Notre-Dame cathedral in Amiens in the Somme (north of France)

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Cancelled

68years' work!
307steps up the north tower!
750statues on the outside !

The lightest and brightest of them all !

AND THE LARGEST

His magnificent 13th century edifice, work of the great Medieval master-builders, was built in record time. The shell of the building was completed in 68 years - which was very short for those days!

This jewel of classical Gothic architecture combines all the features of contemporary buildings: flying buttresses and ribbed vaults which allowed the cathedral to be flooded with light. The many stained-glass windows were essential for creating the light and airy feeling inside the building and replaced the solid walls of Romanesque architecture.

The labyrinth, 234 metres long, is unusual due to its octagonal shape and central stone, paying tribute to its builders: the founding bishop, Evrard de Fouilloy, and the three masters of works for the construction. If you can, be sure to climb the 307 steps in the north tower. The fabulous view from the top will make it all worthwhile.

amiens vue de nuit depuis les hauteurs de la cathedrale notre dame, Somme.jpg

cathedrale audioguides enfants, Somme.jpg

Lacework carved in stone !

THE WORDS OF JOHN RUSKIN

This was how the west front of the cathedral was described by John Ruskin, author of the Bible of Amiens.
The statuary is outstanding, with over 700 statues on the outside!
Each figure, each chimera, each quadrilobe has its place and tells a story...
It is the largest cathedral ever built! With a surface area of 7,700 sq.m. and volume of 200,000 cubic metres.

Major events

Free light and colour show, "Chroma" on the cathedral square
from 14th July to 22th September
and over Christmas and New Year period
from 1st to 31st December.
Times:
Daily
July >> 10.30pm
August >> 10pm
September >> 9.45pm
December >> 7pm

See the website

Vessel of light inside, bible carved in stone outside

cathedrale labyrinthe visiteurs, Somme.jpg

©Laurent Rousselin

Chroma

A DAZZLING SHOW

Once the sun goes down, 15 years since the first “Chroma” light and sound display began, come and watch Notre-Dame d’Amiens be bathed in a brand new array of colour. Designed by the Société Spectre Lab, with a soundtrack by the Start-Rec Agency, the original and unprecedented “Chroma” display will take you on an exceptional journey that overflows with emotion. Fascinating and emblematic scenes will play out before your eyes upon the Gothic architecture. Admire the cathedral’s mysterious and enigmatic façade and let yourselves be taken on a sensory journey and be swept away by its incredible beauty. Mid-July - Mid-September (July: 22.30, August:10.00pm, September:9.45pm) and December: 7.00pm.

From July 12th to September 12th in Summer
From November 24th to December 31th in Winter

Times :
- 10.45pm in June
- 10.30pm in July
- 10.00pm in August
- 9.45pm in September

- 7:00 pm in November and December

Let's talk ToThierry Sanchez

Tour guide

"This church is extraordinary because its structure is extremely light and balanced and it is also for this reason, I think, that visitors find it so delightful. Thomas de Cormont performed an incredible feat in flooding this cathedral with light."