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SOMME


Sample the best of Somme


The capital of Somme is historic Amiens, and as a city-break destination it offers an exceptional range of atractive options: proximity to Paris (just an hour by train), historical intrigue and architectural appeal (a resplendent UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral, Jules Verne’s house), a lively night- time ambience (the Saint-Leu district is totally buzzing, and prety to boot), plenty for kids to do, plus many green spaces – including the famous water gardens, Les Hortillonnages. The city is also compact, giving it a village feel and ease of exploration. Amiens was a Gallo-Roman city


made prosperous thanks to the advent of the woad industry in the 13th century. This, and a lengthy period of peace, meant that plenty of money was available to fund the cathedral’s construction. Local chalk with flint and wood were used


and it took just 68 years to finish what remains the tallest completed cathedral in France (42m at its peak). It is located on a small ridge overlooking the Somme River. It underwent restoration in the


19th century. Details to look out for include the flying butresses and ribbed vaults that let light flood in; its three-tier interior elevation; and the fine display of sculptures on the main façade (count 750 in total around the whole exterior!). For a view and a half, climb the 307 steps of the north tower. When the cathedral was


laser-cleaned in the 1990s, experts discovered that the western façade was originally painted in multiple colours – this sensory impression is now recreated at sundown during the summer, as well as at Christmas, via state-of-the-art sound and light displays. The cathedral's 800th anniversary will be marked


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throughout the year with festivities and a special son et lumière: Chroma. For the sake of juxtaposition and


more contemporary architectural thinking, take a look at Tour Perret (completed in 1952) opposite the train station; both were designed by the architect Auguste Perret. For some time the biggest ‘skyscraper’ in Western Europe, today it contains flats and offices. Next to the cathedral is a peaceful


garden while beyond that is the picture-perfect rue de Metz – take a stroll down here at dusk and admire the wide array of building styles. Down the hill is the Saint-Leu


district. Abandoned until 35 years ago, this riverside quarter has been reborn and is a real hive of activity thanks to its bars and restaurants. Not far from here, towards


the Saint-Pierre quarter, is the surprising, unique 300-hectare network of canals on reclaimed


IMAGES © A.CARRIER; SOMME TOURISME/F. LEONARDI/ GARRY


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