Top 3 events in Amiens

The city of Amiens wakes up and enjoys itself irregularly. Certain venues, dedicated to entertainment of all kinds, are almost exclusively responsible for providing the entertainment. In terms of location, the majority of events are split between the city centre and the convention centres.

Of course, you’ll find must-see events like the Amiens Christmas market, the MACU (Maison de la Culture) programme and popular gatherings like the Fête de la Musique or the Journées du Patrimoine.

Smaller events, on the other hand, seem to be keeping a low profile! Apart from the headliners, events in Amiens vary enormously from year to year and are waiting for you to flush them out. That’s why we recommend that you find out what’s on when you get close to your stay in Amiens, so you don’t miss out on any of the ephemeral highlights.

Hopefully you won’t be staying in the city during a ‘blank’ period, in which case shopping and cultural visits will take up most of your free time.

Our selection of recurring events

Every year on 21 June, the Fête de la musique gets the whole of France dancing. As summer gets under way, the people of Amiens are particularly eager to see this musical event return. From late afternoon onwards, young people take to the streets, from the Saint-Leu district to the city centre. The bars are packed all night and the squares are black with people! If you like dancing in the open air, northern beer and music of all kinds, now you know where to go.

1. Amiens Christmas Market

Date or period: End of November to 31 December

Access: Free / Admission € required

Description: The end of the year in Amiens sees the return of the biggest Christmas market in northern France! Right in the heart of the city, on rue des 3 cailloux, the adorable – and countless – red chalets keep the locals waiting for days… As soon as they open, the smells of sweets and mulled wine transport you into the magic of Christmas. Local crafts, good food and gift ideas are everywhere. All in a warm and cheerful atmosphere, typical of the North of France. The Amiens Christmas Market is definitely a not-to-be-missed event in the run-up to the festive season. We look forward to hearing from you.

Good to know: The most famous Christmas market in the Hauts-de-France region features a variety of events. For families in particular, there’s Father Christmas and the Ferris wheel. To take part, head for Place René Gobelet, then follow the chalets towards Place Gambetta. That way, you won’t miss a thing.

2. The Chroma show at Amiens Cathedral

Date or period: At dusk, from July to September, then in December.

Access: Free

Description: Chroma is an absolutely spectacular Amiens sound and light show! The illuminations are projected onto the façade of Amiens’ Notre-Dame cathedral. The colourful motifs are sometimes abstract, sometimes ultra-realistic. At times, the lights embrace each sculpture that adorns the façade of this monumental religious building. It is a World Heritage Site. As night falls, the cathedral’s forecourt is filled with an impatient silence… Until the start of Chroma, when the magic begins!

3. A summer in Amiens

Date or period: July and August, for 2 months.

Access: Free

Description: After an interminable year under the grey Picardy sky, the people of Amiens are waiting for just one thing: summer! To get together and enjoy the return of the sun, the city is organising “Un été à Amiens”. Crazy activities and entertainment are on offer free of charge in the city’s green lung, the Parc Saint-Pierre. On the programme: a giant zip line, gourmet delights, relaxation and areas dedicated to the little ones. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in a summery atmosphere.