Parc de Samara

Museum in Amiens

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pierre Poschadel

Just 15 kilometers west of Amiens lies a hidden gem for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike — Parc de Samara. This 30-hectare archaeological park in La Chaussée-Tirancourt takes visitors on a journey through 600,000 years of human history. From prehistoric hunters to Gallo-Roman farmers, every corner of Samara feels alive with echoes of the past.

Wandering through the park's reconstructed villages, you can almost smell the woodsmoke from an Iron Age hearth or imagine Neolithic potters shaping clay by the Somme River. It's one of the top attractions in Amiens for those seeking to connect with France's deep past while enjoying a peaceful day surrounded by nature.

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

History and Significance

Opened in 1988, Parc de Samara sits on the site of the ancient oppidum of La Chaussée-Tirancourt — once a thriving fortified settlement during the Iron Age. The park's mission is to bridge archaeology and experience, bringing history to life through reconstructions based on actual findings from northern France. Unlike traditional museums, Samara invites visitors to touch, craft, and explore, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Amiens.

Things to See and Do

Visitors can explore reconstructed dwellings from key eras: a Magdalenian tent representing Ice Age hunters, Neolithic longhouses with their thatched roofs, Bronze Age huts, and Iron Age Gallic farms. Artisans demonstrate flint knapping, weaving, pottery, and ancient metallurgy — all using techniques rooted in archaeological research. Watching a bronze bracelet being cast or a loom brought to life adds an unforgettable sensory layer to the visit.

Beyond the human story, Samara is also a living landscape. Its arboretum shelters over 100 tree species, while a botanical garden showcases 500 plants used for food, medicine, and dyes. A tranquil marshland trail completes the setting, reminding visitors how deeply early people depended on nature. Seasonal events and festivals breathe even more life into the site, making each visit unique.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: April to October, when demonstrations and workshops are most active
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €8–10 for adults, reduced for children and groups
Opening hours: Typically 10:00–18:00, varying by season
Official website: www.samara.fr
How long to spend: Half a day to a full day
Accessibility: Paths are mostly level; some reconstructed areas may have uneven ground
Facilities: Café, picnic areas, restrooms, gift shop
Photography tip: Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the thatched roofs and wooded backdrops
Guided tours: Available in French and English, often included in ticket price
Nearby food options: Picnic on-site or head to Amiens for riverside dining along the Quai Bélu

How to Get There

From Amiens, Parc de Samara is an easy 20-minute drive west via the D1 road toward La Chaussée-Tirancourt. Public transport options include a regional bus to the village, followed by a short walk. For cyclists, it's a scenic route following the Somme Valley — perfect for combining with a visit to the surrounding countryside.

Is Parc de Samara Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you're a family with curious kids, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys immersive outdoor experiences, Samara is one of the must-see places in Amiens. It's not just a park — it's a living classroom and a tranquil escape where France's prehistoric past meets modern imagination.

Other Sites Nearby

Cathedral of Amiens – France's largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Maison de Jules Verne – The author's former home, filled with 19th-century charm and imagination.
Hortillonnages d'Amiens – Floating gardens best explored by boat, often visited on walking tours of Amiens.
Musée de Picardie – A grand museum covering art and archaeology from prehistory to modern times.
Naours Caves – A vast underground network used as a refuge since Roman times, just north of Amiens.

Parc de Samara offers an unforgettable journey through time, blending discovery, education, and relaxation — a rare combination that makes it one of the best places to visit in Amiens for travelers seeking depth and atmosphere.

The Parc de Samara appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

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