Amiens, a city in northern France, reveals a surprising mix of rich history, vibrant waterways, and green oases. It's a destination that invites you to wander through ancient streets, past floating gardens, and into the inspiring world of a legendary writer. Amiens is a city that cherishes its past while embracing a dynamic, modern appeal, with every corner telling a new story.
A Journey Through the Ages: From Cathedral to Belfry
The history of Amiens grandly begins with the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens. This brick cathedral towers like a fortress over the city and houses Europe's largest painted interior, where monks for centuries adorned the vault with a sky full of stars and saints. It's a place that deeply impresses with its scale and detailed art.
Not far from there stands the impressive statue of Pierre l'Ermite (Peter the Hermit), a figure who profoundly influenced the history of the Crusades. His fiery sermons inspired thousands to march to the Holy Land, a movement that changed the course of Europe. The statue is a powerful symbol of faith and perseverance.
The city showcases its architectural diversity with the Maison du Sagittaire, an architectural jewel from the Renaissance. Its unique facade, adorned with the constellation Sagittarius, immediately catches the eye and is rich in stories. Its grandiose architecture, inspired by the Louvre, houses a treasure trove of collections that tell the history and art of the region.
Another prominent historical beacon is the Amiens Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of urban freedom. This medieval bell tower has marked time and protected the city for centuries. From its top, it offers a panoramic view of Amiens, a monument that proudly embodies the city's resilience. After the devastation of World War II, the city rose again with the iconic Perret Tower, a beacon of modernism. This concrete giant, designed by Auguste Perret, was one of Europe's first skyscrapers and symbolizes Amiens' resilience and reconstruction.
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The Rhythm of Water: Canals, Gardens, and Floating Islands
Amiens is also known for its unique relationship with water. The Saint-Leu district, affectionately called the 'Little Venice' of Amiens, is a beautiful example of this. Here, canals wind past colorful houses, where artisans once lived and worked. The district buzzes with life, with cozy cafes and restaurants overlooking the water, inviting hours of wandering.
An absolute highlight is the enchanting Hortillonnages, the floating gardens of Amiens. This unique landscape of waterways and small islands has been cultivated for centuries by gardeners who navigate with their traditional 'barques à cornet'. It is a living heritage that reflects the soul of Amiens and seems to reveal a secret world.
In addition to its watery areas, Amiens also offers various green spaces for peace and relaxation. The medieval garden of Amiens, the Jardin médiéval d'Amiens, is an oasis of tranquility where time seems to stand still. Amidst fragrant herbs and ancient plant species, it is a living museum that preserves our ancestors' knowledge of plants and their uses. The Parc de l'Evêché, once owned by the bishop, also offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful view of the cathedral, featuring carefully laid out paths and old trees that tell stories of bygone eras. For a more modern green experience, there is the expansive Parc Saint-Pierre, a vibrant place where the city breathes and offers space for relaxation, sports, and recreation with its wide lawns and water features.
Where Adventure and Imagination Reside
The city of Amiens also has a deep connection with the world of imagination and adventure. This is nowhere more evident than in the Jules Verne House. In this beautiful house, the legendary writer lived and worked for 18 years. Here, surrounded by his books and fantasy, he created many of his iconic adventure stories. It is a place where dreams and reality converge, and where the magic of his stories almost hangs in the air.
- 10 stops
- Start anywhere
- ~4,6 km route length
- ~1116 m longest stretch
- about 1,5–2 h duration
- Free
