Located in northern France's Picardy region, this textile-producing city sits along the Somme river. Its hilltop center includes the Gothic basilica and a historic town hall built in 1509.
In northern France, Saint-Quentin's streets showcase both 1920s Art Deco buildings and medieval Gothic architecture. Walk past the grand Basilica with its 13th-century facade, or admire the 173 decorative statues on the 16th-century Town Hall. Stop at the Musée Antoine Lécuyer to see rare 18th-century pastel portraits, or spot local wildlife at the Parc d'Isle nature reserve.
Getting to Saint-Quentin
Trains run from Paris to Saint-Quentin's central station, taking 1.5 hours. You can drive to the city via the A26 motorway from Reims or Calais, or take the A29 from Amiens. Local buses connect the city center with surrounding neighborhoods and nearby towns.
Art Deco Architecture
After World War I, the 1920s reconstruction left Saint-Quentin with remarkable Art Deco buildings. Look for the geometric patterns and stylized flowers on the former Post Office building. As you walk through the city center, you'll spot Art Deco elements in residential buildings - from ornate doorways to decorated window frames. The Conservatoire de Musique stands out with its intricate ironwork and distinctive window patterns.
Gothic Monuments
The 13th to 15th-century Basilica of Saint-Quentin rises above the city, larger than Paris's Notre-Dame. Inside, you'll find medieval stained glass windows alongside Art Deco designs from the 1920s. The 1509 Town Hall exemplifies Flamboyant Gothic style with its 173 statues depicting medieval daily life. Listen for the 37 bells in its tower, which ring throughout the day.
Museums and Culture
At the Musée Antoine Lécuyer, you can see 100 pastel portraits by Maurice Quentin de La Tour, including his famous works of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour. The Butterflies' Museum displays 20,000 insects from its collection of 600,000 specimens. The 1844 municipal theatre Jean-Vilar hosts plays, concerts, and dance performances throughout the year.
Local Food and Markets
Visit the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to browse local produce at the city market. Try ficelle picarde, the regional specialty - a crêpe filled with ham, cheese, and mushroom sauce. The main square has several cafés and restaurants serving traditional French dishes.
Natural Spaces
Walk or cycle along the trails in Parc d'Isle, which follows the Somme River and the Canal de Saint-Quentin. Watch for local birds and wildlife in the park's nature reserve. You'll find several smaller gardens throughout the city where you can take a break from sightseeing.
