A Timeless Date at Maison de Jules Verne in Amiens, France

There’s something undeniably magical about stepping into a place where history, imagination, and romance intertwine. Maison de Jules Verne, the former home of the legendary French novelist Jules Verne in Amiens, offers all of this and more. Nestled in the heart of northern France, this whimsical 19th-century mansion isn’t just a museum—it’s a portal to another world, making it an extraordinary setting for a date that sparks curiosity, conversation, and connection.

Stepping into a Storybook Setting

The moment you and your date walk through the red-brick facade of Maison de Jules Verne, you’re transported into the mind of the man who penned Around the World in Eighty Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The house itself feels like a character in one of his novels: creaking wooden floors, stained-glass windows casting colorful patterns, and rooms filled with artifacts from Verne’s life—globes, vintage scientific instruments, and handwritten manuscripts. The vibe is intimate, slightly mysterious, and charged with creative energy.

For couples, this atmosphere is ideal. It’s not just about observing; it’s about experiencing. You’ll find yourselves whispering theories about the objects on display, laughing at the eccentricities of 19th-century decor, and marveling at the tower room where Verne wrote many of his classics. The house encourages shared discovery, making it easy to bond over its quirks and secrets.

A Journey Through Imagination and Time

A date here isn’t a passive stroll—it’s an invitation to play. The museum’s layout guides you through Verne’s personal and professional life, but the real magic lies in how it sparks conversation. In the study, you might debate which of his adventures you’d want to live out together (a hot-air balloon ride? a submarine expedition?). In the dining room, you can imagine hosting a lavish Victorian-era dinner party, complete with absinthe and speculative chatter about the future.

Don’t miss the tower, accessible via a narrow spiral staircase. Climbing it feels like ascending into the clouds, and the view from the top—a panorama of Amiens’ rooftops and the distant Cathedral—is quietly breathtaking. It’s a moment ripe for a stolen kiss or a shared silence, as if you’ve found a hidden vantage point just for the two of you.

The gardens, though small, are equally charming. In spring and summer, they burst with flowers, offering a peaceful spot to sit side-by-side on a bench and reflect on the tour. It’s here that the pace slows, allowing for those lingering conversations that turn a simple outing into a meaningful memory.

When to Go and How to Make the Most of It

Timing is key for a date at Maison de Jules Verne. Aim for a weekday afternoon when the crowds are thinner, giving you space to explore at your own rhythm. Spring and early autumn are ideal—the gardens are in bloom or painted with fall colors, and Amiens’ weather is mild. If you’re visiting in December, check for special Christmas-themed events; the house often decks its halls with period-appropriate decorations, adding a cozy, festive twist.

To elevate the experience:

• Book a guided tour (available in English and French). The guides’ anecdotes about Verne’s eccentric habits—like writing from 5 AM until noon every day—add humor and depth.
• Pair the visit with a picnic. Amiens’ Parc Saint-Pierre, a short walk away, is perfect for spreading a blanket and unpacking local treats like macarons d’Amiens (almond-based pastries) or cheese from the market.
• End with a stroll along the Somme River. The waterway winds through the city, and at dusk, the reflections of streetlights on the water create a romantic backdrop.

Why It Works for a Date

Maison de Jules Verne isn’t just a museum—it’s a catalyst for storytelling. Unlike dinner or a movie, where the focus is on consumption, here you’re creating a narrative together. The house’s playful spirit encourages you to drop pretenses and embrace curiosity. You’re not just learning about Jules Verne; you’re imagining possibilities, sharing childhood memories of reading his books, or brainstorming your own adventures.

There’s also a subtle vulnerability in exploring such a personal space. Walking through the bedrooms, study, and even the bathroom where Verne soaked while brainstorming plot twists, you’re reminded that brilliance is human, messy, and relatable. It’s a metaphor ripe for connection: If a genius like Verne had quirks, maybe it’s okay that we do too.

Finally, the location’s uniqueness ensures it stands out. Years later, when you think back on dates, "that time we explored a steampunk-ish author’s house" will hold more weight than "that dinner at the usual spot."

The Takeaway

Maison de Jules Verne is for couples who want a date that’s equal parts cerebral and whimsical. It’s for those who believe romance isn’t just about candlelit dinners but about sharing moments of wonder, laughter, and maybe even a little time travel. By the end of your visit, you’ll have a new inside joke about Nautilus submarines, a camera roll full of quirky photos, and the sense that you’ve not just visited a museum—you’ve stepped into a story you’re writing together.

Maison de Jules Verne
Address: 2 Rue Charles Dubois, 80000 Amiens, France
Hours: Check the official website for seasonal opening times.