e28.webp)

![Boatman sitting at the back of the electric powered boat](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-22-d780dd99.webp)

![Green bow cutting through the water of a tree lined canal](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-23-cd03aa82.webp)

![Passenger sitting at the front of the boat between the gardens](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-24-296bafd0.webp)

![Blue gardener's hut beside the canal of the hortillonnages](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-25-7a59586f.webp)

### Baie de Somme

#### The Baie de Somme Railway

After a good night and a good breakfast in Amiens, we took the TER towards **Noyelles-sur-mer**. The journey between the two stations takes about 25 minutes. But why Noyelles? Because it's one of the departure points of the **steam train of the Baie de Somme Railway**! We had booked our tickets a week beforehand for the Noyelles-sur-mer / Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme journey by steam train: the return trip costs **15€ per person**.

> **Good to know**
>
> there are also passes valid for 2 days at 20€ per person. The steam train serves four main stations: Cayeux-sur-mer, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, Noyelles-sur-mer and Le Crotoy. Be careful, there are only four trains a day: so you really have to organise your day!

So we took our seats in this old **steam locomotive** train maintained by the volunteers of the [Baie de Somme Railway](https://www.chemindefer-baiedesomme.fr/fr/bienvenue-sur-le-reseau-des-bains-de-mer) Association. Some first class carriages have velvet seats and are more comfortable than the carriages with wooden benches! The journey to Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme takes about half an hour. The train goes through the Picardy countryside and crosses part of the **marshes of the Baie de Somme**. A real journey out of time and a change of scene! Here again, we really had the feeling of enjoying ourselves and taking the time to gently discover a French region. We can only advise you to take this steam train one day, _booking well in advance especially in high season_.

![Traveller leaning on the carriage window, sunglasses on](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-26-2c02e4a7.webp)

![Rear platform of the carriage open onto the salt meadows](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-27-8cb70636.webp)

![Traveller leaning out of the window of the steam train](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-28-252154d6.webp)

![Column of black smoke above the locomotive in the station](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-29-c5df100e.webp)

![Green and red steam locomotive shunting on the tracks](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-30-3e64baf6.webp)

![Enginemen aboard the burgundy locomotive at the level crossing](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-31-ab8edc51.webp)

![Burgundy locomotive number 1 standing along the platform](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-32-5495a04f.webp)

![Steam train taking a curve along a hedgerow](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-33-d1a63781.webp)

![Close up of the chimney and brasswork of the locomotive](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-34-59285172.webp)

![Train running along the marshes of the Baie de Somme](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-35-3d028a8f.webp)

![Platform squeezed between two rakes of green and cream vintage carriages](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-36-9eebd1ae.webp)

#### Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme

We arrived in **Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme** at lunchtime, in the sunshine: we were surprised to see so many people strolling around the port and the promenade. This little town seems popular with Sunday walkers, even in mid season, in the middle of September. We started our visit of Saint-Valéry with the path that runs along the Somme, the **quai Blavet**, which further on becomes the **quai Jeanne d'Arc**.

![Marina of Saint-Valéry backed by the houses of the town](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-37-6a5dce38.webp)

![Small white lighthouse and screen of trees beside the channel](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-38-e702803a.webp)

![Boat beached in the grass at the foot of the promenade quay](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-39-2a0fdf42.webp)

![Busy quay running along the estuary and its boats at anchor](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-40-fb51e272.webp)

![Boats at anchor in the bay under a hazy sky](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-41-10b4c447.webp)

![Towpath running alongside the pontoons of the marina](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-42-6b0e5eb9.webp)

After going up the very flowery **rue des Moulins**, we took the calvary path to reach the **sailors' calvary**, which offers a lovely view over the roofs of Saint-Valéry and over the Baie de Somme. In this spot is the [Samaris spa](http://www.samaris.fr/), which we'd really like to try one day, as the view from the facilities looks well worth the price! We then came back down towards the town centre and the banks of the Somme to admire the pretty villas lining the bay. Once at **Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme beach**, we explored the **medieval quarter**, near the **Porte Jeanne d'Arc**. From the ramparts, you get a panoramic view over the bay. We then headed for the **sailors' chapel**, which overlooks the town and the beach: a must if you come to Saint-Valéry! Coming back down, we finished our visit of the town with the **flower filled streets**, the district around **Saint-Martin church** and finally the **rue de la Ferté**, where we took the chance to taste delicious savoury galettes and crêpes.

![Sloping lane lined with flower decked houses with red shutters](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-43-74f9507b.webp)

![Rooftops of the lower town and the bay uncovered by the tide](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-44-4413546d.webp)

![Catamarans of the sailing school resting on the sandy foreshore](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-45-00c5922e.webp)

![Fortified gate with two round towers closing off the upper town](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-46-83d934e2.webp)

![Cobbled lane between stone walls and overflowing gardens](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-47-8bb3ac81.webp)

![Lawn and trees overlooking the bay at low tide](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-48-bf5bc3a2.webp)

![Chapel in a chequerboard of flint and white stone](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-49-dc2576f9.webp)

![Sailing boats offshore above a pebble foreshore](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-50-89e667c6.webp)

![Path between two high stone walls covered with flowers](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-51-1694f4ed.webp)

![House with blue shutters next to the gothic chevet of a church](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-52-b1c65e5e.webp)

![Sloping cobbled street lined with brick and half timbered houses](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-53-a05a09bf.webp)

Setting off at the end of the day towards the little station, we passed through the **marina** and the **lock** and started walking along the **quai de la digue**, which leads to a small lighthouse. From there, there's a lovely view over the old houses and the boats of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme.  
We warmly recommend coming to discover this small town of the Baie de Somme, which has kept its old world charm and still well preserved heritage! We'll be back, that's for sure, to enjoy the Bay for longer, and above all to hope to watch seals in their natural habitat.

## Our accommodation in Amiens

Finding somewhere available to stay in Amiens or the Baie de Somme was no easy mission! All the accommodation (bed and breakfasts, hotels...) was already full at the start of September. In the end we found a simple, efficient whole apartment on [Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.fr/rooms/28913155?source_impression_id=p3_1601123112_LLrv01DqGZYlJwCc) (**69€ a night for two**) right in the centre of Amiens, five minutes from the station and the cathedral. We recommend it for spending a night in Amiens!

## Our favourite places to eat in Picardy

- [Ail des ours](https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g196657-d12546324-Reviews-Ail_des_Ours-Amiens_Somme_Hauts_de_France.html): excellent restaurant in the heart of Amiens where we had lunch. Single menu that changes very regularly. 19€ starter/main or main/dessert, 26€ starter/main/dessert at lunchtime; 38€ starter/main/dessert in the evening.
- **[Nature de cacao](https://naturedepain.com/public/naturedecacao.php)**: very good patisserie offering a wide choice of desserts (and really delicious pastries!).
- **[Le petit poucet ](https://www.le-petit-poucet.fr/)**: chic patisserie and tea room, chocolate éclair approved.
- **[Les galettes de Tante Olympe](https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g778003-d2248273-Reviews-Les_Galettes_de_Tante_Olympe-Saint_Valery_sur_Somme_Somme_Hauts_de_France.html)**: crêperie in Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, with a magnificent view over the Bay. More than reasonable prices with the tea room formula (5€ a galette).

![Plate of cucumber, goat's cheese and watercress on a wooden table](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-54-a8655feb.webp)

![Roast duckling with butternut squash served on a blue plate](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-55-783bdfa8.webp)

![Lemon, black tea and blackberry dessert plated on white](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-56-8bc8772d.webp)

## What we thought of Picardy

This Picardy weekend was a real surprise and exceeded all our expectations! If Amiens as a weekend destination doesn't make you dream at first glance, we can assure you the town is worth a look. We don't regret our choice to combine a visit to Amiens with one to Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme. It lets you discover different landscapes, as much urban as rural and coastal, in the space of just two days.  
**So we advise you to devote a short day to Amiens and** **to head to the Baie de Somme too, in particular thanks to the period steam train!** **A journey through time and a change of scene guaranteed over a weekend an hour from Paris.**

![Traveller on a blue flower decked footbridge in front of half timbered houses](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/photos/2026/week-end-en-picardie-amiens-et-saint-valery-sur-somme-57-a193e10b.webp)

Need ideas for your weekends and holidays in France? Read [our articles about our beautiful country](https://voyagesurlacomete.fr/en/destinations/france/)!
## 2 comments

- **Lina**, 2 October 2020
  Une destination en effet, à laquelle on ne pense pas forcément, mais qui semble valoir le détour, pour un week-end dépaysant ! Très chouettes adresses et très jolies photos ! Peut-être y ferai-je moi même un tour à l’occasion 🙂
  - **Marie** (Voyage sur la comète), 2 October 2020
    Je te conseille en effet pour un week-end ou une petite semaine ! Ce n’est pas très loin de Paris, en train ou même en voiture 🙂