Maison de Jules Verne

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 in Euros: Around €8 for adults; discounts available for students and children
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays)
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.

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

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