Jules Verne's Tomb

Tomb in Amiens

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tropique

Tucked away on the western edge of Amiens lies one of France's most poetic and quietly powerful sites — the Cimetière de La Madeleine. It's here that Jules Verne, the visionary author of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days, found his final resting place. The cemetery, shaded by tall trees and carpeted in ivy, feels less like a burial ground and more like a tranquil park where history and art meet in timeless conversation.

For literature lovers and dreamers alike, visiting Verne's grave is one of the top sights in Amiens. The monument that marks his tomb, “Vers l'immortalité et l'éternelle jeunesse,” crafted by sculptor Albert Roze in 1907, captures Verne's spirit perfectly — the writer breaking through his tombstone, reaching toward eternity, as if still exploring beyond life's boundaries.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is Cimetière de La Madeleine Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance

The Cimetière de La Madeleine was established in 1817 and today spans about 18 hectares of gently rolling terrain. Its park-like layout, filled with winding paths, mature trees, and vibrant flora, gives it an air of serene beauty that feels worlds away from the city's bustle. It's not only the resting place of Jules Verne but also home to many notable Amiens citizens — politicians, artists, and industrialists who shaped the city's identity.

Jules Verne's burial here in 1905 began modestly, marked only by a simple plaque. But two years later, Albert Roze's masterpiece transformed the site into one of the must-see places in Amiens. The sculpture's raw emotion — Verne's body emerging from stone, his arm stretched skyward — seems to express the eternal curiosity that defined his life and work.

Things to See and Do

Strolling through the Cimetière de La Madeleine feels like wandering through an open-air museum of art and memory. Alongside Verne's monument, visitors can find ornate 19th-century mausoleums, symbolic sculptures, and peaceful corners perfect for reflection. Birdsong replaces city noise, and in autumn, fallen leaves add a cinematic touch to the already poetic scenery.

This spot is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Amiens, especially when combined with the nearby Maison de Jules Verne and the Cathedral — together, they trace the story of the city's most famous resident and his enduring impact on French culture.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when the foliage enhances the peaceful atmosphere
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Typically dawn to dusk; check local schedules as hours vary by season
How long to spend: Around 1 hour for a leisurely walk and time at Verne's grave
Accessibility: Some paths are uneven but generally walkable; wear comfortable shoes
Facilities: None inside the cemetery; amenities available in nearby streets
Photography tip: Visit early morning for soft light that highlights the monument's expressive details
Nearby food options: Cafés and bakeries around Rue Saint-Maurice or near the cathedral square

How to Get There

The Cimetière de La Madeleine lies about 2 kilometers west of central Amiens. You can reach it by walking (around 25 minutes from the cathedral), taking a local bus toward La Madeleine, or by car with free street parking nearby. For cyclists, it's a gentle ride along quiet residential lanes.

Is Cimetière de La Madeleine Worth Visiting?

Definitely. Even for those who aren't devoted Verne readers, the cemetery's beauty and serenity make it one of the best places to visit in Amiens. The combination of art, history, and natural calm makes it a memorable stop for anyone looking to experience the city's more contemplative side.

Other Sites Nearby

Maison de Jules Verne – The author's preserved 19th-century home, filled with artifacts and imagination.
Amiens Cathedral – A UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece often visited on walking tours of Amiens.
Musée de Picardie – One of France's oldest museums, housing art and archaeology collections.
Parc Saint-Pierre – A modern green space perfect for a picnic or a riverside stroll.
Hortillonnages d'Amiens – The city's famous floating gardens, accessible by boat, offering a glimpse of rural calm within the city.

Visiting the Cimetière de La Madeleine is like stepping into a quiet chapter of Jules Verne's final voyage — one where imagination, peace, and eternity blend beneath the Amiens sky.

The Jules Verne's Tomb appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

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