Amiens

Amiens is a major city and commune in northern France.

It serves as the capital of the Somme department within the Hauts-de-France region. The city sits in the Paris Basin, a large geographic area in France. It holds a privileged position because it is near many major European cities. You can find it north of Paris and southwest of Lille. It is also northeast of Rouen and northwest of Reims. With 136,449 inhabitants as of 2023, it is a significant urban center. The city is a vital crossroads for European travel via major roads and rail lines.

The geography of Amiens is defined by its relationship with water.

The River Somme flows through the heart of the city. The city developed in a natural narrowing of this river. This narrowing occurred due to the advance of the Picard plateau rim at Saint-Pierre. In the Middle Ages, a network of narrow canals was built here. These canals supported textile mills and helped the local economy. The river and its tributaries, like the Avre and the Selle, shaped the landscape. Today, the Saint-Leu and Saint-Maurice neighborhoods border the River Somme.

Some old canals are now used as pleasure gardens accessible by boat.

The climate in Amiens is classified as a typical oceanic climate. This means the weather is relatively mild in the winter. The summers tend to be cool rather than hot. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the entire year.

This steady weather pattern is common for the northern parts of France. The hydrographic network remains a major asset for the city's identity. The Somme can experience exceptional floods that last for several weeks. One such event occurred in the spring of 2001.

Amiens has a very long and complex history. The first known settlement was called Samarobriva, meaning "Somme bridge." This was the central home of the Ambiani tribe in Gaul. The Romans later renamed the town Ambianum. After the 5th century, Amiens became part of Francia. The city faced many challenges, including sacks by the Normans in 859 and 882. In 1597, Spanish soldiers held the city during a six-month siege. Eventually, Henry IV regained control of the area.

Modern history brought significant changes and destruction to the city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Amiens became famous for its textile industry. Specifically, the city was known for producing velours, a type of velvet. The Industrial Revolution led to the demolition of the city walls. This allowed for the creation of large boulevards and the Henriville neighborhood. The 20th century was much harder due to two World Wars. The 1918 Battle of Amiens was a key part of the Hundred Days Offensive. This battle helped lead to the Armistice with Germany.

During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force heavily bombed the town. British forces finally liberated the city on 31 August 1944.

Following the destruction of the wars, the city underwent a major reconstruction. Pierre Dufau created the plans for the rebuilt city. He focused on widening the streets to reduce traffic congestion. Most of these newer structures were built using brick, concrete, and white stone. They often feature slate roofs.

The famous architect Auguste Perret also left his mark. He designed the Gare d'Amiens train station and the nearby Tour Perret. These architectural works contribute to the city's cultural heritage.

Today, Amiens is a major center for tourism and services. It is home to the Amiens Cathedral, which is the largest Gothic cathedral in France. The city also hosts a large university hospital with 1,200 beds. There are many historic sites, including 60 listed monuments. The city is also known for its local food. Visitors might try "macarons d'Amiens," which are almond paste biscuits. They also produce "tuiles amienoises," which are chocolate and orange biscuits. In December, the town hosts the largest Christmas market in northern France.