I first visited Amiens and in particular, its cathedral, when filming with Jonathan Meades for a series of films called Magnetic North – an epic journey from northern France to Finland. It was all about ‘northerness’ – the food, the art, the culture. I always wanted to return to the city.
Amiens Cathedral is one of the great examples of medieval gothic. It’s the largest cathedral in France and because it was built almost entirely between 1220 and 1270 it has an unusual unity of style. Most cathedrals were built over the course of centuries and are stylistic mash ups.
Its windows are enormous giving the interior a beautiful soft light. And as an extra bonus the cathedral boasts having the head of St John The Baptist!
Francis Hanly Photos 