AMIENS, the historical and cultural heart of northern France

2026-03-02 11:57:00, Blog CNA

Amiens is a historic city with a strong cultural heritage, especially its cathedral and its connection to Jules Verne , (in Albania we know it as Jzyl Vern), a regional center with a mixed economy (services, education, industry and tourism) and a municipal population of around 130–140 thousand inhabitants, with a much larger metropolitan area.

Amiens Cathedral

The city combines tradition and modernization projects for sustainable development . Amiens is a French city to visit to meet historical and cultural values, why not also to taste the traditions and cuisine of an area of ??France that has been revealed to the world by its historical and religious treasures, such as the case of the relics of Saint John the Baptist and further the unique words and works of Jules Verne written almost two centuries ago.

AMIENS, the historical and cultural heart of northern France

Amiens is a city in northern France, about 120 km northwest of Paris, capital of the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region, the city is located at the confluence of the Somme River and several of its tributaries.

A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT AMIENS

The area has been inhabited since Gallo-Roman times, the city's name being derived from the Celtic tribe Ambiani who lived in the area. The city developed along ancient trade routes and became a local centre during the Middle Ages. Amiens grew as a religious and commercial centre.

In the city center is the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens (Gothic cathedral) built mainly in the 13th century and is one of the largest and best-maintained in France.

AMIENS, the historical and cultural heart of northern France

In Notre-Dame de Amiens, the head of Saint John the Baptist is also missing after the second discovery, this cathedral is included in the list of monuments protected as world heritage by UNESCO.

The city of Amiens suffered devastation during World War II and played a strategic role during World War I (near the Battle of the Somme). After the wars, it was gradually rebuilt and industrialized.

CONNECTION WITH JULES VERNE

Amiens is also closely associated with the great writer Jules Verne, who lived and died there and whose house is now a museum. His full name is Jules Gabriel Verne, who lived from 1828 to 1905, he was born in Nantes, but spent most of his life in Amiens.

The great writer Jules Verne

French writer Verne is the founder of the science fiction/adventure novel genre. He used his rich imagination and technical knowledge to make technological discoveries and inventions. Verne influenced science fiction literature, inspiring scientists and inventors. Many of his ideas were later realized (submarines, space flights, intercontinental travel).

POPULATION AND ADMINISTRATION

The municipality of Amiens currently has a population of 130,000–140,000, while the region has a population of 300,000–350,000. Administratively, it is a regional center with public services, hospitals, universities, and cultural institutions. The city is of great historical and tourist importance, with the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens and the writer Jules Verne.

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens

ECONOMY

The main industries were once textiles, food and processing. The economy is now more diversified, with public and administrative services (as the regional capital). Today, several processing, electronics and automotive industries function as the economic engine of the region. Amiens is home to several industrial and logistics zones, which benefit from its strategic position near France's national roads and railways, as a connecting hub with Germany or Belgium.

AMIENS, the historical and cultural heart of northern France

TOURISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Tourism in Amiens attracts more and more visitors for the cathedral, horticulture (island gardens in the rivers), the Jules Verne museum, and the cultural activities that Amiens has to offer.

Jules Verne Museum

The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens is a major monument, a magnificent work of Gothic architecture.

Les Hortillonnages is a unique neighborhood with canals and wet gardens, where visitors can take small boat rides. The Maison de Jules Verne (house-museum), the great French writer, is not only a testament to the city's connection with the writer, but a unique cultural identity.

Les Hortillonnages

Several museums and art galleries, local theaters and festivals keep Amiens culturally vibrant. Amiens is a city that maintains its cultural vitality through museums, art galleries, theaters and various festivals throughout the year.

Important museums such as the Musée de Picardie and the Jules Verne house-museum offer collections of art, history and literature, while contemporary galleries such as PATRICK POULAIN and FRAC exhibit modern creativity.

Museum of Picardy

The city's theater scene, including the Comédie de Picardie and the Zénith d'Amiens, offers classical plays, concerts, and various performances, while the Maison de la Culture (House of Culture) organizes musical and theatrical events.

Comedy of Picardy

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT

The city of Amiens is at the center of several national roads in France, but also international, with the motorway to Paris and the north of the country. The railway line connects Amiens with other cities in France and Europe.

AMIENS, the historical and cultural heart of northern France

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Amiens has recently been making efforts for sustainable economic development, reactivation of urban centers, housing renovation, and development of infrastructure projects.

AMIENS, the historical and cultural heart of northern France