We took a break from our journey today, and spent the day resting up in Amiens. After breakfast, we set off from our accommodation - and stumbled into a wall of people. The centre of town was transformed into a market - apparently a twice a year flea market that covers around 15 kilometres over 51 of the town's streets. According to the local tourist website, the market attracts around 80,000 bargain-hunters from all over Europe, and as far afield as Canada and Australia.
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| Street flea market in Amiens |
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| The weather wasn't really conducive to browsing |
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| But there were plenty of attractive objects on display |
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| And the crowds were out in force |
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| A selection of the interesting items on display at the market |
Later in the day, we set out to explore some of the sights of Amiens. We visited the Jules Verne Museum, which is located in the house where he lived for the last 20 years of his life. It is a well-set out presentation of his life and work.
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| Australian tourists visiting the Jules Verne Museum |
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| Some highlights at the Jules Verne Museum |
From the museum we wandered back to our apartment for another rest (it is a rest day after all), stopping to examine a couple of monuments, and some more flea market stalls, on the way.
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| Monument aux Morts |
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| Monument Jules Verne |
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| Monument Jules Verne |
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| The flea market was still going strong |
Our last outing for the day was a leisurely stroll around Amiens' St Leu district. This is an atmospheric area of canals and medieval houses, and one of Amiens' main tourist attractions.
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| Views of Amiens cathedral on the way to St Leu |
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| St Leu district, Amiens |
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| A sight in Amiens which is unlikely to feature in the tourist brochures. The females in our group have been bemoaning the lack of gender equality in the provision of toilet facilities. |
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| We have been taking a few photos of interesting doorways to send to a friend who likes to sketch them |
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| Jules Verne themed playground installed in 2019 |
As we ambled back to our accommodation, the flea market was packing up. We have enjoyed our day off, and are now well rested for the continuation of our walk tomorrow.
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| Unsold items waiting to be packed up and taken away |
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| And late in a day where the weather had been quite ordinary, the sun came out over Amiens cathedral |
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| Day 7 - birds (a slow bird day, although it was good to see a grey wagtail again) |
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| Day 7 - Healthy Fruit |
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| Day 7 - Healthy Fruit (with the blueberry highlighted for those who may have missed it) |
Day: 7
Distance: 0 km
Walking time: 0 hrs 0 mins
Elevation gain: 0 metres
Cumulative distance: 147.79 km
The scenery continues to impress along your journey as well as the fruit, be it so small. Can't wait for more now that you are so well rested.
ReplyDeleteYou don't think we're overdoing the fruit? Don't want to be greedy...
ReplyDelete