Amiens Cathedral detailed artwork by Auguste Lepère, 1907

Notre Dame D'Amiens

Notre-Dame d’Amiens: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Amiens

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Notre-Dame d’Amiens, the largest Gothic cathedral in France, is a masterwork of medieval architecture and a living symbol of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Since its construction began in 1220, the cathedral has amazed visitors with its soaring nave, intricate sculptures, and luminous stained glass. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Notre-Dame d’Amiens is both an active place of worship and a major destination for travelers seeking to experience history, art, and faith in the heart of northern France. This comprehensive guide details the cathedral’s history, architectural highlights, visitor information, and essential travel tips to help you make the most of your visit (French Moments; Somme Tourisme; Amiens Tourisme).

Sketch of iron bars reinforcing pillars in Amiens Cathedral made by architect Pierre Tarisel around 1500

Amiens Cathedral in France, detailed view of its Gothic architecture

Cathedral of Amiens in France with sculpted statues of six apostles

Signs of the Zodiac stained glass window in Cathedral Amiens, France

The portal of Amiens Cathedral as seen from Le Circuit de la Somme in 1913

Early Religious Foundations and Site Evolution
Vision and Construction (1220–1288)
Architectural Innovations and Grandeur
Later Additions and Enhancements
Surviving Revolution and Wars
UNESCO World Heritage Status
Notable Events and Cultural Legacy
Visiting Notre-Dame d’Amiens
Nearby Attractions in Amiens
Visuals and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Summary

Early Religious Foundations and Site Evolution

The site of Notre-Dame d’Amiens has been sacred since the late 3rd century, serving as a center for Christian worship for centuries. Successive churches stood here, including a Romanesque church in the 12th century. Rapid urban growth in Amiens led to expanded city walls and the need for a larger, more magnificent cathedral to reflect the city’s prosperity and faith. The new Gothic cathedral would eventually stretch 145 meters in length, with a transept 70 meters wide (French Moments).

Vision and Construction (1220–1288)

Bishop Evrard de Fouilloy, inspired by the devastation of previous fires, commissioned the architect Robert de Luzarches in 1220 to design a cathedral that would surpass all others. This vision was both spiritual and educational—the abundance of sculpted biblical scenes on the façade was intended to serve as a “Bible in stone” for an illiterate population (French Moments). Construction began with the nave, and the project was completed in a remarkably short span of 68 years, resulting in rare architectural unity. The cathedral’s spire, initially completed in the late 13th century, was rebuilt in 1528 after a fire, reaching 112.7 meters (French Moments).

Architectural Innovations and Grandeur

Notre-Dame d’Amiens is a paragon of Gothic engineering. The cathedral covers 7,700 m² and boasts a volume of 200,000 m³, twice that of Notre-Dame de Paris (Somme Tourisme). Its nave rises an astonishing 42.3 meters, the tallest of any complete nave in France. Flying buttresses and ribbed vaults enabled the building’s extraordinary height and light-filled interior. The western façade, with its lace-like stonework and over 700 sculpted figures, is hailed as one of the finest in Europe (Somme Tourisme).

A key innovation was the installation in 1498 of an iron wall tie by master-builder Pierre Tarisel to stabilize the cathedral’s pillars—a reinforcement that still secures the structure (French Moments). The cathedral’s organization follows a Latin cross plan with a tripartite elevation: grand arcades, a triforium, and a clerestory filled with stained glass (Smarthistory).

Later Additions and Enhancements

After the main structure’s completion, significant embellishments continued. Between 1290 and 1375, eleven chapels were added along the nave. The south and north towers were finished in 1366 and 1402, respectively, with elaborate buttresses to support the latter. The 16th-century choir stalls, with over 3,500 intricately carved figures, represent the largest collection of Gothic woodcarving in France (FranceRent). The unique octagonal labyrinth, created in 1288, honored the bishop and three master builders and served as a symbolic pilgrimage route (Somme Tourisme).

Surviving Revolution and Wars

Notre-Dame d’Amiens has endured turbulent times. During the French Revolution, it suffered only minor damage, losing a few royal symbols and statues. In World War I, the intervention of Pope Benedict XV spared the cathedral from destruction by German artillery. During World War II, despite heavy bombings in Amiens, the cathedral remained miraculously unharmed (French Moments).

UNESCO World Heritage Status

In 1981, the cathedral was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding Gothic architecture, remarkable stained glass, and its influential sculptural programs, which served as models for later cathedrals (World Heritage Sites).

Notable Events and Cultural Legacy

Notre-Dame d’Amiens has hosted major events, such as the royal marriages of Charles VI and King Philip II, and the baptism of Saint Martin. Its sculpted façade, often referred to as “The Bible of Amiens,” continues to inspire both visitors and scholars (mad-traveller.com). Since 1999, the cathedral’s summer and Christmas “Chroma” light and sound show has illuminated its façade, reviving its original vibrant colors and attracting audiences from around the world (Amiens Tourisme).

Visiting Notre-Dame d’Amiens

Visiting Hours

General Schedule: Open daily. Summer hours (April–September) are typically 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM; winter (October–March) hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours may vary on religious holidays or for special events (Amiens Tourisme).

Tickets and Admission

Entry: Free for all visitors to the main nave and choir.
Special Access: Tickets are required for guided tours, tower climbs, and some exhibitions. Typical prices range from €5 to €15. Tower climbs are subject to weather and safety restrictions.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: The main entrance and most public areas are wheelchair accessible. Assistance can be arranged via the Amiens Tourist Office.
Facilities: Accessible restrooms are available nearby.

Guided Tours and Visitor Tips

Tours: Guided tours (in French and English) and audio guides are available for a small fee. Thematic tours focus on the choir stalls, stained glass, or the cathedral’s significance in pilgrimage. Booking ahead is recommended during busy periods (Travelfrancebucketlist).
Best Times: Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter. Evenings during the Chroma light show offer a magical experience.
Photography: Allowed without flash; tripods require permission.
Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended, especially during services.
Respect: Maintain silence in prayer areas and during religious ceremonies.

Exploring the Interior: Highlights

Nave: Soaring 42.3 meters, flooded with colored light from original and restored stained glass.
Choir Stalls: Over 3,500 carved figures depict biblical stories and medieval life (FranceRent).
Relics: The reputed head of John the Baptist is housed in the treasury (whizzed.net).
Labyrinth: The 234-meter labyrinth offers a unique pilgrimage experience (Somme Tourisme).
Sculptural Program: Hundreds of statues narrate biblical stories and the lives of saints, both inside and outside the cathedral.

Chroma Light and Sound Show

Schedule: Runs every summer (mid-July to late September) and during December’s Christmas market.
Experience: A free, nightly projection event that recreates the cathedral’s original polychrome façade and tells the story of its construction and Amiens’ history (Amiens Tourisme; Agenda Culturel).
Tips: Arrive early for the best view. The event is popular and family-friendly.

Tower Climb: Panoramic Views

Climb approximately 150 steps for panoramic views of Amiens and the Somme River (France.fr). Tower access is subject to ticketing and not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Nearby Attractions in Amiens

Saint-Leu District: Medieval quarter with canals, art galleries, and cafés (Travelfrancebucketlist).
Musée de Picardie: Archaeological and fine arts collections (Amiens Tourisme).
Hortillonnages: Floating gardens accessible by boat or foot.
Belfry of Amiens: Another UNESCO World Heritage site (Tourist Places Guide).
Maison de Jules Verne: Museum dedicated to the famous author.

Dining and Accommodation

Amiens offers a range of dining options around the cathedral, from casual cafés to local specialty restaurants, and hotels including Mercure Amiens Cathédrale (Amiens Tourisme).

Visuals and Media

Images: High-quality images of the façade, interior, choir stalls, labyrinth, and panoramic city views are available online.
Alt Text for SEO: Use phrases such as “Notre-Dame d’Amiens visiting hours,” “Amiens historical sites,” and “Notre-Dame d’Amiens tickets.”
Virtual Tours: Accessible through the official tourism website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the cathedral’s opening hours?
A: Usually 8:30 AM–7:00 PM in summer and 9:00 AM–6:00 PM in winter. Verify with the official website before your visit.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: General admission is free. Tower climbs and guided tours require tickets.

Q: Is Notre-Dame d’Amiens accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Most public areas are accessible. Assistance is available on request.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is permitted. For professional shoots, obtain permission.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in several languages, and thematically focused tours are offered.

Q: How do I get to the cathedral?
A: Notre-Dame d’Amiens is a 15-minute walk from the train station, with nearby parking and public transport links.

Conclusion and Summary

Notre-Dame d’Amiens is a monumental achievement of Gothic architecture and a living center of worship, culture, and community. Its vast nave, rich sculptural decoration, and vibrant stained glass offer a profound encounter with medieval art and faith. Surviving centuries of change and conflict, the cathedral remains the heart of Amiens and a beacon for visitors from around the world. With free general admission, accessible facilities, and a host of nearby attractions, it is an essential destination for any traveler to northern France. For enhanced experiences, download the Audiala app, check the latest updates via official tourism resources, and explore further articles on Amiens’ historical sites.