Amiens: A Hidden Gem in Northern France

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skyu-zay mwa / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va ?
  [koh-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous ?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais ?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prohnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé !
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours !
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en !
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police !
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin !
  [ah-puh-lay uh may-duh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte ?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il ?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay-tuhn ur]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swar]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse ?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte) ?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (surr lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus) ?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Amiens, originally known as Samarobriva, was founded during the Roman era. It served as an important settlement in the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. The city was a vital crossing point over the River Somme and became a hub for trade and military logistics.

During the medieval period, Amiens flourished as a center of commerce and culture. The construction of the Amiens Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, began in 1220 and was completed in 1270. This architectural marvel is renowned for its intricate facade and stunning stained glass windows.

Amiens played a strategic role during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The city was captured by the English in 1435 but was later recaptured by the French. In 1802, the Treaty of Amiens was signed between France and the United Kingdom, temporarily ending hostilities and bringing a brief period of peace during the Napoleonic Wars.

The 19th century saw significant industrial growth in Amiens, with the establishment of textile mills and other manufacturing industries. The city's economy diversified, leading to the construction of new infrastructure, including the railways and modern urban planning.

Amiens was a crucial location during World War I. The Battle of Amiens, fought in August 1918, was a turning point in the war, marking the beginning of the Allied offensive that ultimately led to the end of the conflict. The city's strategic railway hub made it a focal point for military operations.

After suffering extensive damage during both World Wars, Amiens underwent significant reconstruction. The city's historical landmarks were meticulously restored, and new urban developments were initiated. Today, Amiens is a vibrant cultural and economic center, blending its rich historical heritage with modern amenities.

Amiens is renowned for its 'hortillonnages,' or floating gardens, which are a unique feature of the city. These gardens, located on small islands in the marshlands, have been cultivated since medieval times. The annual Festival of Hortillonnages celebrates this tradition, highlighting the city's enduring connection to its natural landscape.

Amiens is located in northern France, about 120 kilometers north of Paris. The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. From there, you can take a direct train from Gare du Nord to Amiens, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Amiens, which takes around 2 hours via the A1 and A29 highways.

Amiens has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and a free shuttle service in the city center. The city is also very walkable, with many attractions within close proximity. Taxis are readily available, and bike rentals are a popular option for exploring the area. For regional travel, the train station in Amiens offers connections to other major cities in France.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Amiens, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit smaller establishments that may not accept cards.

Amiens is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's wise to take standard precautions. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the train station and popular tourist spots. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. The neighborhoods of Etouvie and Elbeuf can be less safe, particularly after dark, so exercise additional caution if visiting these areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local police station and several hospitals are available in Amiens. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting landmarks. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops or gym clothes in such settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Dress modestly, and avoid loud conversations inside. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses or trains. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' followed by a handshake. Don't use first names unless invited to. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'ficelle picarde' and 'macarons d'Amiens'. Don't rush your meal; dining is a leisurely activity in France.

To experience Amiens like a local, visit the weekly markets such as the Les Halles market for fresh produce and local specialties. Take a stroll along the Saint-Leu district, known for its charming canals and colorful houses. Don't miss the chance to visit the Maison de Jules Verne, the famous author's former home. For a tranquil experience, take a boat ride through the Hortillonnages, floating gardens unique to Amiens.