Cirque Jules Verne, Amiens

Arts Venue and Historic Building in Amiens

Cirque Jules Verne
Cirque Jules Verne
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chabe01

Cirque Jules Verne is a historic circus and performance venue on Place Longueville in Amiens, a short walk from the city centre. Built in 1889 and designed by Émile Ricquier, it is known for its 16-sided exterior, circular plan, and long association with Jules Verne.

The visit is most rewarding when paired with a performance, since the building still works as a live arts venue rather than a conventional museum. Even without a ticket, the exterior gives a clear sense of its scale and unusual geometry. It suits architecture fans, theatre-goers, families checking the programme, and visitors following Amiens’ Jules Verne connections.

History and Significance

Before the permanent circus

Amiens had a circus tradition before the present building, with earlier temporary or wooden structures used for fairs and performances. Place Longueville became the setting for a more ambitious permanent venue as the city expanded and public entertainment became part of urban life.

The 1889 building

The current Cirque Jules Verne opened on June 23, 1889. Architect Émile Ricquier designed it as a 16-sided polygon with a circular interior, drawing on the model of large 19th-century circus halls while giving Amiens a distinctive civic venue.

Jules Verne, then active in Amiens public life, supported the project and helped connect it with the city's cultural ambitions. The building's early use of modern comforts such as electric lighting and heating made it more than a showplace; it also represented the city's confidence in technical progress.

A working arts venue today

The cirque later became one of Amiens’ important performance spaces, used for circus, theatre, concerts, meetings, and civic events. Its designation as a National Circus Center confirmed its current role in contemporary circus rather than only heritage preservation.

Things to See and Do

The main reason to visit is to attend a performance. The circular hall suits acrobatics, movement-based work, and productions that use height, sound, and proximity to the audience differently from a standard theatre.

If I were visiting without a ticket, I would still stop on Place Longueville to look at the building from the outside. The polygonal outline is easiest to appreciate by walking partway around it, where the repeated wall sections and roofline show how the structure was designed around a central ring.

Inside access depends on the programme, ticketing, and whether the building is open for an event. When entry is possible, look for the relationship between the seating, balconies, and central performance space rather than treating it as a normal stage-front auditorium.

How to Get to the Cirque Jules Verne

The nearest useful airports for most visitors are Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Lille, with onward travel to Amiens by car, rail connection, or bus depending on the airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Amiens on Booking.com.

Amiens has frequent rail links with Paris and Lille, and the Cirque Jules Verne is roughly a 10-15 minute walk from Amiens station. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

By car, Amiens is reached via the A16 and A29 corridors, and there are parking areas by or near the cirque, though event evenings can be busier. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Where to Stay Close

For a culture-heavy Amiens stay, base yourself in the city centre between the cathedral, the station, Saint-Leu, and Place Longueville. This keeps the Cirque Jules Verne within walking distance while also making it easy to visit the cathedral, the Maison de Jules Verne, museums, restaurants, and canal-side streets without relying on a car.

Mercure Amiens Cathedrale works well for visitors who want a central hotel close to the cathedral and main sights. Hotel Le Prieuré is a smaller option near the cathedral for travelers prioritizing atmosphere and walkability. Moxy Amiens is better for station access, short stays, and travelers arriving late or leaving early by train.

Is the Cirque Jules Verne Worth Visiting?

Cirque Jules Verne is worth a short stop for its architecture and Jules Verne connection, and it becomes much more worthwhile if you can attend a performance. Treat it as optional if you are only in Amiens for a few hours and your priority is the cathedral, Saint-Leu, or the Hortillonnages. Skip the interior unless there is an event, ticketed access, or confirmed opening, because it is primarily a working venue rather than a daily sightseeing attraction.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,037)

Jules Verne House at 2 Rue Charles Dubois in Amiens is the late-19th-century home of the author, with preserved interiors, many of his personal effects and a winter garden; visitors praise the well-arranged exhibition and richly decorated rooms that convey his life and creativity, note multilingual explanations and English‑speaking staff, and mention that while the museum is touching and informative for literature lovers, access to the tower is restricted and some find the price a bit high.

Constantin Craciun
a month ago
"As a Romanian couple, we were deeply touched to visit the house of Jules Verne, a writer we have admired since childhood and who remains so dear tous even today. Walking through his home felt like stepping into the imagination of one of the greatest visionaries of all time. The exhibition is beautifully arranged, full of fascinating details, and truly honors his extraordinary legacy. A must-visit for anyone who has ever dreamed beyond the horizon, just as Jules Verne inspired us to do since we were little...."
hans-jaguar
6 years ago
"While having short stop for a wuick visit of the city of Amiens, we had the opportunity to see some historical buildings, among them the “CirqueJules-Verne” who is located in the “Place Longueville” in Amiens. Built in the year 1889 by architect Émile Ricquier, it was called Cirque municipal d'Amiens until the year 2003. The “Circus Jules-Verne” has been registered as a historic monument since 29 October 1975 for its facades and roofs. The circus tradition in Amiens goes back to 1845...."
Richard Terpos
a month ago
"The Jules Verne House is amazing,It’s like walking back in time. Jules Verne the author of such books as Journey to the centre of the earth, 20,000leagues under the sea and around the world in 80 days to name just a few. His house is magnificent...."
lazenlondonuk
7 years ago
"Made it foot sore and weary from Jules Verne house herenas its so famous. Arrived at just 2pm as the doors were reopening. No circus on but just somesparse rehersals which made itnfine for my brief sticking my head into the door. The concierge allowed this for free. I saw a beautiful and unique famous circus interior in redsnwith seats in circles,nlooked a bit like The Albert Hall. This venue could host so many things of quality. Superb and a great honour and privilege to be permitted to view it freenturning up on spec...."
Laissa Teixeira Humphrey
4 weeks ago
"Loved visiting the Maison de Jules Verne in Amiens! The house is beautifully preserved, full of history and charm. Walking through his rooms givesyou a real sense of the life and creativity of this legendary author. A must-visit for literature lovers!..."
Rosario_it
8 years ago
"This cirque has been inspired by Jules Verne. Even though we visited it only from outside we were impressed by the simplicity and by the regularityof the building. Inside there is also a restaurant...."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cirque Jules Verne

  • Best time to visit: Go on a performance day if you want to experience the building properly. For exterior photos, late afternoon or early evening gives better light on Place Longueville.
  • How long to spend: Allow 10-20 minutes for the exterior if you are passing through the area. For a show, plan around 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the programme.
  • Accessibility: The venue provides arrangements for visitors with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, but contact the box office before booking to confirm access and seating. Step-free entry may use a specific entrance rather than the main approach.
  • Facilities: Facilities are mainly available during opening or event times, including ticketing, restrooms, and the venue bar. If you are only viewing the outside, there are no visitor services to rely on.

FAQs for Visiting the Cirque Jules Verne

Getting There

Cirque Jules Verne is on Place Longueville, just south of the main city centre and within walking distance of the cathedral, the Maison de Jules Verne, and Amiens station.
From the cathedral area, walk south through the central streets toward Place Longueville. The route is straightforward and usually takes around 10-15 minutes on foot.
Walk west and slightly south from the station toward Place Longueville; the route takes roughly 10-15 minutes. Local buses also serve the Cirque Jules Verne stop.
There is parking by or near the venue, but driving is not necessary if you are already in central Amiens. For a performance, arrive early enough to allow for busier parking around showtime.

Tickets & Entry

The exterior can be seen freely from Place Longueville. A ticket is normally required for performances and programmed events inside the venue.
A ticket usually covers admission to a specific performance or event. It does not make the building operate like an open museum, so check the event details before booking.
Advance booking is sensible for popular performances, weekend dates, and family-friendly shows. For quieter events, same-day availability may exist, but it is not something to rely on.
The venue runs on a performance and box-office schedule rather than standard museum hours. Always check the current programme before making a special trip for interior access.

Visiting Experience

If you only want to see the exterior, allow 10-20 minutes. If you attend a performance, make it the main activity for that part of the day or evening.
Yes, but only as a short stop unless you have booked a show. With one day in Amiens, the cathedral and central historic areas will usually take priority.
Combine it with the Maison de Jules Verne, the Musée de Picardie, and the cathedral for a compact route focused on Amiens’ literary, civic, and architectural heritage.
For a performance, bad weather is not a problem. For exterior-only sightseeing, it is a brief stop, so it works better when you are already nearby.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Some Jules Verne or city-centre routes may pass it, especially when linking the author’s house with other civic landmarks. General cathedral-focused routes may not include it.
Most visitors can treat the exterior as an independent stop. A guided context is more useful if the route focuses on Jules Verne, 19th-century Amiens, or the history of circus arts.

Photography

It is good for exterior architectural photos, especially because the polygonal form is unusual among Amiens landmarks. Interior photography depends on event rules.
Late afternoon and early evening often give the façade a warmer tone and add activity around Place Longueville before performances. Midday is simpler for clear documentary shots.
Exterior photos from the public square are generally fine. During performances, follow the venue’s rules, as photography, flash, and video may be restricted.

Accessibility & Facilities

The venue can accommodate visitors with reduced mobility, but arrangements should be confirmed before booking. Ask the box office about step-free access, wheelchair spaces, and the best entrance to use.
Restrooms and event facilities are available when the venue is open for performances or box-office hours. They are not available for visitors who are only stopping to view the outside.
It can be suitable for families when the programme is age-appropriate. If bringing a stroller, check storage and seating arrangements with the venue before attending a show.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The streets between Place Longueville, the city centre, and the cathedral have practical café and restaurant options. For more atmosphere before or after a show, the Saint-Leu canal area is a good choice.
The venue has a bar, but opening depends on the event schedule. Do not rely on it for a full meal unless the specific event information confirms food service.

Safety & Timing

The area is central and commonly used by audiences on performance nights. Use normal city precautions after dark, especially if walking back through quieter streets after a late event.
Arrive at least 20-30 minutes early so you have time for ticket checks, seating, and any accessibility or cloakroom needs. Allow extra time if you are parking nearby.

The Cirque Jules Verne appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Centre de documentation Cirque Jules Verne, Rue Cozette, Amiens, France
Amiens: 1 km
Official Website

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