Amiens Tourism and History

Situated on the Somme river, Amiens has been inhabited since Paleolithic times. During the Roman era Amiens was the principal municipality of northern France, serving as Julius Caesar’s headquarters during the Gallic War. The Amiens Cathedral was built during the 13th and 14th century ( see below).

The Amiens Cathedral

Financed by the cultivation of woad, a plant used to make blue dye, la Cathédrale Notre-Dame D’Amiens, was constructed to house the head of St. John the Baptist, which is still on display. The Amiens Cathedaral is the largest cathedral in France. In addition to its size, the cathedral is noted for the sculptures on its exterior façade, and its ornate 3 tiered interior.

Other Sites

• Les Hortillonages is a patchwork of gardens, maintained as a natural site.

• The Musee de Picardie houses religious sculpture, bronze statues and a group of 16th century portraits.

• The Jules Verne House. Verne wrote many of his books here..

• Canal cruises through the gardens of the Hortillonnages.

• Le petit train, with its steam locolmotive, travels along the baie de la Somme.

• La Maison de L'Oiseau, a bird sanctuary, featuring guided tours.

• Le quartier Saint Leu, the medieval quarter,with its canals, restaurants, and bars.

• Musee de L'hotel de Berny

Personal Notes

Unless you are a real connoisseur of cathedrals, there are just too many to see in Europe. Only a few are worthy of a special trip. The Amiens Cathedral, along with the Cathedral of Chartes, are truly extraordinary.

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This is an unofficial page about Amiens