Amiens

Urban Riverfront

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (Amiens railway station (TER Hauts-de-France regional rail))

Bus Access: Yes (Ametis urban bus network)

Weather: Amiens experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers, with moderate rainfall distributed throughout the year.

Amiens is a historic city located in the Hauts-de-France region in northern France, serving as the capital of the Somme department. The city is renowned for its stunning Gothic cathedral, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens, which is one of the largest and most impressive medieval cathedrals in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Amiens has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries, with its old town featuring charming medieval streets, historic buildings, and picturesque canals that wind through the city. The city is situated along the Somme River, which has historically been central to its development and character. Amiens is an important cultural and educational hub, home to a university and various museums showcasing art, history, and local heritage. The city offers a blend of historical architecture and modern amenities, with vibrant markets, restaurants, and shops throughout its downtown areas. As a mid-sized French city, Amiens provides a more relaxed pace than larger metropolitan areas while maintaining excellent connectivity and infrastructure. The surrounding region is characterized by rolling countryside and agricultural landscapes typical of northern France.

Podcasts

Episode 2: Finding the Good Life in France

In this episode, Josh talks to Janine Marsh, publisher of The Good Life France. After buying a house in the French countryside on a whim, she turned her love of France into a bustling business she never even dreamed of having!

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Talent Passport, Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Long-stay visa for visitors, which allows them to live in France for up to one year

Obtaining a residency in France involves several steps and can vary in complexity depending on the type of visa applied for. The Talent Passport is a popular choice for highly skilled expats, which is valid for four years and renewable. It is designed for various categories of professionals including researchers, artists, and business founders. Another common option is the Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), which allows expats to live in France for up to a year without the need for a separate residence permit. Upon arrival in France, holders of this visa must validate it within three months. For digital nomads, the Long-stay visa for visitors is a suitable option. This visa does not permit employment in France but allows individuals to reside in the country for up to a year. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. The process generally starts with an application submitted to the French consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country. Required documentation typically includes a passport, application forms, photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a letter explaining the purpose of the stay. Some visas may require additional documents such as a job offer, proof of professional skills, or a business plan. Once the initial visa is granted and the individual arrives in France, they may need to undergo a medical examination and apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) if planning to stay longer than the visa's validity. The difficulty of the process can vary, but France has made efforts to streamline visa applications for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. However, navigating the French bureaucracy can still be challenging, and proficiency in French is often helpful. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the intended move date and to consult the official French visa website or a professional for the most current information and guidance.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Amiens is moderate, making it more affordable than major French cities like Paris while still offering good quality of life and services. Housing, dining, and general expenses are reasonable for a historic city of its size and cultural importance.

Weather

Amiens experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers, with moderate rainfall distributed throughout the year.

Healthcare in Amiens

Amiens has strong healthcare coverage for the region, anchored by the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Amiens-Picardie, which provides a wide range of specialist and emergency services. Residents also have access to clinics, general practitioners, and other medical facilities, making healthcare availability generally good.

Restaurants in Amiens

Amiens has a solid dining scene with a good mix of traditional Picard cuisine, French bistros, brasseries, and casual cafes. The city center and areas near the cathedral offer the best concentration of options, with quality generally stronger than in a typical mid-sized provincial city.