Amiens Sights and Landmarks Guide, France

Amiens Sights- Relax and Learn in the City

Close to Rouen and Lille, the city hides special places, waiting to be discovered by the tourist. Especially if traveling with children, Samara Park is a must on the list of Amiens sights, a pre-history park on the outskirts of the city. Here, you may find out about crafts, such as clay pottery, wood, iron or textile work, but also old habitats are displayed. The park includes theme gardens: L’Arboretum, Le Jardin Botanique, Le Jardin du Neolitique. People may also go to the zoo, not large, spreading on 6 hectares, but hosting many species. It is a true oasis near the city center. Walk along and watch the spectacular sight given by the small artificial island in the channels of Somme River (in French, they are called Hortillonages and have a total surface of 300 hectares, with a very fertile soil). Not far from Amiens, there is an Underground City of Naours. It was initially a chalk quarry, but it sheltered the inhabitants during wartime, including the 2 World Wars. Do not miss an enchanting district named St. Leu, comprising small pretty houses, narrow streets with book shops, boutiques and antiquaries waiting to be searched by tourists for unique objects.

Amiens Sights - Historical Buildings, Architectural Masterpieces

Walk along the streets of Amiens and it is impossible to dislike the beautiful, old architecture. A stroll to see the Justice Palace, the reconstruction of the 17th century City Hall, the 15th century Church of Saint Germain or the old Clock Tower in Gambetta Square is compulsory. A must is, of course, the largest cathedral in France. Its name is Notre Dame, the same as the one in Paris. In its highest point it has 42 meters. It is a masterpiece of gothic buildings, sheltering pieces which are a wonderful work of art, such as: the weeping angel, the labyrinth formed by the mosaic on the floor, the stained glass. The cathedral is also famous for displaying one of the most important relics of Christianity- the Head of John the Baptizer.

Amiens Sights -Museums

Amiens is famous for being the home town of Jules Verne and the writer’s house can still be visited. It is a bit strange, resembling its owner and his conception of the world. The house is large, with big windows, 3 floors, a tower with rings around it representing the stars and their movement, a winter garden. It also had a regular garden, but it was sold and now a picture of Belgian design Francois Schuiten is replacing it. Le Musee De Picardie is sheltering many art pieces. It was built between 1855- 1867 and the concept was not that of an exhibition, but of a palace for art. Wood or iron work, tapestry and ceramics can be admired at Le Musee de l’Hotel de Berny. Besides the already mentioned places, there is also an Archeological Garden for history passionate people.