Amiens – insider tip in Picardy

Do you remember how I pondered beauty in Le Havre? Architect and urban planner Auguste Perret also left an impressive testimony to his work at the second stop of my northern French city tour. The Tour Perret – the tallest tower in France at 104 m at the time of its construction – greets me at Amiens train station. The “Empire State Building of Picardy” (as writer Isabell Marsay called it) houses apartments and offices and can unfortunately only be admired from the outside (the view of the city from the top apartment must be fantastic). This striking skyscraper would mark the end of Auguste Perret’s presence in the cityscape of Amiens. The capital of Picardy is comparable to Lyon in terms of area, but still exudes small-town charm in the centre. Even if the term “insider tip” is used inflationarily, I think it’s apt for Amiens. Who of you has had this city on your travel radar until now? No? Level!

Behind the Tour Perret, the Amiens promenade begins, which stretches from Place René Goblet to the town hall. Before I can devote my full attention to the main attraction of Amiens, I need a refreshment. The first glimpse of Notre Dame d’Amiens is promising, and the burger at Les Epicuriens restaurant (22 Rue Dusevel) also lives up to expectations.

Tip #1 – Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens

The cathedral in the classical style of the High Gothic of the 13th century is the landmark of Amiens and shapes the cityscape. In 1981 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and since 1998 it has also been part of the World Heritage Site “Way of St. James in France”. The church building impresses with its dimensions and detailed carvings. At over 42 m, Notre Dame d’Amiens has the highest nave vault of all French cathedrals. The imposing west façade with the three portals decorated with sculptural representations as well as the floor labyrinth inside are also worth seeing.

Tip #2 – Quartier St-Leu

The historic Saint-Leu district on the banks of the Somme has become a popular nightlife district. I immediately fell in love with the small half-timbered houses and the narrow canals and could have spent hours photographing front doors and facades. As soon as it gets dark, the terraces in front of the restaurants fill with life. In Saint-Leu people laugh, celebrate, drink and eat fine. “Savoir-vivre” in other words.

Tip #3 – the garden islands

The “Hortillonnages” are a special feature of Amiens. The tradition of these garden islands in the Somme can be traced back to the Middle Ages. What used to be the basic supply for the local population is now mainly run by hobby gardeners and weekend cottage owners. A total of seven “Hortillons” still sell their wares at the traditional water market, which takes place every Saturday in the Quartier Saint-Leu. The transport route has changed over the years. In the past, fruits, vegetables and flowers were transported by boat from the islands to the market area. Today, the van takes care of that.

The world of the garden islands can be explored by boat. Guided tours last 45 minutes and cost 6 euros for adults.

Tipp #4 – Jules Verne

Jules Verne runs like a red thread through Amiens. The writer settled in his wife’s hometown in 1870 and became involved in urban planning and the municipal theatre (Le Pôle National Cirque et Arts) in Amiens. Today, Cirque Jules Verne is one of the most famous buildings in Amiens. In his former home, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Jules Verne. The Maison Jules Verne, along with the Musée de Picardie, which is well worth seeing, is my tip for bad weather.

Tipp #5 – “Like a parenthesis”

You will also be whisked away into a dreamlike world by painter Hubert. Its guest houses are nestled in a beautiful garden in the middle of the Hortillonnages. Hubert has not only furnished the apartments with a lot of style, but also provides his guests with a bike or boat for exploration tours. I felt like I was in the middle of the countryside here and was still in the Saint-Leu district in 15 minutes by bike. The footpath and cycle path leads idyllically along the Somme.

My visit put Hubert to the test – he had to prepare breakfast for the first time. The previous guests were self-sufficient. I would think that this premiere was a success for Hubert and would have liked to stay longer in my enchanting studio apartment. So please make a note of your visit to Amiens – you can’t sleep more beautifully and quietly here.

Note: The trip was supported by France Tourism and Amiens Tourism. All impressions are my own.

Merken