Enchanting Canals and Medieval Charm: Saint-Leu in Amiens

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ex-kew-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byahn. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd 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 mahng 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-kour]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-day-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 zah-shay...]
• 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-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl er ay-til]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• 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
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

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

Saint-Leu is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amiens, with its origins tracing back to the Roman era. The area was initially a settlement along the banks of the River Somme, which was vital for trade and transportation. The name 'Saint-Leu' is derived from 'Leu,' an ancient word for 'wolf,' indicating the area's early connections to local wildlife and folklore.

During the 19th century, Saint-Leu became known for its textile industry, particularly in the production of wool. The presence of the river facilitated the establishment of numerous mills and factories. This industrial boom attracted a significant workforce, leading to a demographic shift and the development of working-class communities within the neighborhood.

Saint-Leu is characterized by its picturesque canals and historic buildings, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The neighborhood's architecture reflects the rich history of Amiens, with charming facades and narrow streets that transport visitors back in time. Notable structures include the former textile factories, which have been repurposed into residential and commercial spaces, preserving the historical essence of the area.

Throughout its history, Saint-Leu has been a melting pot of cultures, influenced by various waves of immigration. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhood's culinary scene, offering a mix of traditional French cuisine and international flavors. Local markets and eateries celebrate the area's cultural heritage, making it a vibrant spot for both residents and visitors.

In recent years, Saint-Leu has undergone significant revitalization efforts, transforming it into a trendy destination for art and culture. The neighborhood hosts various cultural events and festivals that highlight its historical significance and contemporary creativity. Local artists and artisans have established workshops and galleries, contributing to a thriving creative community that draws tourists from across the region.

Saint-Leu is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Amiens. From the Amiens train station, you can take a short walk or a taxi to reach Saint-Leu. The area is well connected by public transport, including buses that frequently run to and from the city center. If you are coming from nearby towns, regional trains also connect to Amiens, and you can switch to local transport to Saint-Leu.

Saint-Leu is a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Public buses run regularly throughout the area, providing access to other parts of Amiens. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle from local shops or using the city's bike-sharing program. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for quicker transport.

Saint-Leu is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on personal belongings, particularly in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it’s advisable to stay vigilant, especially around busy tourist spots.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in France. Local hospitals and clinics are present in Amiens, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Pharmacies are available throughout Saint-Leu for minor health issues, and many staff members speak English.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Don't wear overly casual or beach attire while dining in local restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in places of worship. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't use your phone loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour'. Don't forget to say 'Merci' when receiving help. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, particularly the famous picardies. Don't forget to ask for recommendations from locals.

To experience Saint-Leu like a local, visit the picturesque canals and take time to enjoy a coffee at one of the many quaint cafés along the waterfront. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers, as they love sharing stories about their crafts. Don't miss the local markets for fresh produce and traditional foods. For a unique perspective, explore the neighbourhood's street art and vibrant murals that reflect its cultural heritage.