With the Olympic Games drawing crowds to Paris, now is the perfect time to consider a quieter yet equally impressive destination: Amiens! Amiens cathedral offers breathtaking Gothic beauty without the hustle and bustle of the capital. Here are 7 reasons why the Notre-Dame of Amiens should be your go-to destination this year.
1. Amiens: A Majestic Alternative Without the Crowds
While the Notre-Dame of Paris is still undergoing restoration after the devastating 2019 fire, the Notre-Dame of Amiens stands fully restored and magnificent. And that’s a miracle.
The construction of this Notre-Dame began as early as the 13th century. The city had become wealthy from woad, a plant used to produce a valuable blue dye for textiles and paint.
During the two world wars, 60% of the city was destroyed. However, the cathedral miraculously remained unscathed. Amiens, the capital of the Somme department, was right in the line of fire during the Great War. The statue of the weeping angel at the back of the church, l’Ange pleureur, remains a symbol of the sorrow of soldiers from World War I.
2. Notre-Dame of Amiens is the Largest Gothic Cathedral in France
At 145 meters in length, 14.60 meters in width, and 42.30 meters in height (only Beauvais is higher with 48 meters), the Amiens Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in France by interior space. Its impressive dimensions make a visit to this cathedral an unforgettable experience. The enormous stained glass windows, high vaults, and spacious interior create an awe-inspiring atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate.
3. A Fascinating Construction History
The construction of the Notre-Dame of Amiens began in 1220, after a fire destroyed the previous cathedral in 1218. They began the work with the nave, which was quite unusual. First, 8.5-meter deep foundations were laid (Hislop, 2012).
Led by three generations of architects—Robert de Luzarches, Thomas de Cormont, and Renaud de Cormont—the cathedral was remarkably completed in 1269, nine years after the completion of Reims Cathedral and nearly twenty years after the Notre-Dame of Paris. This rapid completion is remarkable for such a large-scale project and attests to the masterful skills of its builders.
4. Impressive Architecture and Unique Features
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Amiens Cathedral is its ingenious system of flying buttresses and ribbed vaults, allowing the walls to be higher and thinner with large stained glass windows. This creates a light and open interior, a hallmark of Gothic architecture.
Fundamentals
Did you know that the foundations of the Amiens Cathedral are as deep as 8.5 meters?
Viollet-le-Duc discovered this in the 19th century during the restoration of France’s largest cathedral. If you’re building a cathedral with a nave over 42 meters high, a solid foundation is literally fundamental!
What did it look like? On a 400 mm bed of mortar, there were fourteen thick layers of rubble, each 300-400 mm thick, filled with chalk from Bavelincourt (14.5 km from Amiens). This was followed by a layer of stone from Croissy-sur-Celle, about 21 km from Amiens.
Finally, three layers of sandstone up to the ground level. All these layers form the outer layer; the inner layer was made of rubble from the quarries of Bavelincourt and Croissy, mixed with mortar. Given the size of the cathedral, imagine how much they had to transport back and forth from the quarries for all that stone!
The Notre-Dame served as a model for the construction of many churches, including St. John’s Cathedral in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, St. Martin’s Church in Aalst, Cologne Cathedral, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.
The richly decorated west façade with the “Galerie des Rois” features 22 statues of the kings of Judah and Israel. The intricate details of the sculptures on the façade, depicting scenes from the lives of saints and biblical stories, captivate every visitor.
5. The Unique Labyrinth
The labyrinth on the cathedral floor, laid in 1288, is a unique and fascinating feature. Unlike the round labyrinth in Chartres, the Amiens labyrinth is octagonal. This design choice may reflect the symbolism of the octagon, often representing rebirth and eternity in Christian tradition.
Walking this labyrinth was seen as a symbolic pilgrimage, offering medieval believers a way to engage in spiritual reflection without undertaking long journeys. Additionally, the labyrinth includes the names and images of the cathedral’s master builders, a tribute also found in the (now-lost) labyrinth of Reims Cathedral, which served as an inspiration.
Connection with the Labyrinth in Reims
The labyrinth of Amiens has an interesting connection with the (now-lost) labyrinth in the Cathedral of Reims. The labyrinth in Reims, which was removed in 1779, served as an inspiration for the labyrinth in Amiens. Both labyrinths were designed by the same family of architects, the Cormonts, who were responsible for the construction of both cathedrals.
The labyrinth of Reims, designed by Jean d’Orbais, Jean-le-Loup, Gaucher de Reims, and Bernard de Soissons, was a tribute to the architects who built the cathedral. It contained their images and names within the labyrinth. This design concept, honoring the architects, was adopted by Renaud de Cormont in the design of the labyrinth in Amiens.
Like in Reims, the labyrinth in Amiens includes the names and images of the master builders who contributed to the construction of the cathedral. This reflects a tradition of recognizing and honoring the architects, which was rare at the time.
6. Enchanting Light Shows and Color Projections
The Notre-Dame offers a unique experience with its evening light shows, where the façade comes to life in a colorful spectacle. These projections, known as “Amiens, la Cathédrale en Couleurs,” recreate the original medieval colors of the sculptures and architecture. Visitors can enjoy a visual journey back in time, as the once brightly colored façade is brought back to life.
This spectacle, held during the summer months and holidays, is a unique way to experience the art and history of the cathedral, offering a contrast between classic Gothic architecture and modern technology.
7. Charming City with Authentic Atmosphere
Amiens itself is a charming and welcoming city that offers much more than just the cathedral. The historic city center, with picturesque canals and cozy cafes, provides an authentic French experience without the tourist crowds of Paris. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like the famous “macarons d’Amiens,” and take a stroll through the historic city center, where medieval buildings harmoniously blend with modern architecture. The city is also home to the house of Jules Verne, the famous writer, adding an extra cultural dimension to a visit to Amiens.
Skip Paris, Head to Amiens 🙂
In a year when Paris welcomes the world for the Olympic Games, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the hidden gems of France. The Amiens Cathedral offers a peaceful and impressive alternative to the capital’s bustle. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and profound spiritual significance, a visit to this Gothic masterpiece is an experience not to be missed.
So, why not explore the tranquility and beauty of Amiens this year and witness the splendor of the Notre-Dame for yourself? Have you been? Share your experiences below! Tips are welcome!
About the CATHÉDRALE NOTRE-DAME D'AMIENS
- Building period: 1220-1270
- Length (exterior): 145 m
- Width (facade): 61.5 m
- Width (transept): 29.5 m
- Height (vault): 42.3 m
- Height (towers): 112 m
Christianity was established in Amiens around the 3rd century AD, with Saint Firmin credited as the first bishop and founder of the Christian community in the area. The original church on the site was likely a small wooden structure that preceded the grand Gothic cathedral seen today.
The current Amiens Cathedral, officially known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens, was constructed between 1220 and 1270, under the guidance of architect Robert de Luzarches, followed by Thomas de Cormont and his son Renaud de Cormont. It was built to replace an earlier Romanesque cathedral that was destroyed by fire.
A distinctive feature of the Amiens Cathedral is its impressive height, with the nave vaults reaching 42.3 meters, making it one of the tallest complete Gothic churches in France. The cathedral also boasts a remarkable labyrinth on the floor, laid out in 1288, which was used by pilgrims as a symbolic journey of reflection.
The cathedral’s twin towers, completed in 1245, reach a height of 112 meters and are a defining feature of the Amiens skyline. Unlike Rouen’s central lantern tower, Amiens does not have a single, dominant spire but instead showcases a harmonious twin-tower design.
LUX Travel Tips
- Discover the city with a self-guided audio tour
- Discover the cathedral, book your guided tour with the local Tourism Office.
- The chef at Au Quotidien, a tiny restaurant near the cathedral, cooks with heart and soul and loves to talk about the dishes on the menu. Seasonal and local food, incredibly delicious, perfectly presented.
- This authentic house, Maison Longuevie, takes you back in history. Spacious rooms for a fair price, just opposite to a green parc. Guests love this place! Book your room here.
- A 150m2 luxious apparmtent, opposite to the cathedral! That’s why its called ‘Coté Cathédrale‘ 🙂
