Camon Twisted Spire Church
A colossal 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, renowned for its soaring nave and thousands of intricate facade sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Camon Twisted Spire Church
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, renowned for its soaring nave and thousands of intricate facade sculptures.
"Amiens Cathedral is even bigger than Paris's, way less crowded, and the facade detail is insane!"
🎯 Take Your Time Outside
Don't rush! Explore the exterior for hidden carvings and details you might otherwise miss. :camerawithflash:
✨ Catch the Evening Light Show
Summer evenings offer a free, magical light show on the facade. Check local listings for times. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Facade Carvings
Exterior
Marvel at the thousands of detailed sculptures depicting biblical scenes and daily life.
Soaring Nave Height
Interior
Experience the awe-inspiring scale of the nave, one of the tallest in Gothic architecture.
Medieval Sculptural Detail
Interior and Exterior
Discover a wealth of symbolic sculptures and tableaux that tell stories of faith and medieval life.
Summer Facade Light Show
Exterior
Witness the cathedral's facade illuminated with vibrant colors and projections each summer evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
Summer Evenings Offer a Magical Spectacle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take Your Time Outside
Don't rush! Explore the exterior for hidden carvings and details you might otherwise miss. :camerawithflash:
✨ Catch the Evening Light Show
Summer evenings offer a free, magical light show on the facade. Check local listings for times. :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Free Entry & Cool Interior
Admission is free! Enjoy the cool interior on a hot day and soak in the holiness. :moneywithwings:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The cathedral is accessible with ramps and smooth paths, making it welcoming for all visitors. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take Your Time Outside
Don't rush! Explore the exterior for hidden carvings and details you might otherwise miss. :camerawithflash:
✨ Catch the Evening Light Show
Summer evenings offer a free, magical light show on the facade. Check local listings for times. :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Free Entry & Cool Interior
Admission is free! Enjoy the cool interior on a hot day and soak in the holiness. :moneywithwings:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The cathedral is accessible with ramps and smooth paths, making it welcoming for all visitors. :wheelchair:
🖼️ Admire Medieval Artistry
The detailed tableaux offer a glimpse into medieval life and church history. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Amiens Cathedral for its immense scale, breathtaking Gothic architecture, and the astonishing detail of its medieval carvings. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere inside and the magical summer light show as unforgettable experiences. While some note the vastness can be overwhelming, the free entry and accessibility make it a highly recommended destination for all.
"I have a thing for Cathedrals, and this one was exceptional. Bigger than the one in Paris it’s filled with stunning details. Free light show on the facade every evening in the summer. We visited on a Friday afternoon and it was very quiet. We were driving past Amiens and I’m very glad we stopped!"
Lizzie George (Lizzie.Eats.Explores)
"If you're anywhere near Amiens, don't miss this cathedral — it's absolutely worth the detour. Notre-Dame d’Amiens is even bigger than the one in Paris, and way less crowded. The detail on the facade is insane, and inside it feels massive and peaceful at the same time. In the summer, I’d recommend going late afternoon so you can catch the light show in the evening — it's honestly magical how they bring the front of the cathedral to life with color. Tip: take your time walking around the outside too — there are lots of little carvings and details you might miss!"
Emilia Stammler
"Huge cathedral, at least in my experience, as I am not really a cathedral expert.... One can choose which Saint to honour of to pray to or burn a candle for. Extremely detailed tableaux with more or less medieval daily life and church life images. The whole building is so full of symbols and sculptures that it is impossible to grasp. The large organ was under restoration, but also that is huge. Worth a visit, it is for free and nice cool inside on top of all those holiness."
Christy Duijvelaar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amiens Cathedral, officially Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens, is centrally located in Amiens, France. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center. If arriving by train, the Amiens train station is a short walk or bus ride away. Many visitors find it convenient to park in nearby public parking garages. +1
Yes, there are several public parking garages within walking distance of Amiens Cathedral. Some popular options include Parking Cathédrale and Parking Hôtel de Ville. It's advisable to check parking availability and rates in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Absolutely! Amiens is well-connected by train to Paris and other major cities, making it an excellent destination for a day trip. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the cathedral and the charming city center before heading back.
Amiens is a very walkable city, especially the area around the cathedral. Consider exploring on foot to discover its hidden gems. For longer distances, local buses are available.
Yes, Amiens Cathedral is a dominant landmark and is very easy to find in the heart of the city. Its impressive spires are visible from many vantage points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Amiens Cathedral is completely free! This allows everyone to experience its magnificent Gothic architecture and historical significance without any admission fee.
The cathedral is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
No, tickets are not required for general entry as the cathedral is free to visit. However, for special events or guided tours, advance booking might be necessary.
Guided tours are often available and can provide deeper insights into the cathedral's history, architecture, and art. Inquire at the tourist office or the cathedral itself for tour schedules and booking information.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's advisable to dress respectfully when visiting any religious site. Modest attire is generally appreciated.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, don't miss the incredibly tall nave, the detailed choir stalls, and the beautiful stained-glass windows. The sheer scale and artistry are breathtaking. +1
The facade is adorned with thousands of sculptures, forming a 'stone bible' that illustrates biblical narratives, lives of saints, and scenes of medieval life. +1
Yes, Amiens Cathedral is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and smooth pathways throughout the main areas, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Photography is generally permitted inside Amiens Cathedral for personal use, but flash photography is usually discouraged to protect the artwork and maintain a respectful atmosphere.
During summer evenings, the cathedral's facade is illuminated with a spectacular light and sound show that brings its sculptures to life with color and animation. It's a highly recommended experience.
📸 📸 Photography
For exterior shots, try the main square in front of the facade and from across the river Somme for a panoramic view. Inside, focus on the nave's height and the intricate details of the choir and chapels. +1
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside. However, avoid using flash as it can damage the delicate artworks and disturb other visitors.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful warm light on the facade. For the light show, evening is obviously the time to capture its magic.
Drone photography is typically not permitted in the vicinity of historical monuments like Amiens Cathedral due to safety and preservation regulations. Always check local drone laws before flying.
A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vastness of the interior and the full facade. A tripod can be helpful for low-light interior shots, but be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main areas are accessible, keep in mind that exploring every nook and cranny might be challenging with very young children. The summer light show is a definite highlight that can mesmerize kids of all ages, turning the cathedral into a magical storybook.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many of the city's other attractions are also within walking distance, making Amiens an affordable destination. The free summer light show is an added bonus that provides incredible entertainment without any cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale and detail. Don't forget to capture the intricate sculptures on the facade and the stained-glass windows inside. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid flash photography indoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Gothic Grandeur
The sheer scale of the cathedral is often compared to Notre-Dame de Paris, with some visitors noting Amiens is even larger. This immensity contributes to a profound sense of peace and wonder. The intricate details, from the delicate tracery in the windows to the complex vaulting of the ceiling, showcase the incredible skill of medieval masons.
Beyond its structural achievements, Amiens Cathedral is renowned for its sculptural program. The west facade, in particular, is a masterpiece of medieval art, featuring over 7,000 figures that form a comprehensive visual narrative of Christian theology and daily life in the 13th century. This 'stone bible' is a testament to the didactic purpose of Gothic cathedrals, educating and inspiring the faithful through art.
Experiencing the Summer Light Show
Visitors are advised to arrive a bit early to secure a good viewing spot in the square in front of the cathedral. The best time to experience this is typically after dusk, when the darkness allows the projections to be most vivid. It's a popular event, so while entry to the cathedral itself is free, the surrounding area can become quite busy.
This light show is a modern marvel that complements the historical grandeur of the cathedral, offering a unique perspective on its artistry and narrative. It's a highlight for many visitors and a testament to how technology can enhance the appreciation of historical sites.
A Journey Through Medieval Art and Symbolism
The stained-glass windows, though some are later additions, contribute significantly to the cathedral's atmosphere, bathing the interior in colored light. Each window tells a story, and collectively, they form a visual narrative that complements the sculptural program on the facade. The sheer volume of symbolic imagery can be overwhelming, inviting visitors to look closer and discover new meanings with each visit.
For those interested in history and art, Amiens Cathedral offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the medieval world. The detailed tableaux and sculptures provide insights into the beliefs, daily lives, and artistic conventions of the era, making it a living monument to the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit