Amiens is a city located in northern France, approximately 120 km north of Paris. It is the capital of the Somme department and the historic capital of Picardy. The city has a population of approximately 136,000 people and covers an area of around 49 square kilometers.
History
Amiens has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, when it was known as Samarobriva. The city became an important regional center during the Middle Ages, and it was the site of numerous battles during the Hundred Years' War. In 1802, the Treaty of Amiens was signed between France and Great Britain, which marked a brief period of peace during the Napoleonic Wars.
Landmarks
Amiens is perhaps best known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries and features intricate stonework, stunning stained-glass windows, and a towering spire that rises to a height of 112 meters.
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the Hortillonnages
Other notable landmarks in the city include the Hortillonnages, a series of floating gardens and canals;
About The Hortillonnages
The Hortillonnages is a unique area of floating gardens located in the city of Amiens, France. It is a group of over 300 hectares of marshes and waterways that have been used for farming for over a thousand years. The area is located in the Somme River Valley and is made up of a network of small islands and canals, which were originally used for irrigation and transportation.
The Hortillonnages are a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to take boat tours through the canals and explore the gardens. The gardens are known for their diverse flora and fauna, including water lilies, irises, reeds, and various species of fish and birds.
The gardens were created in the Middle Ages by Benedictine monks, who dug canals to irrigate their crops. Over time, local farmers began to cultivate vegetables and fruits on the small islands, which were transported to the city via the canals. Today, many of the gardens are still in use and visitors can purchase fresh produce directly from the farmers.
In addition to its agricultural importance, the Hortillonnages have also played a role in the cultural and artistic history of Amiens. The gardens have been the subject of many paintings and poems, including works by the French Impressionist painter, Camille Pissarro.
Overall, the Hortillonnages is a unique and beautiful area of France that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural and cultural history.
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Jules Verne House
the Jules Verne House, a museum dedicated to the famous French author;
About The Jules Verne House
The Jules Verne House is a museum located in the city of Amiens, France, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous French writer Jules Verne. Verne was born in Nantes, France in 1828 and is best known for his adventure novels such as "Journey to the Center of the Earth," "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," and "Around the World in Eighty Days."
The Jules Verne House is located in the house where Jules Verne lived with his family from 1882 until his death in 1905. The house was restored in 1976 and opened as a museum in 1980. The museum contains a collection of personal belongings of Jules Verne, as well as manuscripts, letters, and first editions of his works.
Visitors to the museum can explore the various rooms of the house, including the living room, Verne's study, and the bedroom where he died. The museum also has a section dedicated to the scientific and technological aspects of Verne's novels, as well as an area focused on his lesser-known works.
The Jules Verne House is a popular destination for fans of the author's work, as well as those interested in French literature and history. It offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the most famous writers of the 19th century, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the cultural and historical context in which he lived and worked.
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Musée de Picardie
the Musée de Picardie, which features a wide range of art and artifacts from the region's history,
About The Musée de Picardie
The Musée de Picardie was founded in 1855 and is one of the oldest and most important museums in the country. The museum's collection includes more than 15,000 works of art and artifacts from the prehistoric era to the 20th century.
The museum's collections are organized into several sections, including archaeology, fine arts, and decorative arts. The archaeology section includes objects from the prehistoric era to the Roman period, including tools, pottery, and jewelry. The fine arts section includes paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with a focus on French and European art. The decorative arts section includes furniture, ceramics, glassware, and textiles.
One of the most famous pieces in the museum's collection is the "Guerre et Paix" (War and Peace) tapestry, which was created in the 16th century and depicts scenes from the life of Alexander the Great. The museum also has a collection of Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Sisley.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée de Picardie also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as educational and cultural events for visitors of all ages. Overall, the Musée de Picardie is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
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Perret Tower
and the Perret Tower
About The Perret Tower
The Perret Tower, also known as the Tour Perret, is a landmark skyscraper located in Amiens, France. It was designed by French architect Auguste Perret and completed in 1952 (the same architect who redesigned the city of Le Havre after WWII).
At 110 meters (360 feet) tall, the Perret Tower was one of the first high-rise buildings in France and remains one of the tallest structures in Amiens. The tower has 29 floors and a distinctive tapered shape, with a narrow base that gradually widens toward the top.
The tower was originally built to serve as a mixed-use building, with space for offices, shops, and residential apartments. Today, it primarily serves as a residential building, with more than 100 apartments.
The Perret Tower is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture and is widely admired for its clean lines, use of reinforced concrete, and innovative design. In 1998, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with 17 other buildings designed by Auguste Perret in the nearby city of Le Havre.
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Culture and Economy
Amiens is a vibrant cultural center, with a thriving arts scene that includes theaters, museums, and festivals throughout the year. The city is also home to the University of Picardy Jules Verne, which has a strong reputation in the fields of literature, history, and the sciences. In terms of the economy, Amiens is known for its thriving agriculture sector, particularly in the production of sugar beets and potatoes. The city is also home to a number of manufacturing companies, including those in the automotive, aerospace, and food processing industries.
Transportation
Amiens is well-connected to the rest of France and Europe via several major highways and railways. The city is located on the main Paris-Calais railway line, which makes it easily accessible from both the capital city and the English Channel. The city also has a local airport, although most international travelers will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and then travel to Amiens by train or car.
Conclusion
Overall, Amiens is a beautiful and historic city that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and economic heritage of northern France. With its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and thriving economy, it is a city that is well worth a visit.