L'Homme sur sa bouée, Amiens Travel Guide

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Discover Amiens' iconic floating sculpture, L'Homme sur sa bouée, a modern artwork symbolizing hope and resilience in the heart of the historic Saint-Leu district.

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L'Homme sur sa bouée

L'Homme sur sa bouée ('The Man on His Buoy') is a contemporary sculpture in Amiens, France, created by German artist Stephan Balkenhol. Positioned in the Somme River, the sculpture depicts a man standing on a buoy, becoming a symbol of the city's connection to its waterways and artistic heritage.

A brief summary to L'Homme sur sa bouée

Amiens, 80000, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring L'Homme sur sa bouée.

Visit the sculpture during different times of the day to experience how the light reflects off the water and the stainless steel, creating varying visual effects.
Explore the surrounding Saint-Leu district, known for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and numerous cafes and restaurants.
Check out the other two sculptures that form the triptych, located on the buildings around Place du Don, to understand the complete artwork.

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Explore L'Homme sur sa bouée on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the Amiens train station (Gare d'Amiens), walk north along Rue de Noyon, then turn left onto Boulevard Alsace Lorraine. Continue straight, crossing the Somme river. Turn right onto Quai Bélu. L'Homme sur sa bouée will be visible in the river on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From the Gare d'Amiens, take any of the Ametis bus lines that stop near the city center. A single ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for one hour. Get off at a stop near Quai Bélu and walk towards the river. L'Homme sur sa bouée will be visible in the river.
Driving

From the A16 or A29 motorway, follow signs to Amiens city center. Parking is available at several locations, including Parking Saint Leu (20 Rue des Huchers) and Parking Les Halles (22 Rue du Général Leclerc). Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour. From the parking area, walk towards the Saint-Leu district and Quai Bélu. L'Homme sur sa bouée will be visible in the river. Note that parking spaces may be limited.

Discover more about L'Homme sur sa bouée

L'Homme sur sa bouée, created in 1993 by Stephan Balkenhol, is part of a triptych of sculptures, with the other two figures, a man in a red shirt and a woman in a green dress, located on buildings in Place du Don. The sculpture has become a beloved part of Amiens' visual identity. The original oak sculpture weathered in the river for years, but after sustaining damage, it was replaced with a stainless steel version in 2019 to ensure its longevity.The sculpture is located in the Saint-Leu district, known for its charming canals and vibrant atmosphere. Locals have affectionately given the three figures the nicknames “the husband, the wife, and the lover,” adding a layer of narrative to the artwork. Students in Amiens are known to playfully dress the statue in various outfits. L'Homme sur sa bouée is more than just a sculpture; it's a symbol of Amiens' connection to its waterways, its artistic heritage, and its vibrant community.