Amiens, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a magnificent city with a rich history and cultural variety worth exploring. From picturesque canals to impressive historic monuments, every corner of Amiens holds a treasure worth visiting.
History and heritage of Amiens
Amiens, affectionately known as the“Little Venice of the North“, is a city where every brick, every alleyway seems to echo with the echoes of history. Dating back to Roman times, the city has seen a succession of conquerors, merchants, craftsmen and scholars, all leaving their mark on the city. As early as Gallo-Roman times, the city was called Samarobriva (“bridge over the Somme“).
It was an important commercial, strategic and cultural crossroads. In the Middle Ages, Amiens became a major wool and textile center, contributing to its expansion and wealth. With the advent of the Middle Ages, Amiens grew in importance and prosperity. The city became an important religious center, marked by the construction of the majestic Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Built in the 13th century, it is the largest Gothic cathedral in France and aUNESCO World Heritage Site. Its western portal is adorned with over 700 sculptures, each telling a story of saints, kings and daily life in the Middle Ages. Visitors can climb the 300 steps to the cathedral’s treasury for a panoramic view of the city.
After the Middle Ages, Amiens continued to develop, passing through modern and contemporary times with impressive resilience. The city survived two world wars and reinvented itself each time. Today, while Amiens is a modern, dynamic city, it has carefully preserved the traces of its past, offering visitors a real immersion in French history.
Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral
The Saint-Leu district
The Quartier Saint-Leu is the beating heart of Amiens. Located at the foot of the cathedral, this historic district has retained its old-world charm, with colorful half-timbered houses, winding streets and picturesque canals. Once a district for tanners, dyers and millers, today it’s the place to be for students and artists. The bohemian atmosphere of the Quartier Saint-Leu is accentuated by a plethora of craft stores, art galleries, restaurants and quaint cafés. As you stroll its streets, you’ll discover artists’ studios, antique shops and independent designer boutiques.
The Hortillonnages
The Hortillonnages are a series of floating gardens extending over 300 hectares of canals. These gardens, unique in France, are a veritable mosaic of cultivated land separated by canals, known as“rieux“. These rieux are the remains of an ancient marshland system dating back to the Middle Ages. These market gardens, called“hortillonnages” in Picardy, are still cultivated today, producing a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The best way to discover them is aboard traditional boats, guided by boatmen who will show you the richness of this ecosystem and the way men have shaped it over the centuries.
The Amiens Hortillonnages
The House of Jules Verne
Amiens is also known as the home of the legendary writer Jules Verne for almost two decades. His house, now a museum, offers a fascinating insight into his life and work. Science fiction fans will particularly appreciate this immersion in the world of the author of “Voyages Extraordinaires”.
Jules Verne House
Culture and Gastronomy in Amiens town
Amiens is much more than its historical monuments. It’s also a center of culture and gastronomy, renowned for its creativity, culinary expertise and passion for local traditions.
Culture : Must-see events in Amiens
Amiens hosts a multitude of cultural events throughout the year, bringing a vibrant energy to the city. Among the most popular is the Grande Réderie d’Amiens, one of France’s biggest flea markets. Held twice a year, it attracts thousands of visitors and vendors from all over the world, transforming the city’s streets into a treasure trove of antiques and curios.
On another note, the Festival International du Film d’Amiens is a flagship event celebrating the art of cinema.
Each year, films from all over the world are screened, offering a variety of genres and styles that showcase the talent and diversity of international cinema. Workshops, debates and meetings with directors make this festival a place of exchange and discovery for cinephiles.
Gastronomy : A culinary journey in Amiens
Amiens is also a gourmet’s paradise. Its gastronomic scene is brimming with local specialties that showcase the best of the region’s produce. Among them, the Macaron d’Amiens is undoubtedly the most famous. This almond and honey-based pastry has a unique texture that is both crunchy and chewy, and a subtle almond flavor that is simply irresistible. Amiens’ markets are also an excellent place to discover the local cuisine. You’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, including local seafood, cheeses and vegetables. The markets are also an ideal place to sample other local specialities, such as duck pâté and ficelle picarde, a delicious stuffed savoury pancake. Finally, the city’s many restaurants offer innovative cuisine that combines tradition and modernity. From friendly bistros to Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants, every meal in Amiens is a culinary experience in its own right.
Geographical location
D.A.
