Light fantastic

Throughout December, at 7pm in front of the cathedral, the city of Amiens presents a rather spectacular son et lumière (sound and light show) projected onto the front facade of the cathedral. The show lasts for around 50 minutes, and is free to watch. But wrap up warm!

It starts with drapery being projected onto the whole facade of the cathedral, which gives it the appearance of a theatre. They then start to highlight the statues and carvings, bringing each of them to life in turn, the projection making them look as if they were moving. The circular centrepiece then turns into a mechanical sphere and starts to rotate. They then introduce vivid colours and it becomes an exciting, moving, graphical experience. All the time the music helps set the mood and pace of the show.

Finally they end with a kaleidoscope of colour and tricksy little illusions, a superb show against a spectacular building.