The Solo Scale:

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In the north of France, the town of Amiens is home to one of the most unique and fascinating sights. With their cathedral and an array of lights, the town has been able to recreate the colours on the statues. Each night, they put together a show that seeks to mimic the way that people would receive information centuries ago — sitting outside the cathedral, hearing stories that they weren’t able (at the time) to read.

During a WWI tour, the mood is somber. You spend your days visiting gravestones for boys who never made it to adulthood and stand on blood-soaked ground. It’s a harrowing experience, even for those who enjoy history.

Arriving in Amiens was a bright spot in this. During the day, we’d soak up history, but in the town, the cathedral was poised to wash you in history of a much brighter kind — literally.

During the day, the cathedral is like any other. It’s grand, looms over the town, and offers a fantastic visit for those inclined to do a tour for architectural or religious reasons. At night, however, is when the show truly begins. The white facade fades away in the dark. Then, it becomes illuminated with brilliant colours, painting the statues in hues and tones you might not expect of the church.

This is how it was centuries ago, when the population couldn’t read. Instead, they would come to the church for their entertainment. Here, the saints came to life in stories from the church. The show is Chroma and it lights up the cathedral every night from July to September, along with during the Christmas Market.

The show is in French, but even if you don’t understand the narrative, you’ll be swept up in the colours. Not to mention the way the show highlights specific portions on the facade of the cathedral as it progresses. Most people sit on some steps at a distance, but it’s an incredible view up close, where you can’t even see the lights projecting on the facade. Even from a few feet away, it genuinely seems painted on.

I was in Amiens for only two nights, but I made sure to be at the cathedral every night. The show is awe-inspiring and left me with goosebumps. To this day, it remains the absolute highlight of my trip to the North of France. It’s an incredible use of technology to transport you back to the past. It’s even more amazing to live through the entertainment that people would sit and watch, so long ago.

Headed to Amiens in the summer months? Check out the town’s website for details to avoid missing out!