Amiens Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region, the Amiens Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens) is a towering masterpiece of 13th-century Gothic architecture. It is the largest cathedral in France—so large that it could fit Paris’s Notre-Dame inside it twice over.

Built between 1220 and 1288, the cathedral is celebrated for its remarkable architectural unity, having been constructed in less than a century.

Scale and Height: It holds the record for the highest nave in France, reaching 42.3 meters (139 feet). Its interior volume is a staggering 200,000 cubic meters.
The Facade: The western front is a “stone bible,” covered in intricate sculptures including the famous Beau Dieu (Beautiful God) statue and the Zodiac of Amiens, which depicts medieval seasonal life.
The Labyrinth: An octagonal marble maze spans the floor of the nave, once used by pilgrims to symbolize a spiritual journey to the Holy Land.

Attraction

Amiens Cathedral draws visitors worldwide for its artistic splendor and historical survival.

Chroma Light Show: In summer and during Christmas, the facade is illuminated with high-definition projections that restore the statues to the vibrant, original colors they wore in the Middle Ages.
WW1 History: During the Great War, the cathedral was a place of refuge and prayer for Allied soldiers. Today, it houses memorial plaques for Australian, British, and Canadian troops who fought nearby.
The Towers: Visitors can climb 302 steps to the top of the towers for a panoramic view of the city and a close-up look at the original medieval spire.

Heritage

Inscribed in 1981, the cathedral is protected under two primary criteria:

Criterion (i): It is a masterpiece of human creative genius, representing the “apogee” of Gothic architecture with its daring skeletal structure and luminosity.
Criterion (ii): It exerted a profound influence on the development of the Flamboyant style across Europe. It is considered one of the most complete and “pure” examples of the 13th-century radiating Gothic style.

Gateway

City: The city of Amiens itself is the primary gateway.
Airport: Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) is the closest commercial airport (approx. 50 km away). However, most international travelers use Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and take a direct train (approx. 90 minutes) to Amiens.
Lodging: The city offers excellent options like Hôtel Le Prieuré (located at the foot of the cathedral) and the Moxy Amiens near the train station.

When

Summer (June to September): Ideal for the Chroma light show in the evenings and exploring the famous Hortillonnages (floating gardens) nearby.
December: For the magical Christmas market and the winter light show.
May: Perfect for pleasant weather (10^C to 18^C) and fewer crowds.

Consideration

Dress Code: It is an active place of Roman Catholic worship; modest dress is required, and silence should be maintained during services.
Climbing the Towers: The stairs are narrow and steep. It is not recommended for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.
Monday Closure: While the cathedral is open daily, the tours of the towers and treasury are often closed on Tuesdays.
Free Entry: Admission to the main nave is free, but there is a fee for guided tours of the towers and the treasury.

Labyrinth in the Amiens Cathedral
(Wi 1234, Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0).

Resources

UNESCO World Heritage – Amiens: Official documentation and maps of the site’s heritage value.
Amiens Tourism Office: The best source for booking the Chroma show and city-wide itineraries.
Centre des Monuments Nationaux: Official site for practical info regarding tower climbs and treasury tickets.
Explore France – Amiens Guide: Insight into the regional culture of Picardy.
Expedia – Amiens Travel Guide: Use this to book your gateway lodging and rail transfers from Paris.