Art Deco in Amiens

To your left is the Passage du Logis du Roi, we’ll take it in a moment to reach the next point of interest, but before that, take a look at the building slightly ahead on your right, at number 32. Feel free to move closer to see the façade at the corner of the next street. This building is called “Les Grands Garages de Picardie,” and it was built in 1929 as a car repair center. Its distinctive feature is its Art Deco architecture. This artistic style, found in many cities around the world, emerged in the 1910s and became extremely popular in the 1920s. When Art Deco first appeared, it contrasted sharply with Art Nouveau, an earlier style characterized by flowing curves, floral patterns, and ornate details. Art Deco, on the other hand, returned to classical forms—more geometric, symmetrical, and understated. This building is a great example of Art Deco architecture in Amiens. You’ll notice numerous examples of this style as you walk through the city. Indeed Amiens underwent extensive rebuilding after World War I when Art Deco was highly fashionable. Now, let’s continue our walk to the left.”