Amiens reveals its secrets

Notre-Dame cathedral:

In the 13th century, motivated by the faith of their inhabitants, cities competed to build the most magnificent religious buildings. Thanks to technical progress, the experience gained from other building sites, and the speed at which it was constructed, Notre-Dame of Amiens has a very rare uniform style. As soon as you enter the cathedral, your attention is drawn to the nave and its seven bays, 14.60 meters wide on average and 54 meters long.

The light inside the cathedral is also exceptional, due to the extremely high vaults, the great number of openings and the glass triforium above the choir and transept.

Crossed by branches of the river Somme, the Saint-Leu district dates back to the Middle Ages. In those times, water and mills produced the source of energy necessary for weavers, dyers, tanners and millers. Nowadays, Saint-Leu is an invitation to stroll... The district teems with strange details which catch your eye. Shops and workshops give an unusual feel to the place. Restaurants, cafés and pubs add to the picturesque charm that you discover while wandering through the many old lanes.

Situated at the foot of the Cathedral and the Musée de Berny, 40 rue Victor Hugo, in an old mansion (late 16th c.), you can admire religious stained-glass windows (12th-19th c.).in vaults on three levels (13th c.). The first floor is dedicated to interior stained-glass windows from 1880 onwards.

After the war, Auguste Perret set up a reconstruction programme for the railway station district. But soon, for financial reasons, the only thing that remained from the original concept was a concrete tower. At the time, it was the highest in Europe (100.7 m). The station and several adjoining buildings were built at the same time.

«Cabotans» means marionettes in the Picardy dialect. He is traditionally dressed with a red-velvet suit and wears a tricorn. Lafleur is good-tempered, insubordinate, dynamic, independent and resourceful character. His motto is self-explanatory: "Drink a lot, eat a lot, and then do nothing !" To get better acquainted with him, you will attend one of the his shows.

A landscaped space, it invites you to meet wild animal life. As you take a walk along the water, you will get better acquainted with wildlife. The zoo shelters over 400 animals belonging to some 100 species in a natural environment. It is involved in the preservation of disappearing species and takes part in several European breeding schemes.

Cross Cange bridge and take the footbridge leading to Parc Saint-Pierre: 22 hectares (54 acres) of greenery, a charming and pastoral lake, a maze similar to the cathedral maze, playgrounds and sports facilities. All this enables you to stroll or lounge and enjoy the harmony that exists between the Saint-Leu district and the floating gardens of the «Hortillonnages».