✨ Inside the Treasures of Amiens Cathedral

The Relic of St. John the Baptist

One of the reasons why Amiens Cathedral has so much fame is that it houses a sacred relic. In 1206, a Crusader knight returned from Constantinople with what was claimed to be the head of St. John the Baptist. It was enshrined at Amiens. The relic attracted thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe. Pilgrims visited to pray and donate. Those donations were used to build the great cathedral. Even today, a chapel inside the cathedral worships St. John the Baptist, whose relics are housed in special reliquaries.

The Choir Stalls

Another gem is the 1508-1519 carved choir stalls. They are more than 110 seats for clergy members and are crafted from oak wood. The intricacy is tremendous. The stalls have 4,000 tiny figures carved in everyday life scenes, saints, animals, and even humorous images. They are not religious but also whimsical, showing medieval fantasy. Art critics maintain they are the most beautiful choir stalls in France, perhaps in all of Europe.

The Labyrinth

On the level of the nave floor stands the labyrinth, built in 1288. It is a black and white stone design. In medieval times, pilgrims who could not travel to Jerusalem walked the labyrinth as a symbolic journey. The maze was destroyed throughout the centuries, but the plan was reconstructed since then. Now, tourists have an opportunity to see original stones and walk through the footsteps of medieval pilgrims.

Stained Glass Windows

Though in times of war and revolution some glass was lost, Amiens Cathedral stores beautiful glass windows. Rose window above the western façade is stunning. Choir windows illustrate stories from the Bible, lives of saints, and medieval legend. Colored lights transform the interior in the evenings of summer.

Sculptures and the “Chroma” Light Show

The sculptures here are so finely carved that they used to tell the whole Bible to illiterate individuals. Portals are filled with the figures of apostles, angels, saints, and even devils. Now, a unique event named “Chroma” employs light projection to restore the medieval hues. By night, the façade shines in blue, red, and gold. One can see what the cathedral appeared to be in the 13th century.

🌆 Surrounding Attractions in Amiens

The city of Amiens is not all about the cathedral. It is rich in history, gardens, and culture. The following are the top attractions near by:

The Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

The Hortillonnages are floating gardens along the canals, 300 hectares in size. They exist in Amiens alone. Vegetables have been planted by farmers here for centuries. Tourists may take short boat rides around the canals. Flowers and singing birds in the gardens in spring and summer. It is quiet and close to the cathedral.

The Saint-Leu District

Just behind the cathedral lies the Saint-Leu quarter, the former heart of Amiens. Pedestrian streets, multicolored homes, cafes, and small bridges over canals imbue it with a lively atmosphere. Evenings find the locals and students jamming the restaurants and bars. The neighborhood has the sense of being a small village within the city. Artists live here as well, infusing it with the energy of imagination.

The Maison de Jules Verne

Amiens is also home to famous writer Jules Verne, author of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days. His house is now a museum, which contains his library, personal belongings, and replicas of his inventions. Bookworms claim to be inspired by it.

The Picardy Museum

This museum contains art from prehistory to times today. It has Roman objects, medieval statues, and master paintings. It is also called the “little Louvre of the provinces” at times.

The Belfry of Amiens

The Belfry, built around the 15th century, is a second UNESCO site. It previously served as a watchtower and prison. Individuals scale it for panoramic views of the town.

The Somme Battlefields

Just beyond Amiens are the Somme battlefields, World War I. There are cemeteries, memorials, museums to pay one’s respects to those troops who perished there. Britain, Canada, and Australia provide many pilgrims to do just that.

🌍 Amiens Cathedral in the Context of Europe

Amiens Cathedral is one strand in a larger European tapestry. There were many cathedrals built during the Middle Ages. Every city wished to build higher, broader, and more stunning than the next one.

• Chartres Cathedral (France) is famous for stained glass. Reims Cathedral (France) was a coronation place for French kings.
• Cologne Cathedral (Germany) is one of the highest in Europe. Canterbury Cathedral (England) is the emblem of Christianity in England.

All these cathedrals reflect the uniformity and diversity of Gothic art in Europe. Amiens stands out because of its grandeur and harmonious architecture.

🧭 Tourist Guide: How to Visit Amiens Cathedral

Location

Amiens is located approximately 120 km north of Paris. It takes just over 1 hour by train.

Opening Hours

The cathedral is generally open every day from morning to evening. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Summer special tours are offered.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are bustling, with Hortillonnages flower displays and night light shows. Autumn is more subdued, with fewer tourists. Winter gives it a mystical ambiance, especially near Christmas.

Hotels Near the Cathedral

• Mercure Amiens Cathédrale Hotel – modern, located right next to the cathedral.
• Le Prieuré Hotel – charming boutique hotel in the historic center.
• Novotel Amiens Pôle Jules Verne – for family visits, just outside the city center.

Restaurants Nearby

• Le Quai – French food near the canals, L’adresse – Picardy local cuisine in a warm setting, Leu Duo – young people’s favorite in Saint-Leu.

🏞 Surrounding Places to Visit (Day Trips from Amiens)

If you stay longer, you can explore places near Amiens:

• Beauvais Cathedral – another Gothic jewel, though partly ruined.

• Chantilly Castle – with a famous art museum and gardens.

• Lille – a vibrant city with Flemish-style architecture.

• Paris – just one hour away by train, perfect for a day trip.

✨ Conclusion

Amiens Cathedral is more than the largest Gothic church in France. It is an artwork, a work of faith, and a work of history. First of all, it is a story of the Middle Ages. Architects, artists, and pilgrims came together to create a house of God that still inspires us today. It then reunites with the city of Amiens. Floating gardens, Saint-Leu district, and museums provide Amiens with more than mere transit—there is a treasure in culture for you. Finally, Amiens Cathedral is part of the shared heritage of Europe. Together with Chartres, Cologne, and Canterbury, it tells us of humanity’s ingenuity. To walk along its nave, to look at its sculptures, to feel the light—this is to return in time and to feel the pulse of eternity. If you ever find yourself north of France, don’t miss Amiens. The cathedral will empty your heart of anything but wonder and your memory with impressions for a lifetime.