The Best Hotels to Book in Amiens, France

Where better to get a taste of Medieval Amiens than in the shadow of its ancient cathedral? Hôtel Le Prieure is housed in the former priory, built in the 1600s, and comes with bags of atmosphere – and style. Angled skylights frame views of the cathedral’s spires, original domed ceilings soar above large beds draped in luxurious wool throws, and gold-framed mirrors and brass chandeliers ooze classical French charm. There’s also a pretty cobbled courtyard, where you can enjoy an aperitif before dinner.

You’re on the outskirts of the city centre at this boutique-sized hotel, so, if a quiet night and plentiful off-street parking are your priority, you’ll love it. Choose either compact, cosy – but crisp and contemporary – rooms in the main hotel, where pops of colour come courtesy of arty, oversized murals papered above the beds. Or neutrally furnished self-catering apartments in the Victorian building next door. There are bikes to rent to make your trip into the old centre a little zippier.

If you’re looking to lay your head somewhere with a bit of history, Hôtel Le Saint Louis should do the trick. It has transformed a former Jesuit seminary into a contemporary bed and breakfast, where ancient stone walls clash artfully with bold Turkish rugs, terracotta floors and vintage leather sofas. The inner courtyard, complete with a babbling fountain, is a peaceful spot to get your bearings in the morning. Alternatively, soak up the sun on the roof terrace, with its seasonal pool.

It’s not clear whether the Hôtel Victor Hugo has a legitimate claim to the writer’s name or is simply a homage, but it’s clear from the rooms named after his works that there’s a connection. And we can imagine him tucked away in some of the hotel’s cosier loft rooms, such as Chansons des rues et des bois (Songs of the Streets and Woods), penning an ode or two. We’d prefer one of the larger rooms, such as Notre-Dame de Paris, which is unbelievably good value and located less than five minutes from the Notre-Dame d’Amiens.

You’ll, quite literally, wake up to cathedral views at the Mercure. From the bed, the balcony doors frame the ancient building’s flying buttresses, pinnacles and belltower perfectly. The 102 guest rooms are modern and peaceful, and guests have access to a lovely garden and an extensive buffet breakfast (and popular Sunday brunch from noon). With such a central spot, you could even pop back for a siesta between sightseeing, if the midday sun gets a bit much.

10 minutes from the city centre, the Hôtel Inn Design Resto Novo Amiens offers the convenience of a city break, with plenty of fresh air and parking. Don’t scrimp on a hearty home-cooked breakfast to set you up for the day; it includes freshly baked pastries, fruit juice, natural organic yoghurt, eggs and even turkey breasts, and gluten-free options are also available. You can also enjoy a traditional taste of France at lunch or dinner.

The Gem is just that – a little family-owned treasure, housed in an 1870s mansion and its converted stables. From the original stained-glass skylights to the mosaic-tiled floor of the breakfast room and the old carriage gates – through which you’ll come and go – it’s got buckets of old-world charm. You’re not far from the city centre, but, to make getting about even easier, take advantage of the hotel’s private shuttle that’ll drop you off wherever you like.