Maison de Jules Verne, Amiens

Historic Building in Amiens

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Chatsam

In the heart of Amiens, the Maison de Jules Verne offers an extraordinary journey through the life and imagination of one of France's most visionary writers. From his cozy study to the observation tower overlooking the city, every corner of the house invites visitors to step into the world of adventure, science, and wonder that defined Verne's groundbreaking novels. It is one of the must-see places in Amiens, blending literary history with the charm of 19th-century life.

Jules Verne lived in this elegant townhouse with his wife, Honorine, from 1882 until 1900, during the height of his creative career. Within these walls, he wrote many of his most famous works, including stories from his celebrated Extraordinary Voyages series. The museum today captures both the intimacy of his domestic life and the expansiveness of his imagination - from his personal library filled with books by Shakespeare and Poe to the study where he penned ideas that would later inspire the modern age of exploration and science fiction.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Is the Maison de Jules Verne Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The Maison de Jules Verne was originally built in the 19th century as a stately bourgeois home. When Verne moved in, Amiens was thriving as a cultural hub, and his residence became both a family home and a creative sanctuary. It was here that he wrote and refined many of his visionary tales, often exploring the themes of progress, discovery, and human ingenuity that still resonate today.

Restored and opened as a museum in 1980, the house remains one of the most evocative literary museums in France. Its rooms are filled with period furnishings, manuscripts, and personal objects that reveal the author’s dual life as both dreamer and disciplined craftsman. The museum’s layout guides visitors through four floors of exhibits, blending historical authenticity with immersive storytelling - a highlight of any walking tour of Amiens for book lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Things to See and Do

Each room of the Maison de Jules Verne tells a different part of the writer's story. The ground floor introduces visitors to Verne's family life, with portraits, letters, and early editions of his books. The first floor houses his famous study - the place where he drafted Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - as well as his personal library filled with works by the authors who influenced him.

The upper levels focus on Verne's imagination and legacy, featuring models of submarines, balloons, and flying machines inspired by his stories. The Observation Tower, one of the museum's highlights, offers panoramic views of Amiens and represents the author's fascination with perspective and discovery. For younger visitors, interactive displays and audio guides make the experience engaging and accessible.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for pleasant weather and longer opening hours
Entrance fee: Adults: €9
Opening hours: Daily: 10am-12:30pm and 2pm-6pm Closed Tuesday
Official website: www.amiens.fr/maisonjulesverne
How long to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
Accessibility: Limited access to upper floors; ground level accessible
Photography tip: Capture the spiral staircase and light-filled tower for the best shots
Guided tours: Offered daily in French and English
Nearby food options: Café Jules Verne nearby offers pastries and coffee; Brasserie Jules serves traditional French cuisine

How to Get There

The Maison de Jules Verne is located at 2 Rue Charles Dubois, about a 15-minute walk from Amiens train station and just south of the city center. Local buses stop nearby on Rue Lamarck, and parking can be found along adjacent streets. For visitors exploring the city on foot, the museum fits perfectly into an itinerary that includes the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the Quartier Saint-Leu - one of the top attractions in Amiens for those seeking culture and creativity.

Is the Maison de Jules Verne Worth Visiting?

Without question. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Jules Verne or simply curious about the origins of modern adventure literature, this museum offers a rare chance to step into the mind of a true visionary. It combines history, art, and storytelling in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and inspiring - making it one of the best places to visit in Amiens.

Nearby Attractions

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens: France’s largest Gothic cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Musée de Picardie: A grand museum showcasing art and archaeology from prehistory to modern times.
Quartier Saint-Leu: A colorful canal district filled with cafés, shops, and galleries.
Les Hortillonnages: Floating gardens offering tranquil boat tours through Amiens' waterways.
Tour Perret: A modern landmark with sweeping views of the city and the Somme Valley.

A visit to the Maison de Jules Verne is not just a step into the past - it's a celebration of imagination itself, where fiction and reality merge in the city that inspired one of the world's greatest storytellers.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,003)

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 say the rooms and exhibitions are beautifully arranged and full of detail, offering a strong sense of Verne's life and creativity, with informative displays available in English and friendly staff, though some note the tower is not accessible and admission can feel a little pricey.

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...."

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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...."

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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!..."

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

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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