Destination: Amiens, France

Whilst visiting Paris after the New Year, I also decided to make a day trip to Amiens. Located in the Picardie region of France, this city is home to the tallest, completed cathedral in France and was the home of science-fiction writer Jules Verne. That said, I thought I would dedicate a day to seeing what the city (and region) was all about.

I’d been interested in visiting Amiens since my time in Normandy during my first two years working in France. It’s funny that, since moving south to the Lyon region (i.e. farther away from Picardie), I finally had the chance to visit the northern city. Then again, it was convenient that I was in Paris and there were direct trains almost every hour, so it wasn’t too difficult to hop on one of them and go.

Leaving around 7:15 in the morning, I took the metro from my Couchsurfing host’s apartment to Gare du Nord, where I caught the 8:30 train to Amiens. Journey time took just a bit over an hour and, soon enough, I stepped out into a new French city that I was keen on exploring.

Prior to the visit, I’d looked up some things to do in Amiens– I’d also asked a former assistant who’d lived in the Picardie region for some recommendations, so with that, I had a general idea of what to see for the day.

First stop was the UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral, aka the Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens. Built during the 13th century, this cathedral is the tallest, completed one in all of France, with its nave measuring almost 140 feet (42 meters) in all of its Gothic glory. Reason for its height was that the architects and builders at the same wanted to build something to reach towards Heaven, which is a good example of symbolic architecture. Today, it’s the most-visited place in the city itself.

When people say that it’s the tallest cathedral in France, I certainly believed it! Upon arriving in front of the entrance, I had to really crane my head in order to take in everything or, at least, as much as possible. As it’s a Gothic-style cathedral, the austere, but ornate carvings and sculptures greatly reminded me of the cathedral in Rouen, even the Notre Dame in Paris. Only difference was that it was MUCH bigger.

Entering the cathedral, it looks just like any other one I’ve seen in France. Not to say that I’m desensitized to the beauty of such buildings, but I’ve visited too many of them to constantly be blown away. I have to admit, though, that the towering nave was quite impressive, along with the royal-purple stained glass windows. The Baroque pulpit, with the several allegorical figures supporting it, caught my eye as well. I can say, then, that the Amien Cathedral certainly lives up to its reputation as the tallest French cathedral.

After my visit of the cathedral, I continued into town, where I saw the Belfry before I wandered into the Saint Leu district, an area of town which is known for its small canals and charming, half-timbered houses, thus giving off that picturesque look. I’d considered it to be like the “Picardie Venice.” Strolling along the Somme River and crossing bridge after bridge made for an intimate, peaceful exploration– definitely a lovely gem in Amiens!

Soon enough, I returned in the direction of the cathedral, heading over to Jules Verne’s House. The author lived here for 34 years, and he’d also served in city politics during his time– he was quite the well-known one not just in Amiens, but also the world! Tucked away in the south of the city, the house surprises you with its four levels of memorabilia and its iconic tower with a statue of rotating axes, which represent Verne’s love for science, exploration, and writing.

Admission was free for visiting the house-turned-museum, and it was a delight going up the levels and seeing the elegant salon, Verne’s desk where he wrote his novels, and even the attic where artifacts from his nautical travels were located. There were also posters throughout the museum, depicting the film adaptation of many of his works, e.g. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, etc. The spiraling staircase upon which to access each floor was an invention in itself, and it was a pleasure visiting the home of what people would consider one of the best science-fiction writers in history.

Following the museum, I decided just to head back to the station to take the train back to Paris. Although it was still quite early, I’d already seen the places that I’d been meaning to check out, and I also wanted to get back to Paris to see more there. Purchasing my ticket, I took the 12:30 train, arriving back an hour later. From there, I continued my sightseeing in the French capital.

Although I had not quite a half-day in Amiens, I’m glad to have had a taste of what Picardie was all about. In my opinion, it’s not so different from cities in Normandy in terms of structure, weather, and even food. I didn’t get to try the local dishes in Amiens, but the crêpes, tartes, and pâtés were ones which I’d gotten accustomed to in France, anyway. Didn’t have the time to grab a postcard from there, but the photos I took show, what I believe, is the true essence of the northern France city.

More to come soon. Next up, we’re trading cold weather in northern France with warmer temperatures in the southwest: Toulouse, France!

 

— Rebecca