Rent a Motorhome in Amiens and Explore Hauts-de-France

Your Adventure Begins: Discover Amiens Before You Go

Welcome to Amiens, the starting point of your unforgettable journey. When you choose to rent a motorhome in Amiens, you're not just hiring a vehicle; you're unlocking the door to the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of the Hauts-de-France region. This guide will give you a deep dive into the city, ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventure that awaits when you rent a camper in Amiens.

Geography and Location

Amiens is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Somme, about 120 kilometres north of Paris. Its strategic location makes the decision to rent a motorhome in Amiens an excellent one, offering easy access to the English Channel, Belgium, and the rest of Northern France. The city is the capital of the Somme department. The surrounding landscape is a gentle tapestry of rolling hills and serene waterways, perfect for exploring when you rent a camper in Amiens. The famous Hortillonnages, or floating gardens, are a unique geographical feature woven directly into the city's fabric. This makes it an ideal base, and the choice to rent a motorhome in Amiens gives you unparalleled freedom to explore.

A Journey Through History

Amiens boasts a history stretching back to pre-Roman times. Its importance grew throughout the Middle Ages, primarily due to a thriving textile trade which funded its most famous landmark: the Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathedral. This history is palpable as you walk the streets, a history you can fully immerse yourself in when you rent a motorhome in Amiens. The city played a significant role in both World Wars, particularly during the Battle of the Somme. For history buffs, the decision to rent a camper in Amiens provides a mobile base to explore these poignant historical sites at your own pace. If you're interested in off-road history tours, you might even consider to rent a 4x4 camper in Amiens for better access to rural battlefield areas. The flexibility you gain when you rent a motorhome in Amiens is perfect for historical discovery.

People, Culture, and Significance

With a population of around 135,000, Amiens is a lively and welcoming university city. It is a city of art and culture, famously the adopted home of author Jules Verne. You can visit his house, now a museum, for a glimpse into his imaginative world—a perfect excursion after you rent a motorhome in Amiens. The city’s cultural significance is anchored by its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, but also by the charming Saint-Leu district. When you rent a camper in Amiens, you gain access not just to the city, but to the entire cultural landscape of Picardy. The choice to rent a motorhome in Amiens is a choice for cultural immersion.

Weather and Best Time for Your Trip

Amiens has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. The best time to rent a motorhome in Amiens is from late spring to early autumn, roughly from May to September. During these months, you'll experience the most agreeable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Deciding to rent a camper in Amiens during this period ensures you see the region at its vibrant best. The flexibility you get when you rent a motorhome in Amiens allows you to adapt to the weather and discover hidden gems. The process to rent a camper in Amiens is straightforward. Whether you are a couple or a family, the decision to rent a motorhome in Amiens will be the start of a wonderful adventure. And for those who want to venture off the beaten path, remember that you can even rent a 4x4 camper in Amiens to explore the countryside more deeply. To truly experience this region, your best option is to rent a camper in Amiens. We are ready to help you rent a motorhome in Amiens for the journey of a lifetime.

What to See and Do Around Amiens with Your Camper

Once you rent a motorhome in Amiens, the city and its surroundings become your playground. Amiens is packed with incredible sights and activities that are easily accessible with your camper.

Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathedral
You cannot visit Amiens without marveling at its cathedral. As the largest Gothic cathedral in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site, its sheer scale and intricate detail are breathtaking. Park your camper and spend a few hours exploring its interior and admiring the stunning facade, which is illuminated with a spectacular light show on summer evenings.

The Hortillonnages
These unique 'floating gardens' are a network of canals and cultivated plots of land that have been worked for centuries. The best way to experience them is by taking a traditional 'barque à cornet' boat tour. It's a peaceful escape from the city buzz and a must-do activity when you rent a camper in Amiens.

Saint-Leu Quarter
Known as the 'Little Venice of the North', this is the most picturesque district in Amiens. With its colorful houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and canalside restaurants and bars, it's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a delicious meal. Having a camper gives you the flexibility to enjoy a late dinner here without worrying about the journey home.

Maison de Jules Verne
Step into the 19th-century world of the visionary author Jules Verne. His former home in Amiens is now a fascinating museum dedicated to his life and work. It's an inspiring visit for all ages and a great way to spend an afternoon.

Battlefields of the Somme
A key reason many choose to rent a camper in Amiens is to explore the historic battlefields of the Somme. Your motorhome provides the perfect base to visit important sites like the Thiepval Memorial, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, and the Lochnagar Crater. The freedom to travel at your own pace is invaluable when exploring these poignant landscapes. If you plan extensive rural exploration, remember you can rent a 4x4 camper in Amiens for enhanced mobility.

Your Road Trip Itineraries: Unforgettable Tours from Amiens

When you rent a motorhome in Amiens, you have the ultimate freedom to explore. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get you started on your road trip adventure.

🧭 The Bay of Somme & Alabaster Coast Tour (3-4 Days)

📜 The Picardy History & Castles Tour (2-3 Days)

Returning Your Camper: Where to Clean Your Motorhome in Amiens

Part of the rental agreement is returning your vehicle clean. Finding a wash station that can accommodate a tall motorhome can be tricky, as standard car washes are often too low. This is a common challenge for those who rent a motorhome in Amiens, but don't worry, we're here to help.

It's important to use a high-vehicle or truck wash bay ('piste haute' or 'poids lourds' in French) to avoid any damage. These bays have the necessary height clearance and often provide platforms to help you clean the roof properly. Before you return your camper, planning a stop at one of these locations will make the process smooth and stress-free. Your decision to rent a camper in Amiens comes with the responsibility of keeping it in good shape, and a clean return is a big part of that.

Here are a few suitable washing stations in and around Amiens:

1. Eléphant Bleu Amiens
This is a reliable chain with dedicated high-vehicle washing bays. They are self-service, accepting coins or tokens, and equipped with high-pressure wands and brushes.
Address: 199 Rue de Paris, 80000 Amiens, France

2. Lavage Auto - Centre Commercial Auchan
The service stations at large hypermarkets like Auchan often have at least one bay designed for larger vehicles like vans and motorhomes. It's a convenient option if you also need to refuel or pick up some last-minute items.
Address: Centre Commercial Auchan, Route de Paris, 80480 Dury, France (South of Amiens)

3. Intermarché SUPER Longueau
Similar to Auchan, Intermarché locations frequently offer high-clearance washing facilities. Check the service station area for the 'camping-car' signs.
Address: Av. de la Ville Idéale, 80330 Longueau, France

How to Get to Amiens to Start Your Adventure

Your journey to rent a motorhome in Amiens starts with getting here. Amiens is easily accessible for international travelers, especially from English-speaking countries.

For Travelers from the UK and Ireland:

By Air: The most convenient airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Beauvais (BVA). BVA is particularly popular for travelers from the UK and Ireland as it's a major hub for low-cost airlines like Ryanair, with direct flights from Dublin, Manchester, and Edinburgh. From either airport, you can take a train or a shuttle service towards Amiens to pick up your camper.
By Car/Ferry: This is an excellent option from the UK. Take a ferry from Dover to Calais or the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. From Calais, Amiens is a straightforward and scenic drive of about 1.5 hours via the A16 motorway. This allows you to bring extra luggage before you rent a camper in Amiens.

For Travelers from the USA and Canada:

Your primary gateway will be Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). There are numerous direct flights to CDG from major North American hubs, including New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Toronto (YYZ), and Montreal (YUL). Upon arrival at CDG, you can take a direct TGV high-speed train to Haute-Picardie station or a regional train to Amiens station itself. The journey is quick and efficient, getting you ready to start your adventure.

For Travelers from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa:

You will fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Flights from major cities like Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), and Johannesburg (JNB) will typically involve one stopover in a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha) or Asia (like Singapore). Once you land at CDG, follow the directions above to reach Amiens by train. The final leg of your journey is simple, and soon you'll be on the road after you rent a motorhome in Amiens.