1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Amiens (English:/æˈmjæ̃/[2]or/ˈæmiənz/AM-ee-ənz;[3]French:[amjɛ̃]ⓘ;Picard:Anmien,Anmiens orAnmyin) is a city andcommune in northern France, located 120 km (75 mi) north ofParis and 100 km (62 mi) south-west ofLille. It is the capital of theSommedepartment in the region ofHauts-de-France and had a population of 135,429,[4] as of 2021. A central landmark of the city isAmiens Cathedral, the largestGothic cathedral in France. Amiens also has one of the largest university hospitals in France, with a capacity of 1,200 beds. The authorJules Verne lived in Amiens from 1871 until his death in 1905, and served on the city council for 15 years. Amiens is the birthplace of French presidentEmmanuel Macron.
The town was fought over during both World Wars, suffering significant damage, and was repeatedly occupied by both sides. The 1918Battle of Amiens was the opening phase of theHundred Days Offensive which directly led to theArmistice with Germany. TheRoyal Air Force heavily bombed the town during theSecond World War. In the aftermath, the city was rebuilt according toPierre Dufau's plans with wider streets to ease traffic congestion. These newer structures were primarily built of brick, concrete and white stone with slate roofs. The architectAuguste Perret designed theGare d'Amiens train station and nearbyTour Perret.
Amiens has an important historical and cultural heritage, on which a significant amount of tourism is based. Apart from the cathedral, there are thehortillonnages [fr], theJules Verne House [fr], theTour Perret, theMusée de Picardie, thezoo [fr], and the Saint-Leu and Saint-Maurice neighborhoods. A total of 60 monuments are listed in theinventory of monuments historiques, over 1600 places and monuments listed in thegeneral inventory of cultural heritage, and 187 objects listed in the inventory of monuments historiques. During December, the town hosts the largestChristmas market in northern France. It is known for a few local foods, including "macarons d'Amiens", almond paste biscuits; "tuiles amienoises", chocolate and orange curved biscuits; "pâté de canard d'Amiens", duck pâté in pastry; "la ficelle Picarde", an oven-baked cheese-toppedcrêpe; and "flamiche aux poireaux", a puff pastry tart made with leeks and cream.
The first known settlement at this location wasSamarobriva ("Somme bridge"), the central settlement of theAmbiani tribe, one of theprincipal tribes of Gaul. The Romans named the town Ambianum, meaning settlement of the Ambiani people. Amiens was part ofFrancia starting from the 5th century.[5] TheNormans sacked the city in 859 and again in 882.
In 1113, the city was recognized by KingLouis VI of France, and in 1185 it was linked to the Crown of France. In 1597, Spanish soldiers held the city during the six-monthSiege of Amiens, beforeHenry IV regained control. During the 18th and 19th century, the textile tradition of Amiens became famous for itsvelours. As a result of theFrench Revolution, the provinces of France were dismantled and the territory was organised intodepartments. Much ofPicardy became the newly created department ofSomme with Amiens as the departmental capital. During theindustrial revolution, the city walls were demolished, opening up space for large boulevards around the town center. The Henriville neighborhood in the south of the city was developed around this time. In 1848, the first railway arrived in Amiens, linking the city toBoulogne-sur-Mer. During the 1870Battle of Amiens, the city was occupied by invadingPrussian forces.
The town was fought over during both theFirst andSecond World Wars, suffering significant damage and being occupied several times by both sides. The 1918Battle of Amiens was the opening phase of theHundred Days Offensive which led directly to theArmistice with Germany that ended the war. In June 1944 followingD-Day, Amiens was heavily bombed by the Royal Air Force. The town was liberated by British forces on 31 August. The city was rebuilt according toPierre Dufau's plans with a focus on widening the streets to ease traffic congestion. These newer structures were primarily built of brick, concrete and white stone with slate roofs. The architectAuguste Perret designed theGare d'Amiens train station and nearbyTour Perret.
Amiens, once regional prefecture of the formerPicardy Region, is the prefecture of theSomme department, one of the three departments (withOise andAisne) in the region. Located in theParis Basin, the city benefits from a privileged geographical position, with close proximity to Paris,Lille,Rouen, London andBrussels. At the crossroads of major European routes of travel (A1,A16 andA29), the city is also at the heart of a major rail star.
As the crow flies, the city is 115 kilometres (71 mi) north of Paris, 97 kilometres (60 mi) south-west of Lille, 100 kilometres (62 mi) north-east of Rouen, 162 kilometres (101 mi) east-north-east ofLe Havre and 144 kilometres (89 mi) north-west ofReims. At the regional level, Amiens is located 53 kilometres (33 mi) north ofBeauvais, 71 kilometres (44 mi) west ofSaint-Quentin, 66 kilometres (41 mi) fromCompiègne and 102 kilometres (63 mi) fromLaon.
The Somme in the old town at the beginning of the 20th centuryThe Becquet Bridge, at the start of the 20th century
Themain stem of theRiver Somme passes through Amiens and is generally benign, except during exceptional floods that can last up to several weeks (such as in spring 2001). It is also, on its southeastern outskirts, close toCamon andLongueau, theconfluence with its maintributary on the left bank (to the south), and theAvre. TheSelle enters from the northwest of Amiens, with two arms (including the Haute Selle) passing behind the Unicorn Stadium, the exhibition park, the megacity and horse racing track, then passing the end of thePromenade de la Hotoie and the zoo of Amiens, and to the right of the water treatment plant, in front of the island Sainte-Aragone, opposite the cemetery of La Madeleine in Amiens.
The city developed in a natural narrowing of the river due to the advance of the rim of the Picard plateau in Saint-Pierre (ford crossing).[citation needed] The Amiens citadel is built on this limestone butte of the Picard plateau andRue Saint-Pierre is a slightly inclined path to leave the city from the north. At this narrowing, a network of narrow canals led to the construction of bridges and buildings includingtextile mills in theMiddle Ages.
The marshes of the old bed of the river Somme was used to dig peat. Farmers maintained rieux, canals and ditches by cleaning out the silt and used it to append to their vegetable garden plot. During the 20th century maintenance of the canals was stopped and gardens were gradually left to lie fallow or sold to private individuals who created pleasure gardens accessible by boat.[7]
The hydrographic network has always been an important city-operated asset. The river helped shape the identity of the landscape, urban and economic territory. It is around the Saint-Leu and Saint-Maurice neighborhoods that border the River Somme, as well as most of the administrative and civil area of the current city center which the city has developed sinceantiquity.
TheCanal de la Somme dates from the beginning of the 19th century and the bridge at the foot of the citadel was built afterWorld War II.
Amiens has the typicaloceanic climate of the north of France, with relatively mild winters, cool summers, and rainfall well distributed throughout the year.
Climate data for Amiens(Amiens – Glisy Aerodrome), elevation: 60 m (197 ft), 1991–2020 normals, extremes since 1988
Amiens is ahub between theÎle de France and the rest of northern France;Normandy andBenelux; and France and Great Britain. Amiens is not directly on principal European road and rail arteries, such as theA1 motorway and the Paris-LilleTGV train line, at present.
However, due to its position halfway between the urban areas of Lille and Paris, Amiens has good conditions for service and accessibility, including motorways (at the junction of theA16 andA29).
Amiens station is served by regional train services to destinations that include Rouen, Calais, Lille, Reims, Compiègne and Paris-Nord.Saint-Roch (Somme) station in the western part of the city is served by local trains towards Rouen and Abbeville. A regular bus route with theTGV Haute-Picardie station also provides access to theCharles-de-Gaulle Airport station. On the horizon of 2025,[9] theRoissy–Picardie Link will put Amiens 55 minutes from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport and its TGV station.
By train, Amiens is located at:
1 hour 5 minutes from Paris (16 round-trip trains per day)
Since antiquity, Amiens has been a crossroads of important routes. The contemporary city is served by theA16 andA29 autoroutes. TheJules Verne Viaduct, 943 metres (3,094 ft) long, crosses theRiver Somme to the east of the city and allows circumvention of the city by motorway-type roads. The A16 and A29 autoroutes, the RN1 and the RN25 form a bypass-type motorway around the city that the population has called theRocade d'Amiens [fr] or Amiens ring road. Initially constituting national roads which are downgraded today, mostly as departmental roads, the greater urban area of Amiens is served by:
Map of parking in the city center of Amiens in 2009
Town Hall
Halles
Jacobins
Trois Cailloux
Saint-Leu
Amiens 2
Perret
Free outdoor parking
According to theurban transport plan (PDU) approved 19 December 2013 for the period 2013–2023 parking supply is considered abundant in Amiens.[10] Although important, demand for parking is less than what is available (capacity reserves are still 20% minimum: If the road is sometimes saturated, the occupancy rate of the underground parking remains globally less than 100%).[10]
In 2013, the city counted approximately 70,000 public parking spaces, including 8,400 in the city center and in its immediate vicinity, where 70% of places are paid.[10]
4,400 spaces on highways (1,950 in the inner city, including 1,600 paid)
4,000 spaces in underground parking (620 other new places are programmed in a project for the Gare La Vallée development zone).
As of 2007[update], a residential parking system has been deployed in Saint-Anne ward to cope with congestion in the streets caused bySNCF railway station users. During the campaign for themunicipal election of 2008, parking was one of the important topics of debate.[11] A year after the change of majority, theGilles Demailly [fr] team launched a consultation with the population.[12] From 2011, residential parking was extended to the Gare-La-Vallée and Riolan neighborhoods, then in 2012 to the Noyon neighborhood and the area east of the Riolan sector. In 2014, 2,600 parking spaces[13] were affected by this system which allowed city residents more parking near their homes in order to promote a better rotation of vehicles in the streets and reduce permanent occupation of public space by the cars cluttering the highway.
Amiens was once served bytwo tram lines [fr] with a combined length of 10.7 kilometres (6.6 mi), opened in 1887. They intersected atPlace Gambetta, one linkingLa Madeleine Cemetery [fr], theChurch of Saint-Acheul, Cagnard bridge,Rue de Noyon andRue Jules-Barni; the other from the Church of Saint-Pierre at the racecourse, by the streets of Saint-Leu, Frédéric-Petit and Colbert. Electrified in 1899, the network grew to seven lines totaling 19 kilometres (12 mi) in 1906. From 1932,Longueau was linked to Amiens by a bus service. German bombing in 1940 destroyed most of the city center and hit the Jules-Ferry Road tram depot, totally destroying the tram fleet. Only the Longueau bus survived. A few old Parisian buses were also used in an extremely reduced service. These buses as well as the surviving bus were then converted to city gas and equipped with tanks on the roof covered by a huge white dome. This service continued until approximately 1946. There were only two urban lines: An east–west line (Saint-Acheul – Montieres) and a northeast–southwest line (Beauville – road to Rouen). It was decided after the war to serve the city by atrolleybus with one route to Longueau. This was only in part realized, serving Saint-Acheul, Rouen, La Madeleine and Saint-Pierre. In 1964, trolleybuses were abandoned and the bus became ubiquitous in Amiens transportation.[14]
The currentpublic transport network [fr] consists of a bus network managed by the Ametismixed economy company [fr], whose network coversAmiens Métropole, the agglomeration of Amiens. The establishment of dedicatedbus lanes began in 2006. Former MayorGilles de Robien had envisioned thecreation of a tram [fr], but the choice of dedicatedbus lanes had been preferred for reasons of cost and patronage. His successor, MayorGilles Demailly [fr], had been considering the development of aTSCP in the metropolitan area. As a result of numerous studies and conferences, elected representatives voted for the creation of a tram at the municipal Council of 15 November 2012. The project had been endorsed by theCommunauté d'agglomération Amiens Métropole on 18 December 2012 and the commissioning of a first north–south tram route was scheduled for 2018/2019.[15] Following theelections of 2014 [fr], which were a defeat for most municipal and community carriers of the project, the new mayor of AmiensBrigitte Fouré, and by extension the new president of Amiens MétropoleAlain Gest, decided to suspend the project at least during the time of their respective mandates, thus applying a campaign promise (the tram was at the heart of debate)[16] and despite a project announcement oftrams on tyres (ofTVR type).[17][18] Improvement of public transit would then be only by that of the bus network. Indeed, in December of the same year, the Community Council approved funding for a study (the sixth in 20 years)[19] relating to the establishment of arapid transit bus network (BHNS), which should enter into service in March 2019, and whose vehicles could be electric.[20]
ThePlace Gambetta: An important hub of the former tram network of Amiens at the beginning of the 20th century
The lycée de jeunes filles and tramway,Rue des Otages, now Lycée Madeleine-Michelis
Amiens has developed two bike services: Buscyclette andVelam [fr].
Buscyclette is a service of rental bikes on demand, created in May 1999. In 2014, nearly 2,400 "green bikes" are available for rent, essentially city bikes but alsoelectric bikes (VAE),folding bicycles and specific bikes (such as kids bikes, child trailers,mountain bikes,cargo bikes,tandems). The rental period varies from half a day to one year.
Velam is abike sharing system created on 16 February 2008, an adaptation of theCyclocity [fr] system managed byJCDecaux, similar toVélo'v in Lyon andVélib' in Paris. Velam offers 313 bikes distributed every 300 to 400 metres in the center of Amiens and 26 stations.
In 2012,Amiens Métropole had 100 kilometres (62 mi) of routes for cyclists.[10] Despite the development of a bicycle plan in 1997 which was planning the development of 500 kilometres (310 mi) of equipped cycleways, the network of the territory in terms of paths is still incomplete.
The blueprint of the bicycle facilities of the agglomeration (SDAC) provides, over a period of 10 years (2014–2024),[10] for 188 kilometres (117 mi) of cycle routes and equips 490 sites for the parking of bikes. This plan also includes the deployment of parking facilities over the entire territory of the city, close to the facilities frequented by bikers, as well ascyclist right-turns [fr] at traffic lights or even the maintenance of existing facilities.
TheAmiens station, main station, known asGare du Nord, in memory of theCompagnie du Nord who created it. Every day, 15,000 travelers use its seven lines.[21]
Longueau station, a passenger station of the historic railway hub inLongueau. Every day, 2,500 travellers use its two lines.[21]
Montieres station [fr], station assigned to the freight traffic, it serves only the industrial zone of Amiens. This station is located on the former railway line ofDoullens.
Many regional and extra regional links (Normandie, Grand Est and Île-de-France) pass through Amiens, especially byTER Hauts-de-France.
A station located 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Amiens, theHaute-Picardie TGV station, allows access to theTGV network. It is served by buses from Amiens. Its isolated character earned it the name ofgare des betteraves, orgare betteraves, at the time of its construction.[22]
Gare du Nord (old postcard published by Caron No. 328, postmarked in 1909)
Inside Saint-Roch railway station (postcard postmarked in 1905)
Beauvais-Tillé Airport, the ninth largest French airport by usage, located 45 minutes by car south of the city, and served by a bus service from Amiens.
Lille Airport, reachable by train or by road using the A29 and A1.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, reachable by train or by road using the A29 and A1, or A16 and N104. The creation of a railway betweenCreil andRoissy will put Amiens 55 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport by 2020.[23]
Amiens comprises a number of neighborhoods (French:quartiers) with their own characteristics, including Saint-Leu, St-Maurice, Henriville, and Saint-Acheul.
St-Leu forms part of Amiens, north of the city center. It has many older wooden and brick houses and several canals. At the foot of the cathedral, traversed by canals, this picturesque area was largely rehabilitated during the 1990s. It extends to theSomme canal, located more to the north, at the foot of the Coteau Saint-Pierre on which the fortress ofJean Errard, calledCitadelle, was built. Historically, it was the poor neighborhood of the city, where butchers, tanners and dyers gathered.
Amiens University's Faculty of Sciences, present since the 1960s, has been renovated and expanded on occasion. The Faculty of Law and Economics has also been transferred since the mid-1990s from the campus (offset to the south of the city) to its new location at the foot of the cathedral.[note 1] The open-air parking it replaces was a "gap" in the landscape dating fromWorld War II. Nonetheless, it allowed an unobstructed view of the cathedral. Most of the buildings have been renovated and transformed into housing much of which is for students.
The area became the heart of the Amiens people's evenings, with many establishments (bars, restaurants, etc.) onPlace du Don andQuai Bélu.
The church is found atRue Saint-Leu, located just between the Faculty of Science and Law-Economy (UPJV).
Two theatres were established in the neighborhood, that of theChés Cabotans (puppet shows in thePicard language) and theMaison du Théâtre at the foot of the Saint-Leu Church. There is alsoLa Lune des Pirates, a concert hall.
Place du Don: The River Somme and cathedral
Saint-Leu:Rue du Hocquet
Saint-Leu:Rue d'Engoulvent andRue des Majots
Saint-Leu:Rue d'Engoulvent
Saint-Leu:Place Aristide Briand
Canal in the Saint-Leu neighborhood
Quai Bélu on the banks of the Somme, near the old market on the waterside
Located to the west of theCitadelle, and east of theLa Madeleine Cemetery [fr], this very old working-class neighborhood of Amiens acted as an industrial center in the 18th century. It is currently undergoing significant housing renovation and development.
Bordered by theCanal de la Somme, it offers a stopover for leisure boats, which must go through a lock.
The Henriville neighborhood was mostly built during the 19th century after the demolition of the city wall. It lies at the south of the town center. It has numerousbourgeois houses andtownhouses, predominantly in brick, blending architectural styles of the period, includingneoclassical,troubadour andneo-Gothic. There are also private mansions, such as the Acloque mansion and the house ofJules Verne.
The Saint-Acheul neighborhood(IPA:[sɛ̃t‿aʃœl]) existed before Amiens' inception, as people have lived there since prehistoric times. This is where archaeological excavations in the nineteenth century discovered prehistoric tool sets typical of the "Acheulean" prehistorical era, named after this neighborhood (also spelled Acheulian, pronounced[aʃœljɑ̃]). Civilians can freely visit the archaeological garden there.
Not to be confused with thecommune ofSaint-Acheul situated 37 km (23 mi) to the north, the Saint-Acheul neighborhood is the site of a military cemetery from theFirst World War (1914–1918).
It also contains theChurch of Saint-Acheul, the Jesuit formerSaint-Acheul College and the formernormal school of teachers which became the Lycée Robert-de-Luzarches. A number of famous people are buried in the formerSaint-Acheul cemetery such as the creator ofBécassine J.P. Pinchon, and many resistance fighters. Part of the neighborhood includes a so-called "English neighborhood," with typical English style houses. At the feet of this area lie thehortillonnages, a marshy area criss-crossed by canals.
Amiens, like other big cities, has its largeHLM high-rise tower blocks:
North of the city the neighborhoodsduPigeonnier, which is famous for its weekend market,Messenger,Mozart,Fafet-Brossolette-la Cité,Balzac, andLéo Lagrange-Schweitzer;
Southeast of the city:Victorine-Autier,Philéas Lebesgue,Condorcet,Pierre-Rollin.
West:Etouvie andMontières (anecodistrict is provided in this industrial space, where there are 19th century in brick buildings).[24]
East:Saint-Acheul-la-Cité and theClos de l'Avre.
These areas experience a lot of social troubles and have regularly been the place for riots. The northern neighborhoods were the scene of violent events in 1994, 1999 and 2000 (clashes between several districts of the city and between the neighbourhoods of Amiens and the districts ofCreil), in 2006 and 2008 (in the wake of incidents in the Paris suburbs)[citation needed] and more recently in August 2012 following a conflict between youth and the police. The cost of the latest vandalism to occur in the north of Amiens would amount, according toGilles Demailly [fr], to between four and six million euros. These extremely violent riots caused sixteen police officers to be injured.[25]
An extensive programme of redevelopment of these neighborhoods began recently, with demolition of HLM tower blocks and new infrastructure having been built, especially for schools. In 2009, the public transport network of the Amiens agglomeration was significantly modified.
In 2017, the total number of dwellings in the municipality was 73,541, while it was 63,178 in 1999.[26]
Among this housing, 88.7% were primary residences, 2.1% of secondary residences and 9.2% vacant housing. These dwellings were 35.6% of houses and 63.4% of apartments.[26]
The proportion of principal residences, which were the properties of occupants, was 31.9%, down from 2007 (34.4%). The share of empty rentedHLM homes (social housing) was up: 29.8% against 29.4% in 2007, their number increased from 18,268 to 19,431.[26] However, this percentage remains much greater than the rate of 20% required by thelaw on solidarity and urban renewal [fr] (SRU) for cities and agglomerations of more than 50,000 inhabitants.
The identity of the city is strongly marked by the specificity of its housing stock, consisting in a large proportion of detached houses, semi-detached, single or bourgeois: theamiénoises. These traditional houses in the suburbs, in brick, were intrinsically linked to the expansion of the city during and after theIndustrial Revolution.
Theamiénoise simple includes a window on the ground floor and floors for attic and basement. It is built on a plot of a few metres wide but is very deep, and includes a garden, forming hearts with green islets and sparse areas. Theamiénoise double has two windows at each level. Thegrandes amiénoises and townhouses rise to at least two floors with large rooms. They can have a gate opening onto a paved courtyard.[27]
The official buildings or mansions regularly use brick façades on a sandstone base, decorated by stone window and door frames.
The Chanoines neighborhood has stone façades exclusively.
Amiens 2030: Amiens, in the context of theCommunauté d'agglomération Amiens Métropole, is developing a master development plan called Amiens 2030.[28] This strategic outreach project is centered around the priority issues of economic, social and cultural development of the agglomeration. The whole process of reflection will determine the development of the metropolis by 2030.
La Citadelle [fr]: This flagship project for the agglomeration involves the amalgamation of units of training and research from theUniversity of Picardie in letters, languages, history, geography, philosophy, sociology, psychology and theCollege teaching and education [fr] (ESPE) on the site of La Citadelle. It is to be set on 18 acres (7.3 ha) on the outskirts of downtown. This university construction program is intended to strengthen regional competitiveness and the development of higher education and research. The project, entrusted to the Italian architectRenzo Piano, will be accessible to all inhabitants.
ZAC Gare-la-Vallée: The project intends to strengthen Amiens in its role as the regional capital and allow the creation of a genuine business district in the heart of the city. With a budget of €157 million, the project combines tertiary activities, shops and a habitat walk from thestation and the inner city. The first buildings were inaugurated in 2008. The second phase of development extended from 2012 to 2017. Under the control of the Chief Architect,Paul Chemetov, the project will accommodate 2,000 homes, 200,000 square metres (2,200,000 sq ft) of offices and two urban parks creating a visible link between downtown, theSomme and thehortillonnages.[29]
ZAC Intercampus: This new housing and services project in the south of the city is projected to host 1,900 dwellings by 2030.[30] A first tranche of 850 dwellings must be delivered in 2015. Located in the immediate vicinity of the campus and the CHU d'Amiens, it will be served by a futureTCSP. Theecodistrict of 80 hectares (200 acres) is projected to provide green spaces and gardens, with 60% of its total area to not be built-up. It will include 12 hectares (30 acres) of gardens.[31]
ZAC Paul Claudel: This new housing and services project of 40 hectares (99 acres) is located at the southern entrance to the city. Intended as a small neighborhood, it must accommodate 1,400 units and 1,800 square metres (19,000 sq ft) of commercial space. Designed in 4 slices, together with its inhabitants, it entered its final phase of development in 2013.[32]
ZAC Renancourt: This new project must ensure the development of the city to the west. Located between the Grâce Valley, the Selle Valley, the Renancourt neighborhood and its suburb, this planning area is a natural viewpoint over the city. It is also adjacent to emblematic facilities of the city: TheZenith of Amiens, theStade de la Licorne and themegacity [fr]. By 2018, this residential area is projected to accommodate 1,400 houses, a hotel, facilities and shops.[33]
Bus rapid transit (BRT): A project of three BRT lines is under consideration for commissioning in 2019, at the end of two years of work. Estimated at €85 million excluding taxes, and spanning 44 kilometres (27 mi), the project would include the construction of a new bus depot and fourpark and ride stops.[34] This project follows the cancellation of a tram project, which was endorsed by the municipal team in place between 2008 and 2014.
Thetoponym is derived from the name of the local Gallic people, theAmbiani, which in the 4th century, replaced the old name of the townSamarobriva [fr] (the bridge on the Samara – Somme). Amiens then became theepiscopal headquarters.[35] InPicard, Amiens is calledAnmyen.
Industrialist, he ran the oils and fats business of "Igol". Mayor from 24 September 1944. Resigned on 27 May 1950. Councillor acting as Mayor until 7 June 1950.
7 June 1950
7 July 1950
Following the resignation of Maurice Vast, who was outvoted, the city was administered by a special delegation led by Eugène Jolibois.
Amiens is a city marked by a strong judicial tradition, with the historical presence of itsCourt of Appeal, theCour d'appel d'Amiens [fr], as well as all courts of first and second degree ofjudicial order [fr]. The Court of Appeal of Amiens has jurisdiction over the three departments of Picardy, with ninehigh courts [fr].
The inhabitants of Amiens are called theAmiénois[41] and theirblason populaire isChés maqueux d'gueugues (the eaters of nuts).
The population of Amiens has risen sharply since the mid-19th century: Its population doubled between 1850 and 1960, from 50,000 to 100,000 inhabitants, i.e. a gain of 50,000 people over this period of 110 years, and gaining about 30,000 others since (over 50 years only this time).
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found onPhabricator and onMediaWiki.org.
From 1962 to 1999: Population without double counting; for the years following: municipal population. Source: Ldh/EHESS/Cassini until 1999[43] andINSEE (1968-2017)[42]
Amiens is distinguished by the youthfulness of its population. In 2017, more than 25% of the population of the city was less than 20 years old. The rate of people of an age over 60 years (19.3%) is also lower than the national rate (25.5%) and the departmental rate (25.4%). Like national and departmental allocations, the female population of the municipality is greater in number to the male population, with a rate of 52.5%, whereas the national rate is 51.6%.
In 2011, the Amiens agglomeration included 46 nursery schools, six elementary schools and 54 primary schools including eleven private. It had nine public colleges and six private colleges. Amiens has 24 schools:
Vocational high schools: Acheuléen, Édouard-Branly, Edouard-Gand,La Providence (private), Montaigne, Romain Rolland,Sacré-Cœur [fr] (private), Saint-Martin (private), Saint-Rémi (private) and Saint-Riquier (private).
General and technological high schools: Robert de Luzarches, La Hotoie, Jean Baptiste Delambre, La Providence (private),Sacré-Cœur [fr] (private), Saint-Martin (private), Saint-Rémi (private), Saint-Riquier (private) and Sainte-Famille (private).
The Amiens metropole welcomes one of the largest student populations in France. In 2013, the city had 26,000 students (3,300 in short-term)[47] and 800 researchers[48] who are divided into some 40 institutions of higher education, 32 laboratories, and 10 units associated with theNational Scientific Research Centre or theFrench Institute of Health and Medical Research.
The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) or, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Amiens Picardie, is organized around four sites:
South Hospital,Avenue René-Laënnec
North Hospital,Place Victor-Pauchet
Saint-Victor Centre, 354Bis Boulevard de Beauville
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre, 124Rue Camille-Desmoulins
Since 2014, the four sites have been gradually gathered on the current site of the South Hospital, with the exception of the long stay units for the elderly remaining in the Saint-Victor Centre. This merger will be completed in 2016 and allow the CHU of Amiens to increase its national and inter-regional dimension. This group represents the largest hospital construction of France and one of the most important in Europe with more than €630 million for work and equipment. At the end of the work, the total space of the CHU of Amiens will be 172,000 square metres (1,850,000 sq ft). It will total three blocks of hospitals with 400 beds each. The CHU of Amiens is the largest employer in thePicardy region. At the end of the merger, there will be 6,700 employees, 1,300 students of the health professions, and 1,250 consultants who will go there each day.[49]
In order to maintain the availability of health units to the north of the city, a health center will open its doors in the first quarter of 2016, at the crossroads of theAvenue de l'Europe and theRue Maurice-Ravel. This health space of 1,200 square metres (13,000 sq ft) will host general practitioners and specialists of the CHU such as: cardiologist, a service of gynaecology-obstetrics, psychologists, dentist, and masseurs-physiotherapists. There is a promise of apermanence of care [fr], 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.[50]
Alongside the CHU, there are three private clinics, resulting from the consolidation of old clinics in the city. These care and hospitalisation institutions for medical, surgical, and obstetrics came together to create a private hospital center in the Vallée des Vignes neighborhood, south of the city.
Polyclinic of Picardy, 43Rue Alexandre Dumas
Clinic of Europe, 5Allée des Pays-Bas
Victor Pauchet Heath Group, 2Avenue Irlande
The CHU of Amiens figured in 11th place in the2013 awards of the hospitals and clinics of the magazineLe Point.[51] In this ranking, the CHU stands out for ankle surgery (3rd), hip prosthesis (5th), foot surgery (7th) and paediatrics (14th). In this same classification, the Victor Palmer Health Group, equipped with a solid "mother-to-child hub", gained a 5th place in the table for the gynaecological clinics and an 8th place for breast cancers.
In 2005, the CHU of Amiens became of international renown thanks to ProfessorBernard Devauchelle, a native of the city, where his team performed the first partialface transplant in the world.[52]
Thanks to a large proportion of youth in its population and the dynamism and the success of its sports clubs, Amiens has been awarded the title of"Sportiest city of France" [fr] by theL'Équipe newspaper in 1999. The city had already won the title in 1969. In 2013, Amiens Métropole hadnearly 300 sports associations [fr] and Sports Recreation: approximately 150 associations are grouped within the Office of Amiens Metropole Sports[53] and 150 others are referenced without being adherents.[54] According to this same Office for Sports, Amiens has 25,000 members of sports clubs, excluding school and university members.
The Circle of Fencing of Amiens Métropole is one of the oldest French clubs. It was succeeded in the Hall of arms of Amiens opened in 1886. The circle has approximately 150 members and remains a major club of French fencing with many qualifications and results at theFrench Fencing Championships [fr]. The club held the Elite French Championships in 2001 and 2011.
TheAmiens Sports Club [fr], currently playing inLeague Elite [fr] D1), were men's champions of France in 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and women's champions France in 1983, 1984, 1993, and 1995.
The main club in the city isAmiens SC. The team was finalist of theCoupe de France in 2001 and reached semifinals in 1930 and 2008, and played top-divisionLigue 1 last time in 2020. Its associated women's team is CS Amiens Club. Before the 2012–2013 season, the team was known under the name of CS Amiens Montieres Etouvie.
AC Amiens is the second biggest club in the city, currently playing in semi-professional Championnat National level.
TheAmiens Picardie Hand [fr] (APH), currently playing inNational 2 [fr] (D4). The club, a result of the merger of several Amiens clubs, was created in 1991.
TheGothiques d'Amiens, currently playing inLigue Magnus (D1), were champions of France in 1999 and 2004, and runners-up in France for 1989, 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2006. The team plays at theColiséum on the largest area of permanent ice in France (3800 seats). Amiens hostedDivision I of the2006Ice Hockey World Championships.
TheÉcureuils d'Amiens [fr],Elite League [fr] (D1), were the runners-up of France in 2010, finalists of the Coupe de France in 2007 and finalists of the European Cup of clubs in 2008.[57]
The Sport Nautique d'Amiens (SNA) was founded in 1866. Located on the edge of the Parc Saint-Pierre, it is labeled "French rowing school 3 stars" by theFrench Federation of rowing [fr]. With 465 members in 2013,[58] the club currently competes in the 2nd division.
TheAmiens Métropole [fr] swim team, is that ofJérémy Stravius, who was a triple world champion of swimming and Olympic champion in the 4 × 100 m relay. The club hosted the French Youth Championships in 2012 at theColiséum
TheAmiens Sport Table Tennis [fr] (ASTT) was founded in 1945. It was twice crowned champion of France in 1968 and 1969. The men's first team also won the Coupe de France in 1966 and 1967.
Since the start of theTour de France in 1903, Amiens has hosted the start of a stage on ten occasions (1932,1962,1964,1967,1970,1971,1975,1979,1999,2004) and the stage finish ten times (1932, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1975,1993, 1999, 2015). Amiens hosted the finish of Stage 8 of the2018 Tour de France.
On 29 April 2006, Amiens hosted theFrench Federation of ice hockey created during the World Cup of Ice Hockey of Group B (antechamber of the world elite) organised in Amiens at the same time. It is now installed atIssy-les-Moulineaux.
Each 15 August at theParc de la Hotoie, the city receives the final stages of the Picardy sports and in particular those of the most emblematic, traditional Picard sport: TheBallon au poing. This Picard game is played by teams of six. To be able to hit the ball, players surround their hand and their wrist with a strip of canvas or leather.
Le Courrier picard [fr], the principal regional newspaper was founded in 1944. Its headquarters are located at 29Rue de la République (it sold 64,587 copies in 2013).[60]
Since 7 February 1996,[62] theCommunauté d'agglomération Amiens Métropole distributes a free weekly local newspaper: JDA (Journal des Amiénois). This publication, which appears every Wednesday, is distributed to all homes in the metropolitan area and is made available in public places (taken at about 95,000 copies)[62] as well as on the internet site of the city in its digital version. Over time, the journal has evolved through various forms. Carried out by the Directorate of communication of Amiens Métropole, the latest form dates to 16 January 2015.[62] In addition to the JDA which is attached to information on the whole of the territory of Amiens Métropole, the city has also had monthly publications specific to the city, which no longer exist today:Amiensville thenAmiens Forum[62] (from April 2009 to June 2014).
Several associative journals and specialised magazines are also distributed free of charge in public places:L'Écho des Amphis (student monthly),Bon Temps (quarterly magazine dedicated to the culture of Amiens and the art of living),Style & Co Amiens (deco magazine, trends and lifestyle),Night Clubbing Magazine (magazine of the nightlife in Amiens),Picardie la Gazette (economics weekly),Entreprises 80 (monthly of theChamber of commerce and industry of Amiens-Picardie [fr]).
The headquarters ofFrance 3 Picardie, the channel that broadcastsPicardie Matin - Picardy Morning among other programming, is located onRue Roger Martin du Gard, to the north of the city.
Canal Nord, a local channel created in the mid-1980s in the northern districts, is now extended to the entire city via the Wibox network;
Wéo Picardie [fr], (broadcast suspended since 8 January 2014).
TV Amiens [fr], a local television channel on the internet.
Chapelle du Bon Pasteur (first of the name): Situated onRue Daire, it belonged to theConseil général de la Somme [fr]. Leased to theSociety of St. Pius X from 1983 to 2007, it was sold, with the property complex to which it belonged, to Picardy in May 2007.
The city of Amiens has the largest Muslim community ofPicardy and one of the largest in the north of France. Places of worship are evolving, several mosques are in a phase of expansion or relocation. The city has fifteen Muslim places of worship including eight independent prayer rooms and seven mosques:[68]
The An-Nour mosque where sits the Institute of the Arab-Muslim world of Picardy inRue de la Hotoie.
The Al-Fath mosque (currently moving premises), also the Association of Worship and Culture of Muslims in Picardy located at 375Boulevard Beauvillé.
The Al Badr mosque, also the Association of workers and Moroccan traders of Amiens, located at 33Rue Winston-Churchill.
The Masjid Al Muhsinin mosque located on theRue de l'île-de-France.
The Sounnahs mosque locatedRue Victorine-Autier.
The Chekkar mosque, also Association of the Committee of the Briqueterie located at 40Rue Ronsard.
The Mosque of the "19" is located at 19Avenue de l'Europe and is home to the Association of Muslims in Picardy.
Several independent prayer rooms are present in the urban community. On the other hand, Muslim committees and associations exist in the image of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Amiens in theRue de Savoie, the Muslim Cultural Freedom Association – Institute of Enlightenment and also the Association of residents of the home at 21Route d'Allonville.
As both an industrial hub and a services center, Amiens enjoys a large pool of workers with a labor pool of over 350,000 inhabitants and numerous professional training courses.
The magazineL'Entreprise [fr] elected Amiens "Most attractive city of France" for businesses, in 2009 and 2007, for the category less than 200,000 inhabitants. The city finished second in 2010, 2008 and 2006. The strengths of the city include a developed real estate business and taxation around the average for French cities. In addition, its geographical position in the center of the triangle "Paris – London – Brussels", is between three major European cities.
The magazineChallenges has also designated Amiens as "Best managed city of France", for the category large cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, in 2011, 2010 and 2008.
In 2010, the median taxable household income was €22,539, which placed Amiens at 177th place among the 31,525 communes with more than 39 households in metropolitan France.[69]
In 2017, the proportion of taxable households was 45%.[26]
In 2017, the population aged 15 to 64 years amounted to 91,555 persons, among which there were 64.5% of assets including 51.4% having a job and 13.1% of unemployed.[26]
There were 78,284 jobs in the employment area, against 80,908 in 2007. The number of assets employed and residing in the area of employment being 47,588. The concentration of jobs indicator[note 2] is 164.5%, which means that the employment area offers three jobs for every two active inhabitants.[26]
Agriculture has very little representation among Amiens jobs with only 0.2%, just as the construction sector which represents 4.3% of jobs. Unlike these two sectors whose share is below the national average, the tertiary sector (trade, transport, services) represents a significant part of the Amiens workforce, 42.3%. Public services (public administration, education, health, social work) accounts for 42.7%. Industry includes 10.5% of jobs.[26]
On 31 December 2015, at Amiens, there were 10,436 businesses: 51 in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, 394 in industry, 685 in construction, 7,110 in trade, transportation and various services and 2,196 were related to the administrative sector.[26]
In 2018, 1,505 companies had been recorded as being established in Amiens, including 1,206 companies owned bysole proprietors.[26]
Philatelic publishersYvert et Tellier (catalogues of quotes) andl'Écho de la timbrologie (magazine) have their management in Amiens, even if they have more of their services in the Paris region. TheGueudet Group, one of the largest car dealers in France, was established at Amiens in 1918. The old textile tradition of the city remains with the factory ofLee Cooper France (122 employees).
Since the end ofWorld War II, much of the city's economy was tied to automotive equipment with companies such asValeo,Goodyear andSumitomo-Dunlop tires. In 2003, the American Goodyear company bought Dunlop. These two companies suffered financially through late 2007 and early 2008, and in response, the American Goodyear company headquarters in the United States offered workers a change to their working hours and the number of posts, which a high percentage of staff refused.
Procter & Gamble, settled in Amiens in 1964 to produce soap, and inaugurated its new detergents unit in 1966. Established on over more than 45 hectares (110 acres), it is one of the largest factories in the world for laundry cleaning products (Ariel, Dash, Bonux, Gama) and for domestic cleaning products (Mr. Clean,Febreze). More than 85% of its production is intended for export.
The Amiens plant employs approximately 930 people.
Since the mid-1990s, the city has tried to convert the economy towards the internet and telephony industries. Manycall centres (Intracall center, Coriolis France,Médiamétrie)[71] have opened mainly within the city, region or state. The Unilog (nowLogica) computer service company has installed a service center in Amiens (the CSA).
Amiens has the label ofTowns and Lands of Art and History since 1992. Within this framework, the host of the heritage organises guided tours on themes intended for an audience of adults and children, with educational workshops. A signposted circuit allows an independent tour of the town, with information panels offering comment on places and notable buildings.
The commune has an exceptional heritage: 60 monuments listed in theinventory of monuments historiques and over 1600 places and monuments listed in thegeneral inventory of cultural heritage;[72] and on the other hand, 187 objects listed in the inventory of monuments historiques and 254 objects listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage.[73] The information given below is relative only to a brief selection.
C’est une femme adorable, cette Cathédrale, c’est une Vierge. [...] Point de confusion vaine, ici, point d’exagération ni d’enflure. C’est l’empire absolu de l’élégance suprême.
[She's an adorable woman, this Cathedral – a Virgin. [...] No empty confusion, here, no exaggeration or pompousness. It is the absolute empire of supreme elegance.]
The city is famous for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, masterpiece ofGothic art and one of the largest cathedrals in the world by its interior volume (200,000 m3 (7,100,000 cu ft)).[75] The largest religious and medieval building of France, its interior could twice holdNotre-Dame de Paris.[76]
The cathedral measures 145 metres (476 ft) long and its spire rises 112 metres (367 ft) high. The vaults of the centralnave, finished in 1247, are 42.3 metres (139 ft), close to the maximum limit for this architecture.
Dating back to the 13th century, its construction is due to the wealth of the city in the Middle Ages and to the fire of theRomanesque cathedral which stood previously. Three architects, includingRobert of Luzarches succeeded to complete the construction.
Amiens Cathedral is notable for the coherence of its plan, the beauty of its three-tier interior elevation, the particularly fine display of sculptures on the principal façade and in the south transept, and inlays of its floor. It is also described byJohn Ruskin as "Gothic, clear of Roman tradition and of Arabian taint, Gothic pure, authoritative, unsurpassable, and unaccusable."
Regarded as the archetype of the classicGothic style, the cathedral also presents some elements of the radiant Gothic style and flamboyant Gothic. The speed of construction, barely 70 years for the shell (1220 to 1269), explains this remarkable homogeneity of style. Its façade is decorated with more than 3,000 statues, gargoyles and chimeras.
Registered since 1981 as aWorld Heritage Site ofUNESCO, it is a "masterpiece of world heritage". For a second time in 1998, it is a monumental step on theCamino de Santiago. Despite the two World Wars of the 20th century, which severely affected the city, it managed to stay intact.
A show of the reproduction of the original polychromy[77] of façades, discovered as a result of recentlaser cleaning, is given annually for free in December and during the summer period. The show is a projection on the façade of slides in color.
Thezodiac [fr] is a set of reliefs on the foundations of the western façade formed series of quatrefoil medallions, carved in a representative agrarian calendar and the signs of the zodiac.
The statue of theweeping Angel [fr] that is on a tomb carved byNicolas Blasset [fr], and the reliefs evoking Saint-Firmin and St. John the Baptist, are some of the well-known works of the cathedral.
At ground level lies the intactlabyrinth [fr] of 234 metres (768 ft) long.
The origin of theBelfry of Amiens [fr] dates back to the establishment of the commune of Amiens byLouis VI. It is mentioned for the first time in an arbitral award issued by the chapter of Amiens in 1244.
Symbolizing the independence of the commune, it was formerly used for meetings of the notables of the city and then as archive rooms, weapons store and prison. A spotter nearby monitored arrivals and warned the population of the external dangers. During the Middle Ages, the building was repeatedly engulfed by fire.
The belfry is composed of a base in white cut stone, built in the 15th century between 1406 and 1410, a stone superstructure bell tower built from 1749 with Baroquevolutes at its base, and a dome covered with slate and then therenowned arrow weather vane. At the time, a huge 11-ton bell was installed inside, it was later destroyed along with the dome, whose copper component melted, in the bombardment and fire of the city on 19 May 1940. Abandoned and devoid of a roof sinceWorld War II, the monument was fully restored between February 1989 and July 1990.
Located on thePlace au Fil, the old central square of the city before the arrival of the railway and the rise of theRue des Trois Calloux, the belfry is adjacent toLes Halles and the back of theHôtel de Ville (city hall).[78] At a height of 52 metres (171 ft), it rings every hour of the day.
Since July 2005, the belfry of Amiens is aUNESCOWorld Heritage Site, as part of a set of 56Belfries of Belgium and France which were inscribed because of their architecture and their importance in the rise of municipal power in Northern France and Belgium.[79] The belfry is also recorded in the inventory of Historic Monuments.
The municipal circus of Amiens in 1912, on the festival of Saint Jean.The municipal circus of Amiens in 2006.
In 1845, the traditional fair of Saint-Jean, formerly held atPlace René Goblet, was transferred toPlace Longueville. It is a wide esplanade that took the place of the Longueville bastion, after the demolition of the city walls in the early 19th century. Each year, a temporary circus is established for this occasion.
In 1865, a circus company emerged to claim a permanent circus, which would be built in wood by the Schytte contractor in 1874. However, expensive maintenance prompted the municipality to consider the construction of a new building. The decision was made in 1886 under the leadership of MayorFrédéric Petit and the work began.
The Chief Architect of the Somme,Émile Ricquier [fr], a disciple ofGustave Eiffel, was responsible for its construction. It was inspired by theCirque d'hiver of Paris but with a cast metal frame, supplemented by brick from the local countryside. The architect of civil buildings,Charles Garnier, claimed that the frames should be hidden with a plaster imitating stone. The "moderninst" design of Ricquier, who chose to display the structure, and to favor local material such as brick, is visible at the rear of the monument.
With its 16-sided polygonal shape and a diameter of 44 metres (144 ft), it includes lodges andstalls in its enclosure. As a completely modern project, it hosted two steam engines, dedicated to fully electric lights and central heating. Since its construction, it was also the first circus which included a buffet and a refreshment bar. The cost of the construction of the building finally reached double the forecast.[80] In 1888, the new city councilor responsible for festivals and celebrations, Jules Verne, was responsible for monitoring the work, and it was he who opened it on Sunday 23 June 1889, for the opening of the fair and the centenary of the French Revolution:[81]
The new circus is a work of art that your municipal administration wanted to build with all of the enhancements of modern industry. It is the very best, undoubtedly, it is also the most comprehensive, with its facilities and equipment, to have been built in France and abroad.
The roof was damaged by a shell in 1916. The circus was the setting forFederico Fellini'sThe Clowns (1971), and the film byJean-Jacques Beineix,Roselyne et les lions (1989), withIsabelle Pasco as lead actress. The largest of the circuses of the province with its 3,000-seats, the building has acquired a multidisciplinary use for decades of performances of theatre, dance, concerts, galas, sports and public meetings.
Since 1 January 2011, the circus has been labelled "national hub circus and street arts", managed by anEPCC [fr]. It is one of seven in France and is still in use today.[82]
In 1882, Jules Verne and his wife, Honorine, rentedthe house [fr] at the corner ofRue Charles-Dubois andBoulevard Longueville until 1900. Acquired in 1980 by the city, the house is labeledMaisons des Illustres by theMinistry of Culture. Restored in 2006, thanks to the work of theCentre international Jules-Verne [fr], this 19th-century mansion, registered as anational heritage site, traces through the exhibition of more than 700 objects, the personality, the sources of inspiration and memories of Jules Verne.
The Tour Perret lit in colour for the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day
Opposite theGare d'Amiens, is located theTour Perret (from the name of its architectAuguste Perret). Over 100 metres (330 ft) high, it was one of the first skyscrapers built in Europe, and the highest for a long time.[83]
TheÉglise Saint-Leu d'Amiens [fr] was built at the end of the 15th century, on the model of the hall-churches. It is dedicated, as its district, to Saint Leu, referring to the 7th century bishop who was exiled to theVimeu. It has three naves. A flamboyant portal adorns the base of the steeple. The latter, struck by lightning, had to be rebuilt at the beginning of the 16th century. The ends of beams are carved. Stone and wood statues date from the 17th century. The choir houses theglory of theDuthoit brothers.
Numerous archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from proto-historic times to the Roman era. Two skylights cut in the last development ofPlace Gambetta, allow observation of a few remains of theforum. And, important remnants of a large Gallo-Roman theatre uncovered in early 2007, have been dismantled and stored in accordance with the rules of archaeological conservation, during the redevelopment of the Gare neighborhood in March 2007.[84]
TheArchaeological garden of Saint-Acheul [fr] testifies to the presence of Paleolithic man in the Somme Valley some 450,000 years ago. A stratigraphic cut, classified as an historic monument since 1947, allows visualisation of successive strata of the Somme Valley.
TheChurch of Saint-Germain [fr] is disused, but where exhibitions are regularly held on the colourisation of the cathedral and the St-Germain neighborhood, and historical competitor of the Saint-Leu neighborhood. The animosity, between the populations of the two districts has marked the history of Amiens. This church has a high and oddly leaning tower. Affected by the bombing of 1940, it was returned temporarily to worship in October 1965, after a thorough restoration.
The renaissance façade of the Maison du Sagittaire (moved to adjoin the Logis du Roy).
The Logis du Roy (Faculty of Arts until 2003).[86]
The House of the Bailiwick or Malmaison.
The Citadelle: Firstravelin, erected north of the Montrescu gate, the fortress was located in 1531 by F. di Giorgio on the order ofFrancis I (Francis I gate, with sculpted salamanders). After the capture by the Spaniards and its takeover by Henry IV (1597),Jean Errard received the charge to rebuild the defences of the city.
TheLogis du Roy and theMaison du Sagittaire.
TheMaison du bailliage ou Malmaison, former residence of thebailli of Amiens, constructed in 1541.
Gate of the Ravelin of Montrescu constructed from 1524 to 1531.
TheSeminary of theLazarists: located onRue Jules-Barni, it was built between 1736 and 1741 and benefitted from several extensions of which the last was built under the aegis ofFrançois-Auguste Cheussey [fr] in 1828. Seized by theState [fr], following theAct of 1905, the seminary was thebarracks office (named after the general assigned to the Committee of fortifications,Pierre Charles Dejean) from 1909 to 1993. During this period, it housed the headquarters of the8th infantry division.
TheHôtel de Ville (city hall) (partly 18th century and partly 19th century). Made in the regional style of stone and brick, with bedrock of sandstone, and stone pavilions. On the pediment is found the statues of KingLouis VI and Bishop Geoffroi, which granted freedom to Amiens in 1115.[87]
The Hôtel de Ville (city hall)
The former Stengel barracks converted into apartments (18th century, historic monuments, 1992).
Façade of the former theatre of Amiens, bankRue des Trois-Cailloux.
Fountain ofRue Saint-Jacques.
Convent of the grey sisters (18th century, historic monuments, 1992).
The Palace of Justice was built from 1865 to 1880[88] on the site of the Abbey of Saint-Martin-les-Jumeaux (1073 to 1634) established at the supposed place of the sharing of the cloak of Saint Martin and the convent of the religious Order of theCelestines (1634 to 1781). Les Célestins, whose order was abolished in 1778, left the premises in 1881.[89]
Henriville neighborhood, including the hotel Acloque (neo-Louis XIII style) and the Saint-Martin Church (neo-Gothic, built byLouis Antoine in 1874).
TheHouse of Jules Verne [fr],[90][91] which was reopened after renovation, in 2006, including the present neo-Gothic dining room and antique desk. The tower was covered with an armillary sphere commissioned from artistFrançois Schuiten, who also signed the mural extending the imaginary garden of yesteryear.
TheCimetière de la Madeleine [fr] (Madeleine Cemetery)[92] contains a number of listed monuments including the sculpture onJules Verne's Tomb. His tomb is decorated with a sculpture byAlbert Roze symbolising the resurrection: Jules Verne lifting the slab to glimpse the modern world.
The Dewailly clock, byÉmile Ricquier [fr] (completely redone in 1999), supplemented by the statue ofMarie-sans chemise of Albert Roze, originally in thePlace Gambetta.
The former insurance house,Rue Marotte, built by E. Ricquier in 1893 (now a bar).
The hotel Bouctot-Vagniez (seat of the Regional Chamber of commerce and industry), built by Louis Duthoit in 1909, a rareArt Nouveau building in Amiens.[95]
The English neighborhood, located on the road from Longueau, including a British phone box. An island of London in the heart of Amiens.
TheESIEE Amiens, designed by the architects Jean Dubus and Jean-Pierre Lott. A modern building identified by its saucer.
Complex ofArt Deco buildings onRue Cauvin, as well as theGueudet garages[96] (Rue des Otages).
The hotel Vagniez-Renon (current headquarters of the administrative tribunal): A former residence of Henriville, it houses a Moorish-style hydrotherapy room, designed byÉmile Ricquier [fr].
The Saint-Pierre church, destroyed in 1940 and rebuilt in 1949 by Evrard, in glass and concrete, with a brick bell tower.
Le Courrier Picard [fr]: The headquarters of the daily life of Amiens, firstProgrès de la Somme, belongs to a set ofArt Deco buildings.
TheVerrière de la place de lagare d'Amiens, also called theCanopy. It is the work of architectClaude Vasconi, known especially for theForum des Halles in Paris. A subject of a controversy when it opened in March 2008, the canopy is designed to create a link between thepedestrian zone of the city center and the ZAC Gare la Vallée, and to become a business district of Amiens. Criticised[99] for its massive and imposing area of more than 10,000 square metres (110,000 sq ft), the canopy rises to 15 metres (49 ft) in height and is composed of pixellated glass panels created byBernard Pictet [fr].[100] This is one of the largest canopies in Europe.
TheZenith of Amiens byMassimiliano Fuksas, in the Renancourt neighborhood between the Mégacité and the Hippodrome. Construction was completed in 2008.
Amiens has 270 hectares (670 acres) ofgreen space (excluding communal woodland)[101] 118,300 hectares (292,000 acres) ofhortillonnages, 300 hectares (740 acres) of forests, 30 hectares (74 acres) of marshland, in addition to its river and its streams.
Floral City awarded the maximum score of 4 flowers in thefloral contest of cities and villages of France to Amiens,[102] and it offers a particularly rich wooded heritage. With 38,650 trees (excluding woodland),[103] of which 17,000 are situated on highways,[104] Amiens to win thenational tree award. In 2014, the city ranked in the top 10 greenest cities of France.[105]
Presenting itself as a city concerned with the environment, Amiens has made the link between the city and nature a central axis of its metropolitan development project calledAmiens 2030.[106]
Amiens is also known for thehortillonnages [fr], gardens on small islands in over 300 hectares (740 acres) of marshland between theRiver Somme andRiver Avre, surrounded by a grid network of human-made canals (locally known as "rieux"). They are also known as the "floating gardens of Amiens".[107] Thehortillonnages are sometimes called "Little Venice of the North", because of the canals.
Hortillon meansmarket garden in Picard, and derives from the Latinhortillus, small garden. It is navigated in flat bottom boats, formerly calledbarque à cornet [Cornet boat], due to the very raised front, which allows the boats to easily dock on the fragile shores of the cultivated fields. It is the upstream port, located at the foot of the cathedral, where a weekly market is held on the water, although the arrival the growers by boat can only be accomplished once a year, in summer.
Prior to its opening in May 1952, theAmiens Zoo [fr] is a green space bordering the basin of thePark of the Hotoie [fr]. It was the mayor of the time,Maurice Vast [fr], who decided to develop the site in 1949. Originally intended as an entertainment venue, the zoo began its mission of conservation, education and research between 1970 and 1980. Between 1990 and 2000, the zoo was completely renovated and became a permanent member of theEuropean Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in 2001 and theNational Association of Zoological Parks [fr] (ANPZ) in 2002. Today, there are 300 animals, representing approximately 75 species from all continents, cohabiting on 6.5 hectares (16 acres).[108] They live in environments, which are close to their natural environment, favouring their well-being. In 2014, the zoo received 161,128 visitors.[109] Traditionally, entry is free on 14 July,Bastille Day.
Parc Saint-Pierre [fr], between the Saint-Leu neighborhood and thehortillonnages, a 22 hectares (54 acres) park in the heart of the city, which was awarded thePrix du paysage [fr] in 2005.[110]
Parc du Grand Marais [fr], along the Somme Canal, to the west of the city. Covering over 25 hectares (62 acres), this park has many sports facilities: American football stadium, skatebowl, football field, play structures.
Jardin des plantes [fr] originally called theJardin du Roy. Created in 1751, it is the oldest garden of Amiens on theBoulevard du jardin des plantes.
As a floral city, 4 flowers were awarded in 2013 by the National Council of Cities and Villages of France for thecompetition of floral cities and villages.[111] The national Council of Cities and Villages awarded the2012 National Tree Prize to the city for "its exceptional and innovative management of its wooded heritage" with its 37,000 trees, some more than a century old.[112]
TheMusée de Picardie is a key site in the history of the National Museum, since it is the first building to have been built in France to serve as a museum.[113] Built under the Second Empire on the model of the newLouvre of Napoleon III, it opened its doors to the public in 1867 after the visit of the emperor. Considered the French model of a 19th-century museum, it was nicknamed the "Little Louvre of the Province".[114] It hosted very early rich collections which are now divided into four departments:[115]Archaeology in the basement, theMedieval art on the ground floor, fine arts on the ground floor and the first floor, andmodern andcontemporary art on the first floor. Rooms are also devoted to temporary exhibitions. The department of fine arts brings together paintings byVan Dyck,Jordaens,Ruysdael,El Greco,Ribera,Tiepolo,Guardi,Fragonard,Chardin,Boucher,Quentin de La Tour,Vouet,Corot andCourbet. The modern and contemporary collection is represented byPicasso,Picabia,Balthus,Dubuffet,Hélion,Bacon,Miró andManessier. Access to the picture galleries of the first floor is by a mounumental staircase in a setting dedicated to the famous wall compositions ofPierre Puvis de Chavannes.[116]
TheHotel de Berny Museum is a regional museum of local art and history. This building, typical of theLouis XIII architecture, was built in 1634 as a mansion of the treasurers of France. Property ofGérard de Berny, Senator of the Somme in the first half of the 20th century, has restored the façades and settled its collections. Located a few metres from the cathedral, thisMuseum of France retains an exceptional collection of woodwork, furniture and objets d'art (tapestries, ceramics, ironworks) and memories (objects and arrays) of Amiens personalities:[117]Jules Verne,Choderlos de Laclos,Édouard Branly,Jean-Baptiste Gresset,Vincent Voiture,Joseph Pinchon,Maréchal Leclerc. The museum is currently undergoing a complete renovation of its buildings and an overhaul of the installation of its museum collections.
TheHouse of Jules Verne [fr], labeledMaisons des Illustres, is the home of the most translated writer in the world after Agatha Christie:[118]Jules Verne. He lived here from 1882 to 1900 with his wife Honorine, and wrote part of his work in this mansion of the 19th century. To visit is to enter into the intimate and creative universe of the author. The building largely retains its original decor and opens almost all of its rooms, from the ground floor to the attic. The permanent collections are presented on two floors, in the attic, the tower and the belvedere of the house: Approximately 700 collected objects evoke the personality, sources of inspiration and memories of Jules Verne.[119] Costumed tours, performances, parties and literary encounters of thematic conferences are also regularly organised.[120]
The Gallery ofstained glass is located in the workshop of master glassmaker Claude Barre, in a 16th-century house near to the cathedral. It presents a large collection to the public, including religious stained-glass windows and interiors, from the 11th to the 19th century. The gallery also offers demonstrations on the techniques of stained glass.
TheHouse of culture of Amiens [fr] (MCA or MACU) was inaugurated on 19 March 1966 byAndré Malraux. A majorcultural institution [fr] in the region, it has two exhibition halls forcontemporary art; the Matisse Hall and the Giacometti Room, which both regularly host exhibitions of sculptures, photographs and plastic arts.
TheFonds régional d'art contemporain of Picardie (FRAC Picardie), created in 1983, aims to promote contemporary art, in particular through dissemination actions. As early as 1985, FRAC Picardie had specialised its action in the field of the design and its contemporary dimensions. It is also interested in new media, on and off paper, since artists are now working through the video medium. This has allowed it to acquire a good reputation in France and abroad.[121] In 30 years, the FRAC has brought together a unique collection of a thousand drawings which include major names of contemporary art, such asBasquiat,Dubuffet,Oppenheim,Twombly,Matta, andManessier.[122] In 2001, discussions are undertaken to construct a new building to accommodate thefonds and its collections.[123]
The city has a number of concert spaces, mostly small venues, and pubs also host numerous concerts throughout the year.
TheZenith of Amiens was inaugurated in September 2008. With a capacity of 6,000 seats, it is the work of the Italian architectMassimiliano Fuksas.[125] Holder of the requiredZénith label, this facility allows the hosting of national and international headline acts and ensures a high level of services and organisation. The accessibility of the place by motorway (A16, A29, A1), and the possibilities of free parking, the venue radiates to Belgium and to the Paris region.[126]
Themegacity [fr] is the Park of the Congress and Exhibitions of Amiens. Located in immediate proximity of the Zenith of Amiens and theStade de la Licorne, there are two auditoriums of 350 and 1,000 places[127] where concerts andcomedy shows [fr] are programmed.
Cirque Jules-Verne [fr], the biggest grand circus of France, has about 1,700 seating spaces since its renovation in 2003. It welcomes, among other shows, concerts.
TheHouse of culture of Amiens [fr] offers many live shows and concerts. It manages also New Dreams, a room for 120 seated or 300 standing, which also hosts concerts.
The Auditorium Henri Dutilleux is the auditorium of theConservatoire à rayonnement régional d'Amiens [fr]. With high acoustic quality, it offers 370 seats on three levels. It offers mainly classical concerts.
TheHouse of Culture of Amiens [fr] has theScène nationale [fr] accreditation from theMinistry of Culture. Cultural place of the city, its mission is broad and covers many disciplines: theatre, music, dance, cinema and visual arts. It brings together two theatres: theGrand Théâtre (1,070 seats) and thePetit Théâtre (300 seats).
The Maison du Théâtre was established in April 1988 in the historic neighborhood ofSaint-Leu [fr]. Its activities range from creation to dissemination, training and theatrical information. Focused on contemporary theatre, theMaison du Théâtre also hosts local theatrical companies and their creations.[128]
The puppet theatre "Chés cabotants of Amiens", founded in 1933, is the heir of some eighty cabotan theatres which were created in Amiens in the 19th century. Amiens is known as the French capital of the puppet son.[129] Since 1997, a theatre is dedicated toChés Cabotans of Amiens and its popular hero Lafleur. It is located in the heart of the Saint-Leu neighborhood.
Amiens Métropole has nine cultural centers which cover much of the metropolitan area: six in various districts of Amiens, and three in the neighbouring communes ofLongueau,Camon andGlisy. These outreach facilities working in the field of art and creation are openly oriented "venues". Open to all, they offer an eclectic programme; theatre and concerts, shows for young people and dance, projections of films, exhibitions, meetings and debates. In 2013, they accommodated 48,000 people.[131]
TheBriqueterie was installed in 2001 on the site of the former Friant military barracks in the Elbeuf neighborhood.[132] As part of its programming, it hosts concerts, as well as exhibitions, public theatre and shows for youths. To this end, it has a room that can accommodate 120 people.
TheJacques Tati cultural center is located in the heart of the Pierre Rollin.[133] Opened in January 2008, the Jacques Tati theatre has 198 seats[134] and hosts plays, public youth performances, and concerts.
TheLéo-Lagrange cultural center is located in Saint Germain district.[135] A venue for exhibitions, meetings and performances of music, theatre, dance and circus, it has a room of 85 seats named the chapel.
TheCSC is installed in the heart of the Etouvie neighborhood.[136] Its missions include the dissemination of exhibitions and performances. To this end, it has a room of 150 seats.
TheÉtoile du sud is located in the neighbourhood Victorine-Autier. This cultural center is specialized in urban cultures and has the peculiarity of having a computer (MAO) recording studio.
TheSafran is located in the north neighborhood of Amiens. This 'multidisciplinary and experimental'Scène conventionnée [fr] offers diverse programming:[137] Drama, public youth shows, dance and exhibitions. Its theatre hall, known asGérard-Philipe has 220 spaces.[138] Saffron also hosts a music complex, theCité Carter, which offers rehearsal studios, recording sessions and organises concerts of contemporary music in its 250-seat hall.[139]
TheBibliothèques d'Amiens Métropole [fr] is a network of 28 facilities spread over the whole territory of the metropolis. The heart of this network is the Louis Aragon library, located onRue de la République. Built between 1823 and 1826, it is one of the oldest municipal libraries in France.[140] It experienced several improvements, including campaigns of work between 1982 and 1993, which have endowed it with new spaces: Two auditoriums, a youth space, a library and an art library.[141]
Registration and borrowing is free for all of the people of Amiens in all libraries. Two libraries also provide service to neighborhoods and the communes of the agglomeration, and there is home delivery of documents for people with reduced mobility.
TheCinema Gaumont Amiens (12 rooms, 2,700 seats) was inaugurated in September 2005. Located just steps from theAmiens railway station, it has a large lobby and a 600-seat room. A 500-space car park is located under the cinema. It is the work of the architectsPhilippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel [fr] and its interior decoration was entrusted toChristian Lacroix.[142] In 2011, this multiplex received 887,000 cinemagoers.[143]
TheCine-Saint-Leu (one room with 250 seats) was inaugurated in October 2000,[144] after the closure of the Regent Cinema located near the railway station. Anarthouse cinema, it is part of the major cultural facilities of the Cathedral Centre. Its eclectic and cinephile programming offers the possibility to see theoriginal version of contemporary films.
TheStudio Orson Welles (one room with 180 seats in theMaison de la culture d'Amiens [fr]). An arthouse cinema operated by theMaison de la culture d'Amiens [fr], it offers arthouse films as well as retrospectives of great names of the seventh art, old or contemporary.[145]
Throughout the year, Amiens is the seat of many cultural, traditional or economic events.
TheRoyal de luxe company during the 28thFête dans la ville in 2005.TheFestival Art, city and landscape in thehortillonnagesDetail of theson et lumière show ofAmiens, la cathédrale en couleurs.TheGrande Réderie d'AmiensAmiens, la cathédrale en couleurs.TheFête au bord de l'eauThe 13thRendez-Vous de la Bande Dessinée d'Amiens [fr] in 2008.TheGilles of Binche at the inauguration of the Christmas market in 2013.TheUn été en musique event at the Jules Bocquet bandstand.
Annual Events
Month
Event
Subject
Number of editions (In 2015)
January
Festival Tendance Europe
This festival, organised by theMaison de la culture d'Amiens [fr], is dedicated to contemporary creation. Programming highlights emerging European artists in a variety of areas: Theatre, dance, music, circus arts and visual arts.
9
February
Salon des Antiquaires
TheSalon des Antiquaires of the city is held, every year, at theMegacity [fr]. Its reputation makes it one of the most important events of its kind in the north of the France.
12
March
Festival du jeu et de l'imaginaire : À toi de Jouer
This festival is dedicated to playing and imagination, featuring board games, card games, video games, roleplaying, comics and manga. Many tournaments are organized during this event which takes place atMegacity [fr]. The first edition was held on 12 and 13 May 2012 withSimon Astier [fr] for sponsor.
4
Salon du chocolat et gourmandises en Picardie
For three days at theMegacity [fr], the fair offers demonstrations, parades, contests around the theme of chocolate and food in general.
TheGrande réderie de printemps [fr] (jumble sale) is a popular event that takes place twice a year: in spring (the last Sunday in April) and autumn (the first Sunday in October). After theBraderie de Lille, the Réderie of Amiens is the second largest event of its kind in France. It hosts more than 2,000 professional traders and individuals as well as 80,000 to 100,000 visitors to each edition.[146]
–
May
Leitura furiosa
This festival, organized by the association "Cardan", offers various free activities relating to the world of words: Workshops, calligraphy, typography, writing games,slam and shows.
23
June
Foire Exposition de Picardie
It takes place at the park of the congress and exhibitions of Amiens, theMegacity [fr]. During nine days, it hosts approximately 50,000 visitors, 300 exhibitors and more than 20 activities.[147]
This comic strip festival, organised by the association "Explorers on the bubble", is one of the most importantcomic strip festivals in France.[148] Created in 1996, it takes place each first weekend in June, in the University Library of the Cathedral hub. Various activities in connection with the festival are also organized at different places in the city.
20
Fête dans la ville
This international festival ofstreet theatre is also known under the name of "The street is in Amiens". Created in 1977, it invited 20 companies for four days of performances, parades, fairground theatre, and circus performances in the streets of the city.
38
Marché sur l'eau
Once a year, in the context of the "Festival in the city", the walking on water takes place. Growers (gardeners) in traditional costumes boat down theSomme with their crafts loaded with fruit and vegetables from thehortillonnages.
–
June to July
Foire de la Saint Jean
It is the largest funfair in the north of the France.[149] It takes place during 3 weeks between mid-June and mid-July on the esplanade ofHotoie [fr].
Created in 1999, thisson et lumière show is the first world.[150] Daily from mid-June to mid-September as well as in December, in the dark, the medieval colors of the portals of the façade of thecathedral are reborn thanks to projections of digital images. Since its inception, nearly two million people have attended the free event.
15
Un été en musique
This summer event, conducted from June to September, offers a series of free concerts outdoors (atPlace René Goblet andPlace Gambetta, and the Jules Bocquet bandstand). Programming is mainly of local artists.
–
June to October
Festival Art, villes et paysage – Hortillonnages Amiens
This festival, organized by theMaison de la culture d'Amiens [fr], was born in 2010 under the heading "Imagine it now". Invited are landscapers, visual artists, architects and designers involved in thehortillonnages. In total, twenty artists facilities and landscaped gardens are located in several places in thehortillonnages. These unusual works (such as floating sculptures, reinvented huts, diverted gardens, revisited gardens) are visible either by walking track or boat, from June to October.
6
July
Voyage au cœur de l'été
The event, which takes place every July in theEspace Dewailly. The programming consists of live performances around world cultures, traditions, folklore and modernity.
11
Bal du 14 juillet
This ball takes place on thePlace de l'hôtel de ville. It is followed by a fireworks display at theparc de la Hotoie [fr].
–
July to August
Un été à Amiens
This summer event, conducted by the city hall of Amiens, brings together four concepts spread across three sites in the city: "Amiens-les-Bains" (children) and "Beach Attitude" (adolescents) in the Parc Saint Pierre, "Zen Attitude" inPlace Gambetta and "Sportez-vous bien" at Grand Marais.
2
August
Défi Jules Verne
This event, also known as "Montgolfiade", commemorates the first balloon flight (1873) of the most illustrious adopted son of Amiens:Jules Verne. Its uniqueness lies in the take-off of many balloons and unusual machines (between 20 and 30) from theParc de la Hotoie [fr]. Music with readings of excerpts from novels byJules Verne accompany their flight in the sky of the city. Subject to favourable weather conditions, this event takes place every month of August.
10
Bal de la libération
This festive event, which is held at thePlace de l'hôtel de ville, celebrates the liberation of the city on 31 August 1944. It joins the various commemorations and tributes traditionally organised there on this day.
6
September
Fête au bord de l'eau
This traditional festival, organised by the association "Jacobins Traditions and history", plunges the historic neighborhood of Saint-Leu into a medieval atmosphere for two days with a market, medieval camp, trades of yesteryear, parades in the streets and on the water as well as other activities. It is on this occasion that the popular tournament ofwater jousting runs. Created in 1990, this free event takes place every second weekend of September and gathers an average of 80,000 visitors.
Evolution of theNuit Blanche (9 editions), this event is dedicated to the performing arts and visual arts and is held in the cloister of the grey nuns.
1
Festiv'Art
This festival, held since 2006 by the association of "Free radicals", allows regional, national and international artists to find themselves on the same stage for an evening which is followed by street arts and circus, theatre, concerts and graphic services.
This international film festival ranks among the five largest film festivals in France.[152] Created in 1980, it is held for nine days in November and records more than 60,000 entries each year.
35
Picardie Mouv
This festival ofmusiques actuelles [fr], organized by thePicardy regional Council, offers eclectic programming that mixes a collage of artists of international, national and local groups.
10
December
Christmas Market of Amiens
The largest Christmas market in the north of France,[153] it attracts over one million visitors each year.[154] The market consists of approximately 135 chalets in the city center and offers various animations (aSon et lumière show,Amiens, la cathédrale en couleurs, Ferris wheel, ice rink, village of Santa Claus, parades, and carnival rides).
Even if it rarely achieves national notoriety (with the notable exceptions ofLes Fatals Picards,The Rabeats [fr],Olympe,Albin de la Simone,Disiz andRokia Traoré), the Amiens music scene is active and developed. In this dynamic, theNew French Rock [fr] scene holds a central place and is organised around a collective,Amiens Burning, which is responsible for networking the breeding ground for the local rock scene, to accompany its projects, and organize concerts.[155]
Since their creation,La Lune des Pirates [fr] and Cité Carter also provide support to the local scene. For example, the Cité Carter produces a compilation each year, with local groups.[156]
World Music:Rokia Traoré (Malian-born singer who lived in Amiens in the 1990s)
Multiple genres:Les Fatals Picards, Zic Zazou (group of nine musicians created in 1982 and winner of La Grande Battle in November 2012)
Classical music is represented by theOrchestre de Picardie [fr] and the University Orchestra of Picardy. Vocal practice is represented by the Regional Choir of Picardy, the University Choir of Picardie, and the Choir of France Picardy.
One can also include the Harmony Saint-Pierre, afanfare of 70 musicians, which has become a local institution since its inception in 1894.[157]
Amiens saw rise, over the centuries, to major writers.[159] In the first half of the 17th century,Vincent Voiture, poet and letter writer, was the darling of thePrécieuses for the fluidity of his style. In 1634, he was member of the 1stAcadémie française. In 1678,Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange, nicknamed "the FrenchVarro", published hisGlossarium in 3 volumes. This glossary of medieval Latin is still authoritative today. In 1750,Jean Baptiste Gresset, a playwright and poet who was celebrated in his time and was a member of theAcadémie française, founded theAcademy of Amiens [fr] which is still active today. He was named perpetual president.
Here I am quite citizen of Amiens. It seems to me that I was born. I live very happy, although uncomfortable to work. Amiens is a wise city, even-tempered, and the company is friendly and literate. It is near Paris, close enough to have the highlights without unbearable noise and bustle.
In the 19th century, there was a brilliant literary life around theAcadémie des sciences, des lettres et des arts d'Amiens [fr] with historianAlbéric de Calonne and theYvert family. However, the great name of Amiens literary life isJules Verne. He animated all intellectual activity, giving balls and parties, while his wife held a famoussalon. He often attended the library of the industrial society, which subscribed to numerous scientific journals. A member of the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts of Amiens from 8 March 1872, he was elected Director in 1875, and in 1881 and, on this occasion, he delivered several speeches of welcome, especially for one of his friends, Amiens cartoonistGédéon Baril [fr], who signed illustrations ofDix heures en chasse [fr] withHetzel. Engaged in local life, he was Councillor of Amiens from 1888 to 1904. He was closely interested in the affairs of the city, wrote many reports on the theatre and brought its support to the construction of themunicipal circus [fr].
Amiens does appear explicitly in his novels but there are however characteristic elements of the city such as the cathedral and the river. This is the case, for example, for the imaginary city of Ragz inLe secret de Wilhem Storitz. In the novelUne fantaisie du docteur Ox, the inhabitants of the fictional town of Virgamen, the Virgamenois, refer directly to the Amiénois and their prudent nature.[160]
In 1875, he delivered before the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts of Amiens a speech entitled "An ideal city: Amiens in the year 2000" where he portrays himself wandering in a forward-thinking city of Amiens. Since then, the city has built a tourist route from this text.
He died in Amiens in 1905, and he deeply marked the town's footprint, so that today many places, monuments and events bear his name. He rests atLa Madeleine cemetery [fr] where one can read on his tomb:Vers l'immortalité et l'éternelle jeunesse. [Towards immortality and eternal youth].
Such as it is with his distinctive smile, how much I love the Golden Virgin, with her smile of heavenly hostess; how much I love its home at the door of the Cathedral in its adornment exquisite and simple of hawthorns.
— Marcel Proust (about the portal of the Virgin Golden of the Cathedral of Amiens)
In 1885, EnglishmanJohn Ruskin published the Bible of Amiens, which was translated into French, extensively annotated and prefaced, in 1904, by Marcel Proust. This book dedicated toNotre-Dame d'Amiens was the opportunity for Proust to recall his admiration for the English author and the Cathedral of Amiens.
I would like to give the reader the desire and the means to spend a day at Amiens in a sort of Ruskinesque pilgrimage. It was not worth starting by asking him to go to Florence or Venice, when Ruskin wrote a whole book on Amiens.
— Marcel Proust
In the second half of the 19th century,Jules Barni [fr],Member of Parliament for the Somme [fr], Associate Professor of philosophy and brilliant scholar translated Kant's work in French and thus enabled its dissemination in France.
A native of Amiens,Paul Bourget publishedLe Disciple in 1889, a novel today considered his major work. He was elected, 5 years later, to the Académie française.
Amiens is a stronghold ofcomics in France. A whole generation of designers and Amiens writers make the city an important creative center of the9th art. The main actors in this generation, includeRégis Hautière [fr],Norédine Allam [fr] who notably led the recolouring of the 33Asterix albums in the framework of the project "The great collection" and alsoAntoine Dodé [fr],David François [fr], Fraco,Hardoc [fr], Greg Blondin, and Nicolas Hitori De.[165]
Chés Cabotans d'Anmien or theCabotins of Amiens is a small Picardy traditional puppet theatre founded in 1933. Lafleur, the hero, was created around 1811 atSaint-Leu [fr]. He talks inPicard, exclusively. Traditionally a lackey costume (wearing a red velvettricorne hat) dressed, Lafleur is cheerful, dynamic, independent and resourceful; its motto is:"bin mier, bin boere, pis did rin foere!" (Drink well, eat well and then do nothing).
The Picard language is recognisedregional language. It is spoken in France in thePicardy andNord-Pas-de-Calais regions, and in Belgium in the Province ofHainaut. Various associations work for the promotion and development of Picardy culture expressed in theatre, song, in spoken tales but alsoin writing [fr], notably in novels, journals, and poetry. Since 1993, theRegional Council of Picardy has developed within the "Office Culturel Régional de Picardie" a cultural policy for the language and the Picardy culture. "The Agency for Picard", created in 2008, is headquartered in Amiens.[167]Picard is taught at theUniversity of Amiens.
Theblasons populaires are surnames or the nicknames given to the inhabitants of cities and the Picardy villages. Thesesurpitchets sometimes come from the history of the city, sometimes a verbal game, sometimes through a mockery of people. The nickname of the inhabitants of Amiens is:Chés Maqueus d'gueugues d'Anmien [Amiens nut eaters] in reference to an episode of the Spanish invasion. On 11 March 1597, the Spanish armies developed a ploy to seize the city: The soldiers of Hernán Tello de Portocarrero, Governor ofDoullens, disguised as peasants, came to the gates of the walls with nuts. The starving citizens of Amiens opened the doors and the Spaniards took the city.
During December, the town hosts the largestChristmas market in northern France.[168] Amiens, in the image of the Picardy region, has a rich gastronomic heritage.[169] Here are some of the specialities:[170]
Amiens is known for a few local foods, including "macarons d'Amiens", small, round-shaped biscuit-type macaroons made fromalmond paste, fruit and honey, which were first recorded in 1855;[171]"tuiles amienoises" [fr], chocolate and orange curved "tuiles" or biscuits;Pâté de canard d'Amiens [fr] – duck pâté in pastry, made since the 17th century;[172] and "laficelle Picarde", an oven-baked cheese-toppedcrêpe with ham and mushroom filling,[168][173] then topped with fresh cream flavoured with nutmeg, white pepper, and sprinkled with grated cheese before being browned in the oven. The region is also known for "flamiche aux poireaux", a puff pastry tart made with leeks and cream.[174]
Other dishes include:
The soup of thehortillons: A spring-vegetable soup which originated in thehortillonnages.
The bisteu or bigalan: Potatoes, onions and bacon pie.
Louis Antoine Vimeux [fr] (1737–1814), general of the Revolution and First Empire, Knight of the Royal order and military of Saint-Louis, Commander of the Légion d'honneur, hereditary baron, Governor of the Place de Luxembourg (from 1802 to 1814)
Jean Baptiste Joseph Delambre (1749–1822), mathematician, astronomer, historian of astronomy, geodesist and author of the definition of the metre.[183]
Charles Dallery [fr] (1754–1835), mechanical engineer, inventor of the steam engine to tubular boiler
François Marie Clément de La Roncière [fr] (1773–1854), general of the armies of the Republic and the Empire (name engraved under the Arc de Triomphe of the Star: 11th column)
Frédéric Petit (1836–1895), Mayor of Amiens and Third Republic Senator of the Somme
Édouard Lucas (1842–1891), inventor of mathematical games and puzzles
Édouard Branly (1844–1940), physicist, inventor of thecoherer, the first very sensitive detector of radio waves and physician. A high school as well as a lecture hall, one of the ESIEE, bear his name
Antoine Parmentier, (1737–1813), militarypharmacist,agronomist, nutritionist and hygienist. Member of the Academy of sciences of Amiens,[192] he popularized the consumption of potatoes
Jacques Delille or Abbé Delille, (1738–1813), poet and translator, a member of the French Academy, was a professor at the college of Amiens
The arms of Amiens areblazoned : "Ofgules to ivy of argent, the chiefazure sown of fleurs-de-lisOr."
Motto: "Liliis tenaci vimine jungor",[200] which means 'a strong bond unites the lilies'.
Amiens, a fortress city, suffered attacks and resisted, staying French. Its coat of arms symbolise this attachment to France, commitment symbolised by ivy. France being symbolised by the seedlings of fleurs-de-lis authorised by the Kings of France.[201]
In the full arms of the city, holding and support are two unicorns, support is of acanthus leaves, while thecrest is a castle keep of five parts. The two figures emblazoned in the arms of Amiens are lily and ivy, which today still decorate the city logo. The unicorn is a symbol of the knightly virtues of purity and attraction to beauty and delicacy. Even today, the unicorn makes a number of references in the city: Theeponymous stadium, the coat of arms of theAmiens football team as well as the award of theAmiens International Film Festival.[202]
Logo of the city of Amiens
In 1991, the municipality formed aroundGilles de Robien designed a new logo, incorporating the Fleur-de-lis and the Ivy leaf present on the coat of arms, placed side by side in red with a background of grey or white, depending on usage.
Astamp representing the arms of the city was issued in 1962, this issue fitted into one of theArms of cities. Its power of postage was five cents. It was issued on 23 January 1962 and withdrawn from sale on 23 January 1977. Afirst day was arranged in Amiens on 21 July 1962. It was designed byRobert Louis [fr]. ArtistArman made a board collage of this stamp.[203]
^Work had also been delayed, because some people[who?] wanted to "preserve the cathedral".
^The concentration of employment indicator equals the number of jobs in the area per 100 people in active employment residing in the area, according to theInsee definition.
^He lived for 18 years in a mansion located in Henriville, which includes an observatory atop a tower. His house, now classified as an Historical Monument, was acquired by the city of Amiens in 1980. Reopened on 24 March 2006 after a year of work, the Jules Verne House is a museum. The University of Picardie is called "Jules Verne". A viaduct east of the city and a lecture hall of ESIEE also bear his name.
^Boulnois, Alain (2008)."L'Amiénoise". le site du centre régional de documentation pédagogique de l'académie d'Amiens. Archived fromthe original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved2 June 2015.
^Unlike most cathedrals in France, Notre Dame Amiens has substantially retained all of its original statues and ornaments, which even today allows one to admire some of the colours used in Middle Ages.
^"Belfries of Belgium and France".UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Retrieved5 November 2021.
^"Zoo Amiens Métropole"(PDF). Communauté d'agglomération Amiens Métropole. 5 April 2013. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 9 May 2013. Retrieved6 April 2013.
^Lemaire, Ingrid (July 2012). "Auprès de mon arbre".Amiens Forum (33).
^Collectif, " Amiens Ville d'Art et d'Histoire – le guide ". " Musée de Picardie ", éditions du patrimoine, centre des monuments nationaux, 2007, pp.116–121.
^"Amiens". Association des directeurs des bibliothèques municipales et intercommunales des grandes villes de France. 2 February 2012. Archived fromthe original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved2 May 2013.
^"Amiens – Cinéma Gaumont". Centre régional de documentation pédagogique d'Amiens. Archived fromthe original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved25 January 2014.
^"Colorisation cathédrale Amiens".JT de 20H de France 2. Institut national de l'audiovisuel. 25 December 1999. Archived fromthe original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved22 December 2013.
^Collectif, " Amiens Ville d'Art et d'Histoire – le guide ". " Vie littéraire à Amiens sous l'ancien Régime " et " La vie littéraire au siècle XIX ", éditions du patrimoine, centre des monuments nationaux, 2007, p.26 and p.35.
^Larrède, Christian (January 2012)."Amiens, ville de BD"(PDF). Amiens Forum. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 19 March 2016. Retrieved10 January 2013.
^"Faites des bulles!". Collectif des habitants de Thiers/Thève. 15 May 2007. Retrieved10 January 2013.
^José Brice, Patton-Leclerc, éd. Société des Ecrivains, 2014,ISBN978-2-342-02324-4, 190 p., p. 21; Christine Levisse-Touzé et Musée Jean Moulin, Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, 1902–1947: la légende d'un héros, éd. Paris-Musées, 2002,ISBN978-2-84734-033-4, 159 p., p. 19; Michel Marmin, Leclerc, Éditions Chronique, 2013,ISBN979-10-90871-96-0, 136 p., Philippe fait ses études chez les Jésuites
^"Vite dit". Amiens Forum n°40. April 2013. Archived fromthe original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved29 April 2013.
Estienne, Jean; Vasselle, François (1967).Le Bel Amiens [The beautiful Amiens]. Picardie (in French). Amiens: Martelle éditions. p. 203.ISBN2-87890-014-6.
Roy, Paule; Duvanel, Maurice (1988).Amiens : De Daguerre à Jules Verne, 1849-1905 [Amiens: De Daguerre to Jules Verne, 1849-1905] (in French). Amiens: Éditions Poiré-Choquet. p. 155.ISBN978-2-9502147-2-0.
Breitman, Marc; Krier, Rob (1989).Le Nouvel Amiens [The new Amiens]. Villes (in French). Bruxelles: Mardaga/Institut Français d'Architecture. p. 471.ISBN2-87009-368-3.
Alain Trogneux (1991).Amiens entre deux guerres : Fêtes, spectacles et distractions [Amiens between two wars: parties, performances and entertainments]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 208.ISBN2-906389-29-3.
Barbier, Bruno (1992).La grande guerre à Amiens [The great war in Amiens]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 192.ISBN2-906389-39-0.
Cultru, Hervé (1994).Amiens "Belle Epoque". Vie culturelle et artistique [Amiens "Belle Époque". Cultural and artistic life]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 160.ISBN2-906389-56-0.
Mabire, Pierre; Ropars, Claude; Héritier, Jacques (1995).Amiens Mémoire [Amiens memory] (in French). Edi Loire. p. 128.ISBN978-2-84084-030-5.
Bondois, Olivier (1996).Les banques à Amiens à l'époque de Jules Verne [Amiens banks at the time of Jules Verne]. Revue Jules Verne (in French). Centre International Jules Verne. pp. 90–103.
Trogneux, Alain (1997).Amiens, années 50 : De la Libération à la Ve République [Amiens, 50s: from Liberation until the Fifth Republic]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 224.ISBN2-906389-83-8.
Curie, Michel; Cry, Didier (1999).Amiens au fil du regard [Amiens over look] (in French). Amiens: Martelle éditions. p. 111.ISBN978-2-87890-074-3.
Trogneux, Alain (2000).Amiens, années 60 : Naissance d'une capitale régionale [Amiens, 1960s: birth of a regional capital]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 224.ISBN2-911576-25-X.
Delattre, Daniel; Delattre, Emmanuel (2005).Amiens, ses rues, ses faubourgs [Amiens, its streets, its suburbs] (in French). Éditions Delattre. p. 192.ISBN978-2-915907-15-5.
Carpi, Olivier (2005).Une République imaginaire : Amiens pendant les troubles de religion (1559-1597) [An imaginary Republic: Amiens during the troubles of religion (1559-1597)]. Histoire et société (in French). Belin. p. 254.ISBN2-7011-3239-8.
Groseil, Véronique (2005).Amiens Jardins [Amiens Gardens] (in French). Amiens: Éditions Librairie du Labyrinthe. p. 144.ISBN2-9523061-2-5.
Beauvalet, Scarlett; Hurpin, Gérard (2005).Amiens à l'époque moderne (1500-1850) : Aspects d'une société urbaine en Picardie [Amiens at the modern era (1500-1850): Aspects of an urban society in Picardy]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 336.ISBN2-911576-60-8.
Ruffin, François (2006).Quartier Nord [North quarter] (in French). Fayard. p. 517.ISBN2-213-62901-3.
Lando, Pascal; Poiret, Emmanuelle (2007).Amiens et le pays de Somme [Amiens and the Lands of Somme]. Tranches de France (in French). Paris: Éditions Déclics. p. 80.ISBN978-2-84768-098-0.
Bailly, Xavier; Gauthier, Karine (2007).Amiens, ville d'art et d'histoire [Amiens, city of art and history] (in French). Éditions du patrimoine,Centre des monuments nationaux. p. 144.ISBN978-2-85822-933-8.
Barbedor, Isabelle; Lefébure, Thierry (2008).Églises et chapelles des siecles XIXe et XXe (Amiens métropole) [Churches and chapels of the 19th and 20th centuries (Amiens metropole)]. Parcours du Patrimoine (in French). Lyon: Éditions lieux-Dits. p. 72.ISBN978-2-914528-47-4.
Duvanel, Maurice; Mabire, Pierre (2008).Les Amiénois : De la terre et de l'eau [Amiens: of the earth and water] (in French). Crèvecœur-le-Grand: Éditions du Moulin-Alidor. p. 143.ISBN978-2-917190-03-6.
Duvanel, Maurice; Mabire, Pierre (2008).Les Amiénois : A pied, à cheval, en avion [The Amiens: On foot, on horseback, by plane] (in French). Crèvecœur-le-Grand: Éditions du Moulin-Alidor. p. 143.ISBN978-2-917190-05-0.
Duvanel, Maurice; Mabire, Pierre (2009).Les Amiénois : Des rires, du sang, des larmes [Amiens: Laughs, blood, tears] (in French). Crèvecœur-le-Grand: Éditions du Moulin-Alidor. p. 144.ISBN978-2-917190-06-7.
Duvanel, Maurice; Mabire, Pierre (2009).Les Amiénois : De l'ombre à la lumière [Amiens: Shadow in the light] (in French). Crèvecœur-le-Grand: Éditions du Moulin-Alidor. p. 143.ISBN978-2-917190-08-1.
Fouré, Jean-Marie (2009).Amiens : du Tram au Bus [Amiens: Of the tram to Bus] (in French). Crèvecœur-le-Grand: Éditions du Moulin-Alidor. p. 96.ISBN978-2-917190-07-4.
Dourouri, Kaltoume (2009).Amiens d'Antan : Amiens à travers la carte postale ancienne [Yesteryear Amiens: Amiens through old postcards]. La France d'antan (in French). HC Éditions. p. 110.ISBN978-2-35720-007-4.
Tillier, Claude; Delautre, Franck (2011).Amiens à l'heure bleue [Amiens to the blue hour] (in French). Engelaere Éditions. p. 72.ISBN978-2-917621-11-0.
Delattre-Arnould, Nathalie; Delattre, Daniel (2012).Les rues d'Amiens, promenade dans le temps, Tome 1, les rues de A à D [The streets of Amiens, walk in time, volume 1, the streets of A to D] (in French). Éditions Delattre. p. 96.ISBN978-2-364640-16-0.
Leleux, Philippe (2012).Hortillonnages et hortillons [Vegetable farming and farms] (in French). Amiens: Éditions Librairie du Labyrinthe. p. 80.ISBN978-2-918397-07-6.
Bou, Pierre (2012).12 juillet 1913 : Le Grand Prix de l'Automobile Club de France [12 July 1913: The Grand Prix of the Automobile Club of France]. Amiens un jour (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 96.ISBN978-2-36058-034-7.
Roger, Delphine (2013).Histoire d'une ville: Amiens [History of a city: Amiens]. série parcours d'Histoire (in French). Centre régional de documentation pédagogique d'Amiens. p. 161.ISBN978-2-86615-391-5.
Tixier, Nicolas (2013).Amiens 2030 : Le quotidien en projets [Amiens 2030: The daily projects] (in French). Bazar Urbain éditions. p. 490.ISBN978-2-9545249-0-0.
Sanchez, Manuel; Bouton, Solène; Dourouri, Kaltoume (2013).Amiens : Grand Amiénois - Circuit du souvenir 1914-1918 [Amiens: Grand Amiénois - Circuit of remembrance 1914-1918]. Cartoville (in French). Paris: Gallimard Loisirs. p. 52.ISBN978-2-7424-3527-2.
Trogneux, Alain (2014).Amiens, années 70 : La fin des Trente Glorieuses [Amiens, 1970s: The end of the "Glorious Thirty"]. Hier (in French). Amiens: Encrage Éditions. p. 224.ISBN978-2-36058-040-8.
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![Jérémy Stravius, member of the Amiens Métropole Natation [fr] club](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aJ%25C3%25A9r%25C3%25A9my_Stravius.jpg)
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![Abbaye Saint-Jean-des-Prémontrés [fr] (18th century, historic monuments, 1992).](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aAmiens_-_Abbaye_Saint-Jean-des-Pr%25C3%25A9montr%25C3%25A9s_(2).jpg)
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