Here is the largest cathedral in France
The ancient capital of Picardy (pop.160 000.), known primarily for the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. During the Second World War,Amiens was, for the post part, destroyed as the result of the battle of the Somme. As a consequence, the cityscape is modern, north of the cathedral. By contrast, the area around the canals is most idyllic. The cathedral, whose construction started in 1220, is 145 m in length, reaching a summit of 42.3 m high , with a total area of some 7700 m², the largest cathedral in France. With its overwhelming richness of ornamental detail, it is the classic prototype of a Gothic cathedral, the Cologne cathedral serving as its model. The Musée de Picardie, open daily (except Mon 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm ), houses rich archaeological and historical collections of art, and a beautiful art gallery of the French school. Also quite charming are Les Hortillonages, the special gardens: Small channels of water 55 km long divide this collection of vegetable gardens. View it by barge (see the tourist information office), on Saturday mornings and see the Quai Parmentier market. Traveling by boat, the canals and vegetable gardens of Les Hortillonages, and the Quartier St-Leu, are clearly the most beautiful district of Amiens. The banks on each side of the Somme, lined with handsome houses,cafes, boutiques and restaurants, should definitely be seen after a nice stroll through the cathedral. Not to be missed is the restaurant Les Marissons, notable for its charming setting, adjacent to the Pont de la Dodané, tel 03 22 92 96 66, closed Sat noon, Sun., € - € €. This 15th century building is located in a former boat yard, with a garden. Good accommodations include the Hôtel de Normandie, 27 bedrooms, 1 bis, rue Lamartine, tel 03 22 91 74 99, fax 03 22 92 06 56, http://www.hotelnormandie.com, €.
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