Amiens Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens
France's largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its west-façade sculptures are exquisite, and on summer evenings a colored projection light show comes alive.
Amiens Cathedral (Notre-Dame d'Amiens) was begun in 1220. Its interior volume is about 200,000 cubic meters, making it France's largest Gothic church, and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The three portals on the west façade are covered with sculptures from the 'Bible of Amiens.' The nave rises 42 meters, and the black-and-white labyrinth pattern on the floor and the more than 4,000 oak carvings in the choir stalls are well worth a closer look. Entry to the cathedral is free, and it is open roughly 8:30 to 18:30 (closing earlier in winter). Climbing the tower requires a separate ticket and a guided tour. In summer and in December, there is a 'Chroma' light show in the evenings, which uses projections to recreate the painted colors that once adorned the façade. It is about a 10-minute walk from Amiens train station.
Opening hours
08:30–18:30 (until 17:30 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Saint-Leu Quarter
- Belfry of Amiens
- Jules Verne House
- Musée de Picardie
- Hortillonnages of Amiens
- Samara Archaeological Park
- Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux
- Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial